Avalanche Devours Austrian Ski Paradise as Rescue Teams Race Against Time
A major search operation is underway at one of Austria's largest ski resorts today after multiple skiers were swept away in a huge avalanche. The avalanche struck at around 9.30am this morning in open terrain near the Daunscharte pass, an area outside the marked pistes, on the Stubai Glacier, according to officials. Terrifying video showed skiers desperately trying to outrun the avalanche as it thundered down the glacier.
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Off-Piste Avalanche Hits Near Daunscharte Pass on Stubai Glacier
Several skiers were on this off-piste area, which police have said triggered the avalanche. A lower section of piste 9 at the resort was also hit by the giant wall of snow and closed immediately. Local media has reported that at least nine people who were partially buried in snow have since been rescued, with three of them airlifted to hospital. The severity of their injuries is not yet known. The ski resort operator said some of the skiers were seen deploying avalanche airbags. A large-scale search and rescue operation is now underway to locate further victims of the snowslide, which happened as several groups of skiers were on the pass.
Rescue Efforts Expand with Dozens Involved and Multinational Support
Local media reported that around 250 people were involved in the search efforts. At least two medical helicopters were sent to the scene to assist the injured skiers, while a police chopper joined them to allow authorities to investigate the matter. Mountain rescue teams from the nearby towns of Neustift im Stubai and Sölden were also sent to assist, along with search dogs. These rescuers are also being supported by soldiers from Germany, as well as mountain rescue teams from Poland.
Harsh Weather Tests Response as Snow Accumulates
The area saw heavy snowfall in recent days, as well as high winds. This combination resulted in more than 0.6 meters of fresh snow lying on the area. But despite the heavy weather, the avalanche happened just one day before the regional avalanche warning service was scheduled to resume. The Stubai Glacier is the largest glacial ski resort in Austria, and is roughly 50 minutes from the capital, Innsbruck. Pistes start at nearly 3,200 meters above sea level.
Resort Opens for 2025/26 Season Amid Earlier Belgian Skier Injury
The resort only opened up for the 2025/26 ski season early last month. Earlier this month, a 20-year-old Belgian skier was seriously injured in an accident at the resort. The man veered off the right-edge of the No.7 Daunferner slope, before hitting several snow-covered rocks. He suffered a major head injury, as well as multiple body injuries. Police said he was not wearing a helmet at the time. He was spotted by a passing skier, who provided first aid and alerted rescue services. He was then airlifted to Innsbruck University Hospital in a very serious condition.
Ongoing Investigation and What Comes Next
Police said the incident is under investigation as authorities continue to assess what happened on the pass near the Daunscharte and to locate any further victims of the snowslide. The area remains a focus for rescue teams and regional authorities as more information becomes available.
