Avalanche hits Austrian ski resort with multiple people buried and search underway for other possible victims
A major search operation has been launched this morning after many skiers were dragged away by an avalanche in one of Austria’s largest ski resorts.
According to officials, the avalanche hit open terrain near the Daunscharte pass, off the marked tracks on the Stubai Glacier, at around 9.30 this morning.
There were many skiers in this off-piste area, which police said triggered the avalanche. The lower part of the 9th runway of the facility was also hit by an avalanche and was closed immediately.
Local media reported that six people who were partially buried under the snow were rescued.
It is not yet known how serious the condition of the injured is. The ski resort operator told local media that several avalanche airbags had been seen deploying, which could help users float above the snowdrift.
A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway to find other victims of the snowslide.
At least two medical helicopters were sent to the scene to help the injured skiers, while a police helicopter joined authorities to investigate.
Mountain rescue teams from the nearby towns of Neustift im Stubai and Sölden were also sent to help, along with search dogs.
The avalanche hit open ground near the Daunscharte pass, off the marked pistes on the Stubai Glacier, at around 9.30 this morning.
Rescuers are searching for large amounts of avalanche debris after scores of skiers were swept away and buried under snow on the Stubai Glacier in Austria (pictured).
Stock image from a previous event. The avalanche fell around 09.30 this morning.
These rescuers are supported by soldiers from Germany as well as mountain rescue teams from Poland.
Heavy snowfall and strong winds have been seen in the region in recent days. This combination caused more than half a meter of fresh snow to accumulate over the area.
But despite the heavy weather, the avalanche occurred just one day before the regional avalanche warning service was due to resume.
Stubai Glacier is Austria’s largest glacier ski resort and is located about 50 minutes from the capital Innsbruck. The pistes begin at approximately 10,500 ft above sea level.
The resort opened early last month for the 2025/26 ski season only.
T.This is breaking news with more to come
