Authorities have confirmed the recovery of five skiers near Zermatt, Switzerland, following a search prompted by climbers who noticed abandoned ski gear.
Tragic Discovery: Five Skiers Found Dead Near Zermatt Resort
Tragic Discovery: Five Skiers Found Dead Near Zermatt Resort
Rescuers recover bodies of a group of skiers after they went missing in challenging terrain of the Valais Alps.
The snow-capped peaks of Rimpfischhorn (left) and Allalinhorn in the Valais Alps have seen a tragic incident as rescuers located the bodies of five missing skiers a day after their disappearance was reported. Emergency services were alerted when a group of climbers making their way up the 4,199-metre peak noticed several pairs of unattended skis near the summit.
Following intensive aerial and ground searches coordinated by local police, the bodies were discovered on the Adler Glacier. The victims were found at various altitudes, with three bodies located in close proximity to one another and two others situated higher up on a narrow snow patch amidst avalanche debris. One additional pair of skis was discovered, confirming that the skiers were indeed part of a group of five—all of whom have yet to be publicly identified.
The public prosecutor's office has since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident. Zermatt, known for its luxury accommodations and skiing, is frequented by affluent visitors from the UK and across Europe. However, the trek to Rimpfischhorn is recognized as a demanding endeavor, often requiring climbers to stay overnight in a mountain hut due to its challenging nature.
In a separate incident on Friday evening, Air Zermatt had to conduct another complicated mountain rescue mission on the Fiescherhörner, where four climbers were stranded due to inclement weather with fog and high winds hampering initial evacuation efforts. Fortunately, all four individuals were safely rescued in a second attempt made shortly after midnight.
This series of incidents highlights the dangers associated with skiing and climbing in the Alps, reminding enthusiasts of the need for caution and preparedness in challenging terrain.
Following intensive aerial and ground searches coordinated by local police, the bodies were discovered on the Adler Glacier. The victims were found at various altitudes, with three bodies located in close proximity to one another and two others situated higher up on a narrow snow patch amidst avalanche debris. One additional pair of skis was discovered, confirming that the skiers were indeed part of a group of five—all of whom have yet to be publicly identified.
The public prosecutor's office has since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident. Zermatt, known for its luxury accommodations and skiing, is frequented by affluent visitors from the UK and across Europe. However, the trek to Rimpfischhorn is recognized as a demanding endeavor, often requiring climbers to stay overnight in a mountain hut due to its challenging nature.
In a separate incident on Friday evening, Air Zermatt had to conduct another complicated mountain rescue mission on the Fiescherhörner, where four climbers were stranded due to inclement weather with fog and high winds hampering initial evacuation efforts. Fortunately, all four individuals were safely rescued in a second attempt made shortly after midnight.
This series of incidents highlights the dangers associated with skiing and climbing in the Alps, reminding enthusiasts of the need for caution and preparedness in challenging terrain.
