Tragic Discovery in Swiss Alps: Five Skiers Deceased, One Still Unaccounted For
Local police reported a tragic discovery in the Swiss Alps as the bodies of five missing skiers were located on Sunday evening. Efforts continue as rescuers search for the sixth individual who remains missing in the mountainous region.
Five missing skiers were discovered in the Swiss Alps on Sunday evening, with rescuers continuing their search for a sixth person, as per local police reports on Monday.
The group, consisting of five family members, had departed from Zermatt, a well-known ski spot, on Saturday morning. They were reported missing in the Tête Blanche area, according to authorities in the Valais canton.
The skiers involved in the incident ranged in age from 21 to 58, as stated in a previous report by the police that was covered by Reuters. The family members hailed from the Valais canton, while the sixth individual was from the canton of Fribourg. The authorities did not disclose the names of the deceased skiers, whose remains were discovered in Tête Blanche on Sunday, as per the information provided by Reuters.
Commandant of the Valais Cantonal Police Christian Varone speaks during a press conference, in Sion, Switzerland on Monday after five cross-country skiers were found dead near the Matterhorn.
The Valais Cantonal Police Commandant, Christian Varone, addressed the media in Sion, Switzerland on Monday. He spoke about the tragic incident where five cross-country skiers were discovered dead near the Matterhorn.
Police were informed by a family member who was supposed to pick up the group in the village of Arolla on Saturday afternoon but became worried when they didn't show up.
Search-and-rescue missions were initiated on Saturday for the missing skiers near the 3,706-meter-high (12,159 feet) Tête Blanche pass on their way to Arolla. However, the operations were challenging due to the "very poor" weather conditions, as mentioned by the police in a statement on Sunday.
A file photo of Tuckerman Ravine on Mt. Washington in 2015.
A file photo of Tuckerman Ravine on Mt. Washington in 2015.
Robert F. Bukaty/AP/File
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The incident occurred at around 5:19 p.m. when a member of the group was able to reach out to emergency services. This call helped authorities locate the skier in the Tête Blanche pass area, at an elevation of approximately 3,500 meters (about 11,480 feet), according to the police.
Due to a storm in the southern Alps and the threat of avalanches, helicopters and rescue teams were unable to reach the area. A team of five experienced rescuers tried to approach from Zermatt on foot overnight, but had to turn back at an altitude of over 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) due to bad weather and risks involved.
The operation involved special units of the Cantonal Police, including a mountain group and technical and telecommunication officers, as well as rescuers from the Rescue Organization for the Canton of Valais (OCVS) and the Swiss Air Force.
The Zermatt-Arolla hiking route is part of the famous Haute Route trail between Chamonix, France, at the foot of Mont Blanc, and the base of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland.
Editor's P/S:
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks associated with backcountry skiing. The harsh and unpredictable nature of the mountains demands respect and careful preparation. In the case of these skiers, a combination of factors, including inclement weather and challenging terrain, likely played a role in their demise. The search-and-rescue efforts were further hampered by the extreme conditions, highlighting the immense challenges faced by those who venture into such environments.
The loss of life in the Swiss Alps underscores the importance of being well-equipped, properly trained, and aware of the potential hazards before embarking on any backcountry excursion. While the mountains offer unparalleled beauty and exhilaration, they also demand a healthy dose of humility and an understanding of one's limitations. By respecting the mountains and taking appropriate precautions, we can minimize the risks and continue to enjoy their splendor safely.
