A devastating early-season avalanche in the northern Italian Alps tragically killed five German mountaineers on Saturday, according to the Italian Alpine rescue organization.
The climbers, comprising two distinct groups, were ascending near Cima Vertana — one of the Eastern Alps’ most formidable peaks — when they were swept away by a sudden avalanche on Saturday evening. Federico Catania, a spokesperson for the Italian Alpine rescue organization (C.N.S.A.S.), confirmed the details of the incident.
Mr. Catania further reported via email that three members of one climbing party were confirmed deceased on Saturday night. The second group, initially consisting of four individuals, saw two survivors, while a father and his 17-year-old daughter were discovered lifeless in a gully the following day.
Rescue teams were dispatched almost immediately following the avalanche. However, Mr. Catania noted that the challenging conditions severely hampered their recovery efforts, necessitating a pause in the search operation overnight.
Thick darkness and dense fog grounded all helicopter operations in the area during early Sunday hours. Only after weather conditions improved were rescue teams, accompanied by specialized avalanche dogs, able to be deployed at high altitudes to continue the arduous search on foot.
Despite ongoing difficult weather, efforts were concentrated on Sunday to recover and transport the bodies of the father and daughter, Mr. Catania added.
This tragic incident adds to an already grim toll; the European Avalanche Warning Services report that at least 11 people have died in avalanches across Italy during the 2024-25 winter season alone.