Tragic Week in Italian Mountains as 13 Skiers and Hikers Die

A devastating week in the Italian mountains has resulted in the deaths of **13 backcountry skiers, climbers, and hikers**, with **10 fatalities** attributed to avalanches. This surge in casualties coincides with the onset of the Winter Olympic competitions. Rescuers reported these alarming statistics on Monday as conditions across the region have become exceptionally perilous.

The **Alpine Rescue Corps** has attributed the high number of avalanche-related incidents to an unstable snowpack, exacerbated by recent storms and wind-swept snow layers. According to **Federico Catania**, spokesman for the rescue team, “Under such conditions, the passage of a single skier, or natural overloading from the weight of snow, can be sufficient to trigger an avalanche.”

The avalanche incidents primarily occurred on ungroomed slopes, far from the well-maintained and monitored Olympic venues located in **Lombardy** and **Cortina d’Ampezzo** in **Veneto**. Additional fatalities were reported in areas designated for cross-country skiing in **Val di Fiemme**, part of the autonomous province of **Trentino**.

Catania emphasized that “there is no danger for people skiing within managed ski resorts,” highlighting that these venues, particularly those used for Olympic events, are regularly monitored and have proven to be safe.

The recent influx of snowstorms has drawn many outdoor enthusiasts to the mountains during brief periods of favorable weather. Unfortunately, this surge in activity has corresponded with an increase in accidents. Catania noted, “As a result, the number of accidents, and therefore fatalities, has increased proportionally.”

During the weekend alone, two skiers lost their lives in avalanches in **Lombardy**, three in **Trentino**, and one in **South Tyrol**. Among the deceased were two individuals who perished in separate avalanches near the **Marmolada glacier**. Additionally, two hikers died while traversing **Monte Grappa** in **Veneto** and in the **Marche** region along the **Apennine range**. An ice climber also died in **Valle d’Aosta**.

In a separate incident, the same Alpine Rescue Corps was involved in the helicopter rescue of **U.S. downhill skier Lindsey Vonn**, who crashed during competition in Cortina d’Ampezzo on Sunday.

Rescue officials strongly advise individuals planning backcountry excursions to heed avalanche bulletins and to postpone outings until the snowpack stabilizes. The tragic events of the past week serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the current winter conditions in the Italian mountains.