A tragic series of avalanches in the Austrian Alps over the weekend has claimed the lives of multiple off-piste skiers, with authorities highlighting the perilous conditions following heavy snowfall. The incidents, centered in the Pongau and Murtal regions, underscore the heightened avalanche risks that have led to numerous fatalities across the Alpine region in recent days.
On Saturday, January 17, 2026, two separate avalanches in the Pongau area near Salzburg resulted in the deaths of five skiers. The first avalanche struck a group of seven off-piste skiers in the afternoon, killing four individuals and seriously injuring another, according to local mountain rescue officials. Rescue teams were alerted around 14:00 local time and worked swiftly to locate the victims, but the conditions proved fatal for most.
Earlier that same day, another avalanche in the same Pongau region swept away a female skier, adding to the death toll. Gerhard Kremser, district head of the Pongau mountain rescue service, expressed deep sympathy for the families and emphasized the severity of the current avalanche situation, noting that clear warnings had been issued but were often ignored by skiers venturing off-piste.
In a separate incident in the Murtal district of Styria province, three Czech ski tourers were killed when an avalanche buried them completely. Police reported that emergency responders managed to locate and partially dig out the victims, but all three were found dead despite immediate rescue efforts. This brought the total number of avalanche deaths in Austria on Saturday to eight, highlighting a widespread crisis.
The avalanches occurred amid a period of heavy snowfall that has elevated avalanche risks across the Alps. Austrian authorities have repeatedly warned skiers to stay on marked slopes and heed avalanche warnings, but the allure of off-piste skiing has led to tragic consequences. The Pongau region, in particular, has seen multiple avalanches, with further slides recorded around midday on Saturday that fortunately caused no injuries.
This weekend’s tragedies are part of a broader pattern of avalanche-related deaths in the Alps. Earlier in the week, a 13-year-old Czech boy was killed in an avalanche in Bad Gastein, and last Sunday, a 58-year-old skier died in Weerberg. Neighboring countries have also been affected, with a German man killed in Switzerland and six skiers dying in France over the previous weekend, pointing to a regional emergency.
The recent spate of incidents has prompted calls for increased safety measures and public awareness. Rescue services are urging all winter sports enthusiasts to check avalanche forecasts, carry necessary safety equipment like transceivers, and avoid risky terrain. The Austrian Alpine Association has reiterated the importance of adhering to warnings, especially during periods of high avalanche danger, which is currently rated at level 4 or 5 in many areas.
Looking ahead, authorities are likely to enhance patrols and possibly impose restrictions in high-risk zones to prevent further loss of life. The events serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the critical need for caution in mountain environments, particularly as climate change may be influencing snowfall patterns and avalanche frequency in the Alps.
