Heavy snowfall and unstable snowpacks triggered a string of deadly avalanches across western Austria on Friday, leaving five people dead and several others injured as authorities warned that conditions across the mountains remain highly dangerous.
The fatalities occurred in separate incidents across popular ski areas and remote off-piste terrain, highlighting the risks facing winter sports enthusiasts during what officials describe as one of the most perilous avalanche seasons in recent years.
Among the victims was a 42-year-old German man who was swept away by snow while skiing with his teenage son near Nauders, close to the Swiss-Italian border.
His 16-year-old son survived the slide and was airlifted to hospital with injuries, according to police.
Elsewhere, three skiers died near the well-known resort of St Anton am Arlberg, a destination popular with international visitors for its challenging slopes and deep powder conditions.
Police said the avalanche appeared to have been triggered by the skiers themselves while they were travelling through an off-piste area outside marked trails. Such terrain often lacks avalanche control measures and carries significantly higher risk.
Public broadcaster ORF reported that two of the victims were American and Polish nationals, while a 21-year-old Austrian later died in hospital from severe injuries.
Two additional men were rescued alive after a large-scale search operation involving four mountain rescue teams, three helicopters and multiple emergency crews. Authorities described the rescue as complex due to deep snow and poor visibility.
In the neighbouring region of Vorarlberg, a snowboarder also died after being buried beneath snow during a separate avalanche. Rescue teams were unable to reach him in time.
With these incidents, at least 21 people have now died in avalanche-related accidents across the country this winter, according to officials. Dozens more fatalities have been recorded across the broader Alpine region, raising concerns among safety experts.
Authorities said avalanche danger remains particularly high in Tyrol, where fresh snow combined with strong winds created unstable layers prone to sudden collapse. Forecasters warned that further avalanches can be expected, especially on steep slopes.
Beyond the mountains, the severe weather caused widespread disruption. Roads became hazardous, trains were delayed and several communities experienced temporary power cuts as snow accumulated rapidly.
Emergency crews from the Red Cross were deployed in Styria to assist motorists stranded in long traffic jams. A motoring organisation described conditions as “virtually inaccessible to private vehicles.”
Air travel was also affected. Vienna International Airport temporarily closed during the morning hours as crews cleared runways, with several afternoon flights delayed or cancelled.
In a separate weather-related tragedy, a 53-year-old man died in Linz after being crushed by a snow plough. The vehicle reportedly slid down a staircase while he was clearing snow nearby, killing him at the scene.
The incidents have renewed debate over winter safety and preparedness as avalanche experts note that this season has already proved unusually deadly across the Alps.
Earlier this month, three British skiers were killed in La Grave in France, underscoring the widespread risks facing skiers across the region.
Mountain rescue officials are urging visitors to stay on marked pistes, check daily avalanche bulletins and carry proper safety equipment, including transceivers, probes and shovels.
“With fresh snowfall and unstable layers, conditions can change within minutes,” one rescue coordinator said. “Even experienced skiers should avoid off-piste terrain during high-risk periods.”
As more snow is forecast in the coming days, authorities say vigilance will be critical to prevent further tragedies in Europe’s winter playground.