According to Austrian authorities, five persons died in avalanches in the country’s west after three deaths were initially reported despite warnings to use caution on the slopes.
The avalanche alert level was at four on a scale of five following many days of heavy snowfall and wind when the eight fatalities occurred as resorts were busy during the February school vacations.
According to police in Austria’s western Tyrol area, on Sunday, authorities discovered the body of a 59-year-old man who had been buried while operating his tractor to aid in snow clearing.
In Saint Anton am Arlberg, two skiers, ages 29 and 33, and a guide were discovered dead. A 62-year-old man who had gone missing after cross-country skiing around Hohe Aifner’s top was found by rescuers but was unable to be revived.
A Chinese man, 32, a German, in his 50s, and a New Zealander, 17, were discovered dead on Saturday.
Winter sports enthusiasts have been advised to take cautious after two days of significant snowfall and wind-related avalanche threat.
Thirty avalanches were reported in Tyrol alone on Saturday, 11 of which involved missing people. Rescue efforts were complicated by poor visibility and unfavorable weather.
Over the past few years, avalanches in Austria, a popular winter sports destination, have claimed the lives of roughly 20 people yearly.
