Five German climbers were killed by an avalanche near Cima Vertana in South Tyrol, including a father and his 17-year-old daughter. Three bodies were recovered on Saturday and two more on Sunday; two other climbers survived and were airlifted to Bolzano. The search used helicopters, drones and coordinated teams from Solda Alpine Rescue, Alpine Rescue units and local firefighters. Authorities noted it was unclear why the parties were still ascending late in the afternoon, and experts warn that backcountry activity after fresh snow can increase avalanche risk.
Avalanche Near Cima Vertana Kills Five German Climbers — Father and 17-Year-Old Daughter Among Dead
Five German climbers were killed by an avalanche near Cima Vertana in South Tyrol, including a father and his 17-year-old daughter. Three bodies were recovered on Saturday and two more on Sunday; two other climbers survived and were airlifted to Bolzano. The search used helicopters, drones and coordinated teams from Solda Alpine Rescue, Alpine Rescue units and local firefighters. Authorities noted it was unclear why the parties were still ascending late in the afternoon, and experts warn that backcountry activity after fresh snow can increase avalanche risk.
17:11, 03.11.2025Society
Avalanche in South Tyrol Claims Five Lives
Five German climbers were killed when an avalanche struck near Cima Vertana in the Ortles range of South Tyrol, northern Italy, rescuers said. The victims included a father and his 17-year-old daughter. Three bodies were recovered on Saturday and the two remaining missing climbers were found on Sunday morning.
The avalanche occurred at about 4 p.m. on Saturday while the climbers were ascending at an altitude above 11,500 feet (approximately 3,500 metres). Rescuers said it was unclear why the groups were still climbing so late in the afternoon.
Rescue operation and survivors
The search involved helicopters, drones and ground teams and was coordinated by multiple agencies, including the Solda Alpine Rescue station, Alpine Rescue teams and local firefighters. Two other climbers survived the incident and were airlifted to a hospital in nearby Bolzano.
"They had been dragged to the lower part of the gully where the avalanche occurred," said Alpine Rescue spokesman Federico Catania. "Rescue teams are now returning to the valley, also considering the worsening weather conditions at high altitude."
Context and wider pattern
South Tyrol is a popular mountaineering destination for German tourists; the region's highest peak, Ortles, reaches 3,905 metres. Avalanche incidents remain a persistent hazard in the Italian Alps and elsewhere, with many victims among backcountry ski tourers and freeriders.
Some analysts say accidents have increased in recent years as more people enter backcountry terrain soon after fresh snowfall. Internationally this year, avalanches have also killed climbers and skiers in locations including Alaska, Switzerland and the western United States.
Safety reminder
Authorities and mountain safety experts urge climbers and skiers to check avalanche forecasts, travel with appropriate equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel), and avoid risky terrain during or immediately after heavy snowfall. Weather and snowpack conditions can change rapidly at high altitude.