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Substantial Avalanche on Stubai Glacier Buries Eight Off‑Piste Skiers; Three Airlifted to Hospital

11:56 PM, 11/27/2025
Substantial Avalanche on Stubai Glacier Buries Eight Off‑Piste Skiers; Three Airlifted to Hospital

Eight off‑piste skiers were buried by a substantial avalanche on the Stubai Glacier on Nov. 27; six were recovered quickly and two more were pulled out alive. Three injured skiers were airlifted to a hospital in Hall in Tirol, and search operations ended around 1:20 p.m. More than 250 personnel — including a helicopter, avalanche dogs, alpine police and international rescuers — responded. Officials warned that recent heavy snow and strong winds have created hidden avalanche danger zones at higher altitudes.

Eight off‑piste skiers were buried by a substantial avalanche on Austria's Stubai Glacier on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 27. The slide occurred at about 9 a.m. local time in open terrain near the Daunsharte pass.

Emergency crews working at the scene recovered six skiers quickly and pulled two others alive shortly afterwards. Three of the injured were airlifted to a hospital in Hall in Tirol. Search operations were suspended at roughly 1:20 p.m. local time.

Officials believe one member of the group likely triggered the avalanche while they were in open terrain. Several of the skiers deployed avalanche airbags during the incident, which likely helped save lives.

Large, coordinated rescue effort

More than 250 emergency personnel took part in the rescue, including a rescue helicopter, avalanche search dogs and alpine police. About 60 Czech and Polish mountain rescuers who happened to be on site assisted alongside roughly 60 soldiers from the German Federal Armed Forces. The search area was described by responders as extensive and wind‑affected.

Local authorities noted that heavy snowfall in recent days combined with strong winds had created unstable layers and hidden danger zones across higher terrain on the glacier.

Patrick Nairz, head of the Tyrolean avalanche warning service, warned: "The danger zones are often not visible. Further avalanches can occur in high terrain, and the higher the altitude, the more powerful they can be."

Authorities have not released the identities of the skiers. Officials did not immediately provide additional comment on the victims' conditions.

This incident underscores the heightened avalanche risk after heavy snowfall and high winds, and highlights the importance of avalanche safety equipment, group awareness and rapid, coordinated rescue capabilities across borders.

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