Italy's Alpine rescue service has urged maximum caution after avalanches killed 11 people in seven days across the Alps. A 70-year-old hiker was the latest victim, found in Veneto, which is hosting the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics (Feb 6-22). Rescuers warn that fresh snow over weak layers makes even a single skier capable of triggering avalanches and advise consulting avalanche bulletins, carrying rescue gear and postponing outings until the snowpack stabilises.
11 Dead in a Week: Italy's Alpine Rescuers Urge 'Maximum Caution' as Avalanches Threaten the Alps
Feb 6, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, ITALY; Avalanche control is seen before women's downhill training during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
MILAN, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Italy's Alpine rescue service on Monday issued a stark warning, urging maximum caution after avalanches killed 11 people over seven days as exceptionally unstable snow conditions now threaten large parts of the Alps.
The most recent victim was a 70-year-old hiker, found dead overnight in Italy's Veneto region, which is hosting the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in the Alps from Feb. 6-22. Authorities said the avalanche risk extends across much of the Alpine chain, from the western to the eastern sectors.
Rescuers explained that fresh snow has been accumulating on older, weaker layers in the snowpack, creating conditions where even the movement of a single skier can trigger a slide. "These layering conditions make it difficult, even for expert off-piste skiers, to identify safe routes," the rescue service said in a statement.
The service urged anyone venturing into snowy mountain terrain to:
- Study official avalanche bulletins carefully before setting out;
- Plan routes conservatively and avoid steep, wind-loaded slopes;
- Carry and know how to use standard rescue equipment such as a transceiver (beacon), probe and shovel;
- Consider postponing outings until the snowpack stabilises naturally.
The warning comes as authorities and visitors contend with dangerous mountain conditions during the winter sporting period. Rescue teams continue patrols and public advisories as they respond to incidents across the range.
(Reporting by Claudia Cristoferi; editing by Alvise Armellini and Anil D'Silva)
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