Rescuers reported a record 13 deaths in the Italian mountains over the past week, including 10 people killed in avalanches as the Winter Olympics began. Recent storms and wind-driven snow created weak internal layers across the Alpine arc, making backcountry slopes especially unstable. Officials emphasized that the fatalities occurred off-piste and that managed ski resorts and Olympic venues remain monitored and generally safe. Rescuers urged people to follow avalanche bulletins and postpone backcountry trips until the snowpack stabilizes.
Record 13 Die in Italian Mountains as Winter Olympics Begin; 10 Killed in Avalanches
13 people died in Italian mountains over last week as Olympics start
Rescuers reported that a record 13 backcountry skiers, climbers and hikers died in the Italian mountains over the past week as Winter Olympic competitions got underway. Ten of the fatalities were the result of avalanches linked to an exceptionally unstable snowpack across the Alpine arc.
Unusually Unstable Snowpack Across the Alpine Crescent
Italy's Alpine Rescue Corps said recent storms left fresh snowfall and wind-scoured snowcaps that have settled on weak internal layers, creating especially hazardous conditions along the Alpine crescent bordering France, Switzerland and Austria. Those weak layers mean that "the passage of a single skier, or natural overloading from the weight of snow, can be sufficient to trigger an avalanche," said Federico Catania, spokesman for the Alpine Rescue Corps.
Most Deaths Occurred Off-Piste
The avalanche deaths occurred on ungroomed, backcountry slopes — away from the well-maintained and monitored Olympic venues. Fatalities and incidents were reported in Lombardy near the Swiss border, Cortina d'Ampezzo in Veneto, cross-country routes in Val di Fiemme in Trentino, and other areas including South Tyrol, the Marmolada glacier area, Monte Grappa (Veneto), the Marche portion of the Apennines and Valle d'Aosta.
Italian Alpine rescuers at the scene of an avalanche that occurred Feb. 5, 2026, above Solda, in South Tyrol, Italy, killing two members of a group of ski mountaineers. / Credit: Italian Alpine Rescue via AP(Italian Alpine Rescue via AP)
"There is no danger for people skiing within managed ski resorts, and in particular no risks to the Olympic sites," Catania said. "All of these areas are constantly monitored and are generally safe regardless of Olympic events."
Rescuers warned that a run of recent snowstorms prompted many people to head into the mountains during short windows of good weather, which has increased the number of backcountry outings and, consequently, accidents and fatalities.
Safety Advice and Recent Related Events
Authorities urged anyone planning backcountry excursions to consult avalanche bulletins, carry proper safety equipment, travel with experienced partners, and postpone outings until the snowpack has had time to consolidate.
Authorities also noted that last month three separate avalanches in neighboring Austria killed eight people.
Olympian Injuries and Rescue Operations
The Alpine Rescue Corps also performed a helicopter evacuation of U.S. downhill skier Lindsey Vonn after she crashed during competition in Cortina d'Ampezzo. The hospital treating Vonn said she suffered a fractured leg in "a nasty fall" during the women's downhill. Vonn later posted a social media message — her first direct note since the crash.
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