This winter alone 21 people were killed by avalanches in Switzerland and 222 were affected by them. This is higher than the average recorded in the past 20 years, said the Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) in Davos.
This content was published on
1 minute
ATS /sp
According to the SLF, 137 avalanches were reported in Switzerland during the winter of 2022-2023, affecting 222 people – nearly double the number of people affected in winters over the last 20 years.
Some 21 people lost their lives in avalanches, slightly higher than the average of 17 deaths recorded over the last 20 years. Most of those who died were on ski tours, with nine off-piste skiers losing their lives in avalanches. No deaths were recorded in ski areas.
In February, a series of avalanches over one weekend killed 11 people in Switzerland, Austria and Italy. Last week three Dutch climbers were found dead in the Swiss Canton of Valais after being surprised by an avalanche.
Popular Stories
More
Swiss Abroad
The citizenship obstacle course facing spouses of Swiss Abroad
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Swiss Säntis mountain cable car set for gust resistant refit
This content was published on
The Säntis mountain cable car, one of the busiest in Switzerland, will be completely renovated at a cost of CHF23 million.
Thousands show solidarity with Ukraine in Switzerland
This content was published on
Some 2,000 people gathered in Zurich on Monday evening to show solidarity for Ukraine, three years after the invasion by Russia.
Swiss stock market sets a new benchmark above 13,000 points
This content was published on
The Swiss Market Index (SMI) hit a new all-time high on Monday morning, briefly exceeding 13,000 points, following the German parliamentary elections.
Swiss researchers use AI to monitor railway bridge stability
This content was published on
Researchers in Zurich can now verify the statics of railway bridges using a new, specially developed artificial intelligence model.
Swiss president reiterates country’s support for Ukraine
This content was published on
President of the Swiss Confederation Karin Keller-Sutter reaffirmed Switzerland's support for Ukraine on Monday at a summit in Kiev to mark the third anniversary of the war. The objective remains a just and lasting peace, she said.
Proportion of women managers in Switzerland up slightly in ten years
This content was published on
Over the last ten years, the proportion of women in management positions and on the boards of directors of Swiss companies has risen slightly, says a new analysis.
Switzerland concerned over US disengagement from UN human rights body
This content was published on
Switzerland is concerned about the disengagement of certain states from the UN Human Rights Council, said foreign minister Ignazio Cassis, as the United States and Israel boycott the Geneva-based body.
Employment in Switzerland up slightly at end of 2024
This content was published on
Total employment in Switzerland, excluding agriculture, rose by 0.9% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of last year, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) reported on Monday.
Ukrainian ambassador praises ‘unprecedented’ Swiss support
This content was published on
Three years after the full-scale Russian invasion began, Switzerland's solidarity with Ukraine remains unprecedented, said Ukrainian ambassador Iryna Venediktova
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
New detailed Swiss avalanche danger scale helps assess risks
This content was published on
This winter the national avalanche warning service has started issuing more precise information on danger levels in the mountains.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.