Two people lost their lives in separate avalanches in south-western Switzerland on Saturday. The risk of further incidents remains marked, authorities warn.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SDA-ATS/dos
A snowy January in Switzerland has already brought several incidents and avalanches to the Alps; Saturday saw two more victims, a walker and a ski-tourer, both killed in separate accidents in south-western Switzerland.
Near Charmey in canton Fribourg, a 55-year-old man was buried when a group of some 14 walkers triggered a snow movement in the early afternoon. Three others from the group were also injured and transferred by helicopter to hospital.
Meanwhile, a little further south, in canton Vaud and the municipality of Château-d’Oex, three members of a ski-touring group were swept away by a separate avalanche; while two managed to be extricated, the third, a 39-year-old Frenchman, lost his life.
According to reports, a snow-ledge on which the skiers were touring suddenly gave way, setting off the avalanche.
Several accidents have occurred so far in January, following heavy Christmas and New Year snowfall across much of the Alps. Two skiers lost their lives earlier in the month, while last week a snow patroller was killed while on the job in canton Valais.
According to the Institute for Snow and Avalanche researchExternal link, the risk of avalanches remains considerable across most of the Swiss Alps. Walkers, ski-tourers and off-piste skiers should choose routes with caution, and should have experience in evaluating avalanche risk, the institute warns.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of the story reported that the accidents occurred in south-eastern Switzerland.
More
More
What’s the real risk from avalanches?
This content was published on
After an avalanche entered a hotel, what are the risks in Switzerland and how are such hazards monitored?
Beer sales in Switzerland watered down by bad weather
This content was published on
The past brewing year fell through in Switzerland, partly due to the bad weather. Beer sales shrank again. For the first time, per capita consumption fell below the 50 liter mark.
Compensation for Syrian after pregnant wife denied help on Swiss train
This content was published on
Switzerland’s Federal Court has partially upheld the appeal of a Syrian family being deported from Switzerland to Italy in 2014. The man now also receives compensation.
Swiss-EU negotiations: Cassis to meet Sefcovic in Bern
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will meet the Vice-President of the EU Commission, Maros Sefcovic, in Bern on Wednesday.
Heavy snowfall in Switzerland causes traffic chaos and accidents
This content was published on
The heavy snowfall late on Thursday and during the night into Friday led to traffic chaos and many accidents in many regions of Switzerland.
Chimpanzee behaviours passed down through generations
This content was published on
Some of the complex behaviours of chimpanzees have been passed down and refined over generations. These include the combination of several tools for foraging.
More than 600,000 rounds of Swiss sniper ammunition reach Ukraine
This content was published on
Sniper ammunition from Swiss P Defence reached Ukraine via a Polish company in July 2023, reported SRF Investigativ on Thursday, citing official information.
Switzerland launches national digital inclusion alliance
This content was published on
The Swiss government launched the Swiss Digital Inclusion Alliance on Thursday with the goal of giving as many people as possible access to digital services.
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
Managing avalanche risks wins UNESCO status
This content was published on
Switzerland and Austria have been awarded coveted Unesco intangible cultural heritage status for their management of avalanche risks.
Almost 30 died in avalanches in Swiss Alps last winter
This content was published on
The winter of 2017-2018 was characterised by “extraordinary” snowfall in the Swiss Alps and a greater number of avalanche deaths than usual.
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.