Six skiers rescued from avalanche in central Switzerland
The Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research ranks Andermatt as a level 3 avalanche danger. Updated photo to come.
Keystone / Urs Flueeler
On Thursday morning, an avalanche swept down a ski piste in the resort town of Andermatt in canton Uri in central Switzerland. Two people had to be rescued with minor injuries and four others were able to break free unharmed.
Cantonal policeExternal link spokesperson Reto Pfister confirmed to Keystone-SDA news agency that the avalanche made its descent around 10:50 am in the region of Oberalp Pass. During a press conference, authorities indicated that the avalanche was very large at 60 to 300 metres. It is not clear what triggered the avalanche.
All six skiers who have been rescued are Swiss according to the cantonal police. Pfister said that there were no further reports of missing persons.
Swiss Alpine Rescue, Rega (Swiss Air-Rescue) and cantonal police were mobilized.
According to the Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF), an avalanche danger level 3 applies to the Andermatt region. It writes that “Avalanches can be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach dangerously large size. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger.”
The cause of the avalanche is still unknown. Police are also investigating whether the piste ought to have been open on Thursday.
Second avalanche in St. Moritz
A second avalanche was reported in St MoritzExternal link in the eastern Canton of Graubunden. One snowboarder was seriously injured. It occurred beyond the marked and secured piste near Piz Nair at 10am on Thursday. The 36-year-old snowboarder, who lives in Switzerland, was climbing the same slope with three others for the second time that day.
The last member of the group triggered the avalanche and was swept away by the snow a distance of about 400 metres. The other three people were not injured according to cantonal authorities.
External Content
Popular Stories
More
Life & Aging
Zurich: how the world capital of housing shortages is tackling the problem
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Is your place of origin, your Heimatort, important to you?
Every Swiss citizen has a Heimatort, a place of origin, but many have never visited theirs. What’s your relationship with your Heimatort? What does it mean to you?
This content was published on
After reaching a low point at the end of 2024, the Swiss job market showed the first signs of a slight recovery in the first quarter.
This content was published on
Switzerland's dioceses are making arrangements for the faithful to attend the Pope's funeral, including public screenings.
Vulnerable tenants hit hardest by Zurich evictions
This content was published on
More tenants are evicted in Zurich than anywhere else in Switzerland, which particularly affects older people on low incomes.
This content was published on
Swiss National Bank Q1 profits weighed down by foreign currency investments, which the rise in gold was unable to offset.
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
Will Andermatt’s new ski resort be a boost or mistake?
This content was published on
The new ski area will offer 120 kilometres of runs and connect the village of Andermatt in canton Uri with Sedrun across the Oberalp pass in Graubünden. The facilities will cost CHF200 million to build and will create the biggest ski area in central Switzerland. The construction of the first link between Andermatt and Sedrun…
This content was published on
A 34-year-old man, who was pulled out of a Swiss ski resort avalanche, died from his injuries overnight. Three others sustained lesser injuries.
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.