A record 13 skiers, climbers and hikers died in Italian mountains over the last week

Thirteen backcountry adventurers have perished in the Italian mountains over the past week, marking a grim record as Winter Olympic events began, Italian rescue authorities reported Monday. The toll includes ten victims claimed by avalanches on unmonitored slopes, triggered by what experts describe as exceptionally hazardous snow conditions.

The Italian Alpine Rescue Corps points to a dangerous combination of fresh snowfall from recent storms layered atop weak snow foundations, creating a precarious situation throughout the Alpine region that borders France, Switzerland, and Austria.

“Under such conditions, the passage of a single skier, or natural overloading from the weight of snow, can be sufficient to trigger an avalanche,” explained Federico Catania, spokesman for Italy’s Alpine Rescue Corps.

These deadly incidents occurred away from groomed, monitored slopes, affecting backcountry areas near Olympic venues in Lombardy and Cortina d’Ampezzo, as well as cross-country skiing areas in Val di Fiemme in Trentino. However, Catania emphasized that official Olympic venues remain safe.

“There is no danger for people skiing within managed ski resorts, and in particular no risks to the Olympic sites,” Catania stated. “All of these areas are constantly monitored and are generally safe regardless of Olympic events.”

The recent spate of snowstorms has created a dangerous pattern, with enthusiasts rushing to take advantage of brief periods of favorable weather. This surge in mountain activity has led to a proportional increase in accidents and fatalities, according to rescue authorities.

The weekend proved particularly deadly, with avalanches claiming two skiers in Lombardy, three in Trentino, and one in South Tyrol. Two victims died in separate incidents near the Marmolada glacier, an area known for its challenging terrain and variable conditions. Beyond avalanche victims, the death toll included two hikers—one on Monte Grappa in Veneto and another in the Marche region along the Apennine range—plus an ice climber in Valle d’Aosta.

Mountain safety experts are strongly urging backcountry enthusiasts to carefully monitor avalanche bulletins and consider postponing excursions until snow conditions stabilize. The current snowpack structure requires extreme caution, as even experienced mountaineers can misjudge the stability of seemingly serene slopes.

The dangerous conditions reflect broader climate patterns affecting Alpine regions. Winter weather has become increasingly unpredictable in recent years, with periods of heavy snowfall often followed by rapid warming, creating volatile snow layers. These changing patterns require heightened awareness from those venturing into backcountry areas.

Italy’s mountain rescue teams have been stretched thin responding to the surge in emergencies. The same Alpine Rescue Corps that has been managing these backcountry tragedies also conducted the helicopter rescue of American skiing star Lindsey Vonn after her crash during competition in Cortina d’Ampezzo on Sunday.

The contrast between professionally managed Olympic venues and the wild backcountry highlights the critical importance of infrastructure and safety monitoring in mountain sports. While Olympic athletes compete on carefully maintained courses with comprehensive safety measures, backcountry adventurers face natural hazards with limited support systems.

For the Winter Olympics, Italian authorities have deployed additional resources to ensure safety at and around official venues. However, the allure of pristine, untracked powder continues to draw experienced skiers and climbers to remote areas, where they must rely primarily on their own judgment and expertise.

Mountain safety organizations across the Alpine region are coordinating efforts to improve warning systems and public education about avalanche risks. Despite these efforts, the unpredictability of natural forces in mountain environments remains a persistent challenge for even the most experienced adventurers.