On Saturday, three skiers tragically lost their lives due to avalanches that struck the regions of Trentino Alto Adige and Lombardy, which are also hosting events for the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The avalanche incidents specifically affected the Marmolada area in the Dolomites, a popular location for winter sports, particularly ski competitions.

The Italian alpine rescue service reported that two separate avalanches occurred, with one of the victims being buried under snow after he left the marked pistes with three companions on Punta Rocca, the highest peak in the Marmolada range at 3,300 meters. While rescuers were able to retrieve the body, the swift response from the victim's ski companions and other nearby skiers was unfortunately not enough to save him.

The incidents highlight the risks associated with skiing off-trail in avalanche-prone areas, a concern that is particularly relevant during a high-profile event like the Winter Olympics. With the ongoing competitions in Cortina d'Ampezzo, safety measures and public awareness regarding avalanche risks are likely to come under scrutiny as more skiers flock to these mountainous regions for both competition and recreation.