Three skiers have tragically lost their lives in avalanches in the regions of South Tyrol and Lombardy in Italy on Saturday, according to reports from Reuters. The Alpine rescue team discovered the body of a man who had been skiing outside of marked trails on Punta Rocca, a peak in the Dolomites. Despite immediate search efforts by his companions and other skiers in the vicinity, he was found buried under a snow avalanche he triggered himself.

In a separate incident, two other skiers died in an avalanche in Albosaggia. These areas are notably near the venues for the upcoming Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, drawing attention to not only the beauty of the alpine landscape but also the inherent dangers posed by weather conditions during the skiing season. Reports from early this week highlighted the deaths of two Finnish skiers in an avalanche in the Solda area of South Tyrol; however, one companion was successfully rescued.

The repeated occurrences of such tragic incidents emphasize the risks associated with backcountry skiing, especially as more skiers venture off-piste. As winter sports gain popularity, the importance of safety measures and awareness regarding avalanche risks cannot be overstated, especially in regions preparing for significant international sporting events like the Olympics.