In the Valtellina area of Italy, three skiers were caught in an avalanche, leading to the death of two individuals from the accident. Additionally, two others lost their lives in separate avalanches in the Trentino region, according to local rescue service reports. The incidents occurred as four skiers ventured off-piste, highlighting the dangers associated with such decisions during high avalanche risks, which have been exacerbated by rising temperatures.

In Aosta Valley, also in northwestern Italy, two skiers encountered an avalanche but managed to escape unharmed, credited to their good equipment. These tragedies occurred against the backdrop of the Winter Olympics that recently commenced in northern Italy, raising awareness of the precarious conditions in the region's alpine areas. The Italian Alps are currently experiencing elevated avalanche risks, marked by a dangerous avalanche warning, with the index at a significant three on a five-point European scale.

The increase in temperatures is being cited as a contributing factor to the growing avalanche hazards, prompting warnings for outdoor enthusiasts in the area. On the day of these avalanches, the alert level for avalanches in the Bergamo Alps was particularly high, serving as a cautionary reminder of the inherent risks of skiing in off-piste areas during this unstable weather period. One of the deceased is reported to be a missing hiker, further complicating the ongoing search and rescue efforts in the treacherous terrain.