On Sunday, two skiers lost their lives and another was injured due to an avalanche along the popular Freeride route of Couloir Vesses in Courmayeur, located on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif. The avalanche occurred during a period of increased danger in the Italian Alps, prompting concerns from local authorities and rescue teams. The incident involved an extensive search and rescue operation, which consisted of 15 rescuers aided by three canine units and helicopters.

Authorities reported that while one skier was tragically pronounced dead at the scene, a second victim, who was initially taken to the hospital in serious condition, later succumbed to their injuries. Compounding the tragedy, another skier in the Trentino region was partially buried in a separate avalanche but was fortunately rescued by companions. These incidents underline the risks associated with off-trail skiing, particularly in light of recent fatalities in the region due to adverse snow conditions.

This deadly avalanche serves as a stark reminder of the inherent hazards of freeride skiing during periods of unstable weather and snowpack. Local officials are urging skiers and outdoor enthusiasts to exercise caution and to stay informed about avalanche conditions as the number of backcountry skiing incidents rises, drawing attention to the need for safety measures and awareness in the mountainous terrain.