In a tragic series of events, the death toll from avalanches in Austria has risen to seven skiers within just 48 hours. This alarming figure includes two recent fatalities: a 21-year-old Slovak skier who was skiing off-piste without safety equipment, and a 41-year-old Austrian who died after being buried by an avalanche in Tyrol. The Slovak skier lost his life while descending from a height of approximately 1900 meters, where a significant mass of snow detached and overwhelmed him.

Authorities from Styria urge skiers to refrain from skiing outside marked trails due to the increasing dangers presented by avalanches, especially in the current harsh weather conditions. The Austrian public was already shaken by the news of five skier fatalities reported just the previous Friday, four of which occurred in Tyrol and one in Vorarlberg. These incidents underline the precarious nature of skiing in certain conditions and highlight the importance of adhering to safety guidelines.

Since the start of the winter season, Austria has reported a total of 24 avalanche-related deaths, as officials continue to monitor the situation and assess the ongoing risks associated with skiing in off-piste areas. The mounting death toll has prompted experts to call for enhanced awareness among winter sports enthusiasts to prioritize safety and avoid potentially life-threatening situations in the backcountry.