Five bodies have been discovered by rescue teams near the popular Zermatt resort in Switzerland, a day after climbers raised the alarm about unattended ski gear close to the Rimpfischhorn peak.
Tragic Discovery: Five Skiers Found Dead Near Zermatt Resort
Tragic Discovery: Five Skiers Found Dead Near Zermatt Resort
Authorities have confirmed the recovery of five skiers' bodies following a search near the iconic Swiss resort.
The snow-capped peaks of the Valais Alps have been the backdrop to a heartbreaking incident, with the tragic recovery highlighting the dangers of high-altitude skiing.
Emergency services were alerted on Saturday by climbers who noticed several pairs of skis unattended while ascending the Rimpfischhorn, standing at 4,199 metres. This prompted an extensive search operation, utilizing both aerial and ground resources, which ultimately led to the tragic discovery of the skiers' bodies on the Adler Glacier.
Local police reported that the bodies were found at different altitudes amid avalanche debris in the treacherous terrain near the Swiss-Italian border. Specifically, three of the individuals were located in one area, with the remaining two found higher up on a narrow snow patch.
During the ongoing investigation, authorities also recovered a fifth pair of skis, confirming that the group had set out together as a party of five. The identities of the deceased skiers have not yet been disclosed as the investigation into the incident continues, spearheaded by the public prosecutor's office.
In a related development, Air Zermatt, the local rescue service, was also involved in a separate, difficult rescue operation on the Fiescherhörner, where four mountaineers found themselves stranded amid severe weather conditions. An initial evacuation attempt on Friday night was thwarted, but a successful rescue operation occurred shortly after midnight, bringing all four climbers to safety.
This situation underscores the perils faced by those exploring the high-altitude terrains and serves as a somber reminder of the potential risks associated with winter sports in the Alps.
Emergency services were alerted on Saturday by climbers who noticed several pairs of skis unattended while ascending the Rimpfischhorn, standing at 4,199 metres. This prompted an extensive search operation, utilizing both aerial and ground resources, which ultimately led to the tragic discovery of the skiers' bodies on the Adler Glacier.
Local police reported that the bodies were found at different altitudes amid avalanche debris in the treacherous terrain near the Swiss-Italian border. Specifically, three of the individuals were located in one area, with the remaining two found higher up on a narrow snow patch.
During the ongoing investigation, authorities also recovered a fifth pair of skis, confirming that the group had set out together as a party of five. The identities of the deceased skiers have not yet been disclosed as the investigation into the incident continues, spearheaded by the public prosecutor's office.
In a related development, Air Zermatt, the local rescue service, was also involved in a separate, difficult rescue operation on the Fiescherhörner, where four mountaineers found themselves stranded amid severe weather conditions. An initial evacuation attempt on Friday night was thwarted, but a successful rescue operation occurred shortly after midnight, bringing all four climbers to safety.
This situation underscores the perils faced by those exploring the high-altitude terrains and serves as a somber reminder of the potential risks associated with winter sports in the Alps.
