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Eight people killed in avalanches in Austrian Alps as rescuers urge skiers to heed warnings
Eight skiers died in three avalanches after heavy snowfall raised avalanche risk to level 3, officials said, despite repeated warnings from rescue services.
- On Saturday, avalanches killed eight Alpine skiers in three separate incidents across Austria, with Agence France-Presse photographing the scene near Bad Hofgastein on January 17, 2026.
- Heavy snowfall last week prompted warnings as the Salzburg avalanche warning service raised the danger level to `level 3`, with Gerhard Kremser saying alerts were clear.
- Three Czech ski tourists were swept away in Murtal district, Styria, around 4.25pm yesterday, later confirmed dead, while in Gastein Valley, Salzburg Pongau, an avalanche killed four skiers and seriously injured one.
- Rescuers deployed four rescue helicopters, mountain rescue teams, Red Cross dog teams, and a crisis intervention team, while authorities urged visitors to heed warnings as bodies recovery will be completed today.
- Avalanches across the Alps have claimed victims since last week, including a German man killed in Switzerland on Friday, six skiers in France last weekend, and a 13-year-old Czech and 58-year-old ski tourer this week.
Insights by Ground AI
83 Articles
83 Articles
An unstable snow cover, new snow and strong wind: according to experts, there is a considerable risk of avalanches in many areas of Austria. This weekend alone, eight people died under snow masses.
·Germany
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Eight skiers have been killed in three avalanches in Austria, authorities said today.
·Belgrade, Serbia
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The weather was magnificent. The warnings about the delicate avalanche situation probably showed no effect. Among the dead are also tour guides who were on further education.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources83
Leaning Left16Leaning Right11Center18Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Center
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources are Center
40% Center
L 36%
C 40%
R 24%
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