Avalanche Claims Lives of Polish Skiers in Slovakian High Tatras
Two Polish skiers, including well-known extreme sports athlete Ali Olsanski, have died in an avalanche in the High Tatras mountain range in Slovakia. The incident occurred on February 28, 2026, on a steep slope below the Nižný Popradský Štrbin pass on Poprad Hill.
Details of the Avalanche
According to the Slovak Mountain Rescue Service, witnesses from Poland reported that the two men were buried by the avalanche. Tragically, neither the skiers nor the witnesses possessed avalanche transceivers – crucial safety equipment that transmits and receives signals to locate individuals buried in snow .
Five Czech ski mountaineers, equipped with avalanche transceivers and shovels, promptly contacted the rescue service and initiated a search. They successfully located one of the victims and attempted first aid, but he succumbed to his injuries. A helicopter rescue team, accompanied by a dog, subsequently discovered the body of the second skier.
Victims
Ali Olsanski was renowned for his daring descents in the Tatras, the Alps, and the Himalayas. Both men were described as experienced winter sports enthusiasts .
Avalanche Conditions and Warnings
On February 28, 2026, a first-level avalanche danger warning was in effect for all mountains, with expectations of an increase to the second level in the afternoon . The snow was situated on south, south-eastern, and eastern slopes in the form of slabs and piles, potentially triggering avalanches on steep slopes with additional weight.
Recent Rescue Incident in the High Tatras
On February 20, 2026, the Mountain Rescue Service responded to a call for help from Hrebienok, where a 32-year-old Slovakian woman sustained a leg injury while sledding after colliding with an obstacle .
Separate Avalanche Tragedy
On February 25, 2026, a separate avalanche occurred in the Mengusovská dolina valley. Polish ski mountaineers reported the avalanche originating from a couloir below Nižná Popradská štrbina in the Popradský hrebeň ridge. Two Polish individuals, aged 31 and 41, were completely buried. Unfortunately, the witnesses did not have avalanche transceivers and were unable to assist. Five Czech ski mountaineers, equipped with the necessary equipment, contacted the rescue service and began the search .