Avalanche in Austrian Alps Claims Lives of Three Dutch Skiers

Three Dutch skiers died in an avalanche in the Ötztal Alps near Sölden, Austria, on Thursday, April 11, 2024. A fourth Dutch skier was injured but their injuries are not life-threatening. The incident occurred as the group of 17 Dutch skiers, accompanied by four Austrian mountain guides, were traveling to the Martin-Busch-Hütte, a hut at an altitude of 2,500 meters.

Details of the Avalanche and Victims

The Austrian police announced the ages of the deceased as 33, 35, and 60 years vintage. Nltimes.nl reports that the 33- and 35-year-old victims were from Apeldoorn and were teammates at the AMHC hockey club. The club has canceled all weekend matches in mourning.

The injured skier, aged 32, is being treated at a hospital in Zams, Tyrol.

Rescue Efforts and Conditions

Rescue services were able to reach the guide and the remaining 13 group members, who were uninjured. The avalanche was approximately 180 meters long and 80 meters wide. DW.com reports that the avalanche warning level near Sölden was “moderate,” the second level on a five-tier scale, despite recent heavy snowfall in the region.

Official Response

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is aware of the situation and is providing consular assistance if necessary. Dutch representatives in Austria have visited the area.

Similar Incident

A separate incident occurred in Northern Italy where five mountaineers were found dead after being hit by an avalanche. MSN reported that three bodies were recovered on Saturday, with the remaining two – a man and his 17-year-old daughter – found on Sunday morning.

A group of Bad Ischl mountain rescuers narrowly avoided a similar fate during a training exercise in the same area of Tyrol, highlighting the dangerous conditions. krone.at reports that the rescue team decided to forgo their planned tour to the Martin-Busch-Hütte after learning of the avalanche.