Avalanche
[Updated May 26]
Five backcountry skiers were found dead Saturday, May 24, near the Rimpfischhorn, a towering 13,800-foot peak in the Pennine Alps east of Zermatt, Switzerland, after they failed to return from a high-altitude tour. Rescue services were alerted around 4:30 p.m. local time when two other skiers noticed several sets of abandoned skis near 13,100 feet on the glacier below the summit and found no sign of the group.
Air Zermatt dispatched a helicopter carrying a paramedic, an emergency physician, and two mountain rescue specialists from the cantonal rescue organization (KWRO). A flyover and ground search led to the discovery of five lifeless bodies on the Adlergletscher, or Eagle Glacier. Three bodies were found approximately 1,600 feet below the saddle on an avalanche cone, while the other two were discovered 600 feet above them on a snowfield. Authorities have not yet formally identified the victims nor released any details about their nationalities. The cantonal prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. The investigations are hampered due to a lack of eye witnesses.
The region around Zermatt is a renowned destination for both ski mountaineering and springtime backcountry touring, drawing experienced skiers from across Europe. The Rimpfischhorn, situated between Zermatt and the Saas Valley, is considered a challenging high altitude backcountry route due to its remote access and complex glacier terrain.
The tragedy comes after a period of late-season snowfall followed by a spike in temperatures, conditions known to significantly raise avalanche risk. Spring snowpacks often become unstable as daytime warming leads to melting and weakening of layers, increasing the chance of large wet-snow slides. The region had seen around 4 inches of fresh snowfall in the lead up to this tragic avalanche.
Swiss avalanche authorities had warned of elevated risks in high alpine zones this week, particularly on north-facing slopes above 10,000 feet. While official details on the cause of the accident are pending, the Swiss Avalanche Center (SLF) classified the avalanche as a slab avalanche and states that the avalanche snow was dry.
This incident adds to what has already been a deadly season for backcountry recreation in the Alps, with 15 deaths so far this season. Saturday’s tragic avalanche deaths take the 2024-25 season’s toll to a total of 21 deaths, after an additional death on Saturday in Kandersteg. Earlier the same day, an avalanche on the Morgenhorn near Kandersteg swept away three backcountry skiers, killing a 29-year-old Swiss man and injuring two others. Despite a large-scale rescue operation involving helicopters, search dogs, and alpine specialists, emergency services arrived too late to save him. Unfortunately, this high number of avalanche deaths is only slighty higher than the 10-year average for Switzerland, which lies at 18.3 deaths pear year. It underscores the continued danger of touring in high alpine terrain despite improving weather and longer daylight hours.
Update: According to initial investigations by the cantonal police, the group departed the Britannia Hut near Saas-Fee at around 4:30 a.m. with the goal of summiting the Rimpfischhorn. After leaving their skis at a site below the peak, the climbers continued on foot before reportedly being caught in a snow slide and falling. Three of the victims have now been formally identified as Swiss nationals—two men aged 38 and 35, and a 34-year-old woman. Further details are yet to be released.
