Avalanche
Two backcountry skiers tragically lost their lives on Saturday, May 17, after being caught in an avalanche while ascending the Alphubel, a 4,206-meter (13,799 feet) peak in the Swiss canton of Valais. The accident occurred at approximately 4,165 meters (13,665 feet) in the area known as the “ice nose” above the Täschhütte, a popular base for backcountry ski tours in the region.
The pair had set out early that morning from the Täschhütte, aiming to summit the Alphubel, a glaciated peak in the Mischabel range between Täsch and Saas-Fee. The tour is known to be demanding, requiring good physical condition and proper equipment. At some point during their climb, a slab avalanche broke loose, sweeping both skiers down the mountain. Despite the rapid deployment of Air Zermatt rescue teams, avalanche dog handlers, and specialists from the Cantonal Valais Rescue Organisation, both individuals were found deceased. Formal identification of the victims is still underway, and the public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the incident.
The Alphubel is a classic spring backcountry skiing destination, attracting experienced mountaineers for its relatively accessible glacier routes and spectacular alpine views. However, the combination of warming temperatures and deep snowpack can make the high alpine terrain particularly dangerous in spring. While the ascent of Alphubel from Täsch is technically relatively easy, the ascent is quite long and its flanks are notorious for the bottomless crevasses that hide there.
Experts warn that spring avalanches often occur due to thawing snow layers and melting during the day. These conditions can destabilize snowfields, especially on sun-exposed slopes, leading to wet-snow or slab avalanches.
