A Belgian skier sustained serious injuries after being struck by two unidentified skiers on a slope in Austria’s Kitzbühel ski area, prompting police to call for witnesses.
The 31-year-old woman was descending the blue-rated connection Bärenbadkogel I + II run in Jochberg at approximately 1:40 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, when an unidentified skier collided with her, knocking her to the ground. Moments later, a second skier ran over her left hand and part of her face before continuing downhill. Neither skier stopped to check on the woman’s wellbeing.
Ski patrol provided immediate first aid before transporting the injured woman to the St. Johann district hospital in Tirol. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later transferred to the Innsbruck clinic for further treatment. The nature and extent of her facial injuries were not disclosed.
Her 32-year-old partner, who was skiing behind her at the time of the incident, witnessed the collision but was unable to provide a description of the skiers involved. Both individuals responsible for the incident left the scene without offering assistance.
Authorities have launched an investigation and are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the Erpfendorf police inspectorate at +43 59133 7201.
Kitzbühel is one of Austria’s most renowned ski resorts, known for its extensive terrain and high-profile races, attracting skiers from around the world. The resort boasts 233 kilometers (145 miles) of groomed runs. The site of the incident, run 64 a, was a blue run, which is the easiest type of run in Austria.
