Deadly Alpine Avalanches Push Winter Death Toll Past 20 Across Italy & France

A series of powerful avalanches struck the Alps on Sunday in what rescue teams described as a “black Sunday,” killing at least five people across northern Italy and southeastern France and pushing the winter season’s snow-related death toll to more than 20.

The tragedies unfolded in several high-altitude locations, some of them close to venues set to host events at the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, heightening concerns over safety in the region.

In Italy, one of the avalanches occurred on Mount Marmolada in the Dolomites at an altitude of around 3,300 meters, where a skier who was off marked trails was buried under massive snow slabs. 

Despite attempts by fellow skiers to rescue him before helicopters arrived, the victim could not be saved, according to Italian media.

Another fatal incident was reported in the Valtellina area of Lombardy, just 65 kilometers from Bormio, which is due to host men’s Olympic competitions. 

Two skiers were killed instantly after being overwhelmed by a large avalanche.

In France, authorities confirmed the deaths of two young skiers in the village of Saint-Véran, the highest inhabited village in the French Alps. 

The avalanche struck the northern slope of the Tête de Longet mountain at an altitude of 3,146 meters. Two other members of the same group survived the incident.

Meteorological agencies attributed the avalanches to unstable snow layers caused by heavy snowfall over recent days, followed by slightly rising temperatures and strong winds. 

These conditions created fragile snowpacks prone to collapse with minimal disturbance.

Emergency services have urged skiers and tourists to remain on secured routes and avoid risky terrain, as search operations continue for any potential missing persons. In some areas, snow depth has reportedly exceeded two meters.

Italy has raised its alert level to the maximum, warning athletes, tourists, and local communities of the ongoing danger. 

The recent fatalities have intensified scrutiny over safety measures in the Alps as the region prepares for one of the most closely watched Winter Olympics in recent history.