Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 9, 2026
1 min readLast updated: February 9, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleItaly's Alpine rescue service warns of avalanche risks after 11 deaths in a week. Skiers should exercise caution and check bulletins.
MILAN, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Italy's Alpine rescue service on Monday urged "maximum caution" after avalanches claimed 11 lives in seven days, as exceptionally unstable snow conditions threaten large parts of the Alps.
The latest victim was a 70-year-old hiker, who was found dead overnight in the Veneto region of the country, which is hosting the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in the Alps from February 6-22.
Italy's rescue service said the risk of avalanches was present across most of the Alpine range from west to east.
With fresh snow accumulating on older and unstable layers, even the movement of a single skier can trigger an avalanche, the rescue service said in a statement.
These conditions make it difficult even for expert off-piste skiers to identify safe routes, it warned.
The rescuers urged anyone heading into snowy terrain to study avalanche bulletins carefully, plan their routes conservatively and ensure they carry standard rescue equipment.
It also advised considering postponing outings until the snowpack had stabilised naturally.
(Reporting by Claudia Cristoferi, editing by Alvise Armellini and Anil D'Silva)
An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down a slope, often triggered by factors such as weather conditions, terrain, and human activity. Avalanches can be dangerous and cause fatalities.
Avalanche risk refers to the likelihood of an avalanche occurring in a specific area, influenced by factors like snow conditions, weather, and terrain. It is crucial for outdoor enthusiasts to assess this risk.
Off-piste skiing refers to skiing on unmarked and unpatrolled areas outside of designated ski runs. This can be riskier due to potential hazards like avalanches.
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