Vienna, Austria — April 7, 2026

At least 135 people have died in avalanches across the European Alps and other mountain ranges since October, marking the deadliest winter season in years.

## Widespread Impact Across Alpine Regions The fatalities were recorded across multiple countries, with Italy, Austria, France, and Germany’s Bavaria region among the hardest hit. The Ortler Mountains in South Tyrol, Italy, saw particularly severe incidents, according to data corroborated by two independent sources. The European Avalanche Warning Service noted the unusually high toll, which surpasses recent seasonal averages.

Austria’s APA news agency reported that the death toll includes both locals and tourists caught in sudden snowslides. France’s mountainous regions also experienced significant losses, with rescue teams frequently deployed to remote areas. The Bavarian Alps, a popular destination for winter sports, recorded multiple fatal incidents despite advanced warning systems.

## Unstable Snowpack and Climate Factors Experts attribute the spike in fatalities to a combination of heavy snowfall early in the season followed by rapid temperature fluctuations, creating unstable snowpack conditions. The European Avalanche Warning Service emphasized that these conditions increased the risk of spontaneous avalanches, even on slopes that appeared safe.

Italy’s South Tyrol region, where the Ortler range is located, faced repeated warnings throughout the winter. Local authorities had issued advisories urging caution, particularly for backcountry skiers and hikers. However, the sheer volume of snow and changing weather patterns made risk assessment challenging.

The death toll underscores the growing unpredictability of alpine winters, with climate change increasingly cited as a contributing factor. While avalanche prevention measures have improved in recent decades, the scale of this season’s disasters highlights the limits of current technology in extreme conditions.

No further details about individual incidents or victim identities were provided in the verified reports. Rescue operations and risk assessments remain ongoing as spring temperatures rise, potentially triggering additional avalanches in vulnerable areas.