A tragic avalanche near Pizzo Meriggio in the municipality of Albosaggia, Italy, has claimed the lives of two skiers, with a third rescued after a major emergency response. The incident occurred off-piste, away from marked slopes, in the central Orobie Alps of Valtellina.
Three helicopters were scrambled to the scene—one from the Regional Health Service, one from the Guardia di Finanza, and one from the Fire Brigade—as rescuers battled harsh conditions. Medical teams airlifted to the area quickly reached two skiers, but both were confirmed dead. The third skier was later found buried under snow and extracted by the Fire Brigade's SAF unit, flown in aboard a Drago 150 helicopter.
The third skier was rushed to hospital. The Drago 150 helicopter is currently stationed in Livigno during the Olympic period. Pizzo Meriggio, located opposite the entrance to Valmalenco, is accessible via several trails. Albosaggia, in the province of Sondrio, is known for its broadleaf woodland starting at around 1,200 metres above sea level.
