Europe has experienced a deadly winter, with 88 ski-related deaths and a surge in avalanche incidents. Avalanches kill about 100 people in Europe each year, with vast masses of ice, snow, and rock regularly crashing down on hikers and skiers caught unawares.
Rising temperatures are forcing some ski resorts to close, while leaving others at greater risk of extreme weather. The structure of the snow, angle of the slope, and variation of the weather can dictate whether a gentle disturbance—like a gust of wind or the glide of a snowboard—can trigger a deadly shift in the mountain.
Climate change is altering snow conditions, making avalanches more unpredictable. Experts warn that as temperatures rise, the risk of avalanches may increase in certain areas, posing a greater threat to winter sports enthusiasts.
