A devastating series of avalanches across Austria on Saturday has resulted in the deaths of eight skiers, according to local authorities. The tragic incidents, which occurred in separate locations, highlight the severe avalanche risk currently present in the region's mountains.
Three Separate Avalanche Incidents
The first fatal incident occurred in the Bad Hofgastein area in western Austria shortly after 12:30 p.m. on 18 January 2026. A female skier was fatally buried by an avalanche at an altitude of approximately 2,200 metres (7,200 feet).
Roughly ninety minutes later, a second avalanche struck in the nearby Gastein Valley, south of Salzburg. This event swept away seven individuals. Tragically, four were killed, two were seriously injured, and one person managed to escape unharmed.
Central Austria Claims Three Lives
In a third, unrelated event in the town of Pusterwald in central Austria, three Czech skiers lost their lives in an avalanche shortly before 4:30 p.m. Police confirmed that four of their companions were successfully evacuated to safety.
Authorities Issue Stern Warning
Gerhard Kremser, district head of the Pongau mountain rescue service, stated that the day's events painfully demonstrate the seriousness of the current avalanche situation. He emphasised that there had been clear and repeated warnings issued about the elevated danger.
The consecutive tragedies serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and deadly power of avalanches, even for experienced individuals enjoying popular ski regions. Mountain rescue services across Austria continue to stress the critical importance of heeding official avalanche warnings and exercising utmost caution on the slopes.
