lipflip – Rescue teams in Switzerland have recovered the bodies of five skiers who went missing near the Rimpfischhorn peak, close to the luxury resort of Zermatt. The skiers had embarked on a high-altitude expedition on the 4,199-metre mountain in the Valais Alps, a region straddling the Swiss-Italian border. Their deaths are believed to be linked to an avalanche that struck during their ascent.
Authorities launched an intensive search after climbers reported several pairs of skis abandoned near the summit. Aerial surveillance and ground crews later located the bodies scattered on avalanche debris across the Adler Glacier. The victims were found at different elevations, with three bodies discovered in one location and two more higher up on a narrow snow-covered ledge.
Air Zermatt, which led the aerial operations, confirmed the find and stated that a fifth set of skis was also recovered, indicating all five had been traveling together. The group had not checked in or been heard from since setting off for the climb. The Valais local police confirmed that the public prosecutor has opened a formal investigation to determine the precise cause and circumstances of the tragic accident.
Read More : King Visits Canada Amid Rising Tensions with Trump
Climbing Route to Rimpfischhorn Demands Advanced Skills and Overnight Preparation
The Rimpfischhorn, rising to 4,199 metres, is a popular but demanding destination for experienced alpinists. The most common ascent route begins from Zermatt and involves a combination of cable car lifts and strenuous hiking. Climbers typically begin by ascending to Blauherd at 2,570 metres via lift, then continue on foot to one of the region’s high-altitude huts for an overnight stay before attempting the summit.
Multiple approaches to the peak exist, but all require mountaineering expertise and appropriate gear. The final push to the summit involves negotiating glacial terrain, steep snowfields, and narrow ridgelines. The remote and exposed nature of the climb means any change in weather can become dangerous quickly. Authorities have not yet confirmed which route the skiers used.
Officials believe an avalanche may have caught the group off-guard, possibly triggered by natural causes or unstable snowpack. Rapidly changing snow conditions in the region, especially during spring, increase the risk of avalanches as rising temperatures weaken the snowpack.
Avalanche Risk Remains High in Alpine Spring Season
Late spring poses a significant risk for avalanches in the Alps. Rising temperatures cause melting during the day and refreezing at night, which destabilizes the snowpack. These fluctuations can create dangerous layers within the snow, leading to unexpected slides. Skiers and climbers are advised to check avalanche bulletins and local advisories before heading into the mountains.
The precise time and cause of the avalanche that struck the group near Rimpfischhorn remain under investigation. However, the discovery of avalanche debris and the location of the bodies suggest a significant slide occurred. Officials are working with mountain safety experts to reconstruct the timeline and environmental factors leading up to the incident.
Mountain guides familiar with the Rimpfischhorn have noted that while it is not the most technically difficult peak, its remoteness and exposure make it hazardous under poor conditions. Weather patterns in the high Alps can shift rapidly, and navigation on glacial terrain requires constant vigilance and advanced planning.
Search Teams Face Difficult Conditions During Recovery Operations
The recovery mission unfolded under challenging circumstances due to the high altitude and rugged terrain of the Adler Glacier. Air Zermatt coordinated helicopter sweeps while ground teams ascended on foot to reach debris fields spotted from the air. The altitude, steep inclines, and soft spring snow slowed progress and increased risk for rescuers.
Rescue officials confirmed that teams found the five skiers in two separate areas, suggesting the avalanche may have swept them apart or that they had become spaced out. The teams carefully planned the recovery efforts to ensure their safety, especially in unstable zones prone to further slides.
Another group of climbers reported the unattended skis, triggering the search and prompting emergency services to mobilize immediately. Finding all five pairs of skis helped confirm the size of the missing party and guided the search patterns.
Authorities have not yet released the victims’ names. They are conducting identification procedures and notifying the families. Officials have transported the bodies to Zermatt for further examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
Separate Rescue on Fiescherhörner Highlights Weekend Dangers
In an unrelated incident on the same weekend, Air Zermatt carried out a complex night-time rescue of four alpinists stranded on the Fiescherhörner. The group had become trapped due to thick fog and strong winds that made descent impossible. An initial attempt to reach them failed as conditions worsened, forcing the rescue team to retreat.
A second rescue operation began shortly after midnight and was successful. All four climbers were airlifted to safety and reported in stable condition. This operation underlined the inherent risks of alpine climbing, particularly when weather conditions deteriorate rapidly.
The dual incidents over the weekend have renewed calls for increased caution among mountaineers heading into high-altitude areas during spring. Experts are urging climbers to closely monitor forecasts, carry avalanche safety equipment, and inform local authorities of their intended routes and return times.
Authorities in the Valais canton are continuing both investigations. They aim to learn more about how the accidents occurred and how future tragedies might be prevented in the increasingly popular but perilous high alpine regions.