Avalanches kill multiple people in Austrian ski regions after heavy snowfall
Feb 22nd 2026
Intense snowfall, strong winds and weak snowpack led to dozens of avalanches in Tirol and Vorarlberg, killing several people and prompting large mountain rescue operations.
- At least five people were killed on Friday and authorities said 11 people have died in avalanches this month.
- Up to 1.5 metres of new snow, strong winds and a weak underlying snowpack made slopes highly prone to avalanches.
- A nearly 450 metre wide avalanche at St Anton am Arlberg caught five off-piste skiers at about 2,000 metres, with bodies recovered and another skier later dying in hospital.
- A separate avalanche in Nauders-Bergkastel killed a 42-year-old German man and injured his 16-year-old son, who survived and called for help.
- In Klösterle in Vorarlberg a 39-year-old Swiss snowboarder was killed in an off-piste avalanche.
- Dozens of mountain rescue teams, ambulances, fire crews and dog squads were deployed and authorities warned people to avoid off-piste areas as turbulent weather continues.