The bodies of five missing skiers were discovered in the Swiss Alps on Sunday evening, with one person still missing. The group, which included five members of the same family, had went on a ski tour from Zermatt on Saturday morning.
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The skiers were reported missing in the Tête Blanche region, a high-altitude pass between Zermatt and Arolla.
The extensive search and rescue efforts was going on in the severe weather conditions, including storms and avalanche risks. According to authorities the deceased skiers ranged in age from 21 to 58 years old.
The family members hailed from the Valais canton, while the sixth individual belonged to the canton of Fribourg. Their identities have not been disclosed to the public.
Five cross-country skiers, including five members of the same family, were reported missing in the Swiss Alps. The group departed from Zermatt, a popular ski destination, on Saturday morning planning to reach Arolla.
Five bodies were discovered on Sunday evening near the Tête Blanche pass, while one skier remains missing.
The skiers were aged between 21 and 58, and while five were from Valais canton, one was from the canton of Fribourg.
The alarm was raised by a family member when the skiers failed to arrive in Arolla as planned. Poor weather conditions, including a storm and high avalanche risks, hampered rescue efforts.
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Helicopters and rescue teams were unable to approach the area initially, forcing rescuers to attempt an overland approach from Zermatt. A team eventually located the bodies on Sunday evening.
Severe weather conditions including strong winds, heavy snowfall, and zero visibility, hindered rescue operations. The Swiss Alps experienced high winds and heavy snowfall for several days leading up to the incident.
While the exact cause of the incident remains unclear, authorities speculate that the group may have been overcome by the weather conditions rather than being struck by an avalanche.
The route they were on typically has a low risk of avalanches, suggesting weather-related factors played a role.
Specialized units of the Cantonal Police, including mountain groups and technical officers, along with the Swiss Air Force, were involved in the rescue operation.
Search efforts continue for the remaining missing skier. A press conference is scheduled in Sion, the canton capital, to provide further updates on the situation.
Zermatt is renowned for its skiing and mountaineering opportunities, attracting tourists from around the world.
The Zermatt-Arolla hiking route, where the incident occurred, is part of the famous Haute Route trail between Chamonix, France, and Zermatt, Switzerland.
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