On Sunday, rescuers found the bodies of five skiers near Zermatt, Switzerland, after climbers noticed abandoned skis on a perilous peak.
Tragic Loss: Five Skiers Found Dead Near Zermatt Resort
Tragic Loss: Five Skiers Found Dead Near Zermatt Resort
Five skiers were discovered deceased near Zermatt, prompting an investigation into their tragic accident.
The snow-draped slopes of Rimpfischhorn in the Valais Alps have become the site of a heartbreaking tragedy. Rescuers recovered the remains of five skiers on Sunday, a full day after emergency services were alerted by climbers who came across several pairs of skis left unattended near the mountain's summit.
The ski group was on a challenging expedition on Rimpfischhorn, which stands at 4,199 meters and is known for attracting adventurous enthusiasts. Following aerial and ground inspections, the bodies were located on the Adler Glacier, beneath the summit. According to the Valais local police, the victims were found at different elevations amidst avalanche debris close to the Swiss-Italian border.
Three of the deceased were situated in one location, with two more found on a narrow snow patch at a higher altitude. A fifth pair of skis later recovered during the search confirmed that the group comprised five members, although their identities remain undisclosed. An official investigation has been launched by the public prosecutor's office to discern the details surrounding this unfortunate incident.
Zermatt, recognized as a premier Alpine retreat, attracts a wealthy clientele of skiers from Britain and across Europe. However, the route to Rimpfischhorn demands a high level of skill, typically taking approximate five hours from the resort and necessitating an overnight stay at a mountain hut. Climbers generally must use various lifts to ascend to Blauherd, located at 2,570 meters.
In a separate occurrence, Air Zermatt was also engaged in a complex rescue operation on Friday night involving four climbers stranded on the Fiescherhörner due to dense fog and strong winds. An initial evacuation attempt was halted due to adverse weather conditions, but a second attempt just after midnight successfully brought all four climbers to safety.
The ski group was on a challenging expedition on Rimpfischhorn, which stands at 4,199 meters and is known for attracting adventurous enthusiasts. Following aerial and ground inspections, the bodies were located on the Adler Glacier, beneath the summit. According to the Valais local police, the victims were found at different elevations amidst avalanche debris close to the Swiss-Italian border.
Three of the deceased were situated in one location, with two more found on a narrow snow patch at a higher altitude. A fifth pair of skis later recovered during the search confirmed that the group comprised five members, although their identities remain undisclosed. An official investigation has been launched by the public prosecutor's office to discern the details surrounding this unfortunate incident.
Zermatt, recognized as a premier Alpine retreat, attracts a wealthy clientele of skiers from Britain and across Europe. However, the route to Rimpfischhorn demands a high level of skill, typically taking approximate five hours from the resort and necessitating an overnight stay at a mountain hut. Climbers generally must use various lifts to ascend to Blauherd, located at 2,570 meters.
In a separate occurrence, Air Zermatt was also engaged in a complex rescue operation on Friday night involving four climbers stranded on the Fiescherhörner due to dense fog and strong winds. An initial evacuation attempt was halted due to adverse weather conditions, but a second attempt just after midnight successfully brought all four climbers to safety.
