A major search operation is underway at one of Austria’s largest ski resorts this morning after multiple skiers were swept away in a huge avalanche.
The avalanche struck at around 9.30am this morning in open terrain near the Daunscharte pass, an area outside the marked pistes, on the Stubai Glacier, according to officials.
Several skiers were on this off-piste area, which police have said triggered the avalanche. A lower section of piste 9 at the resort was also hit by the avalanche and closed immediately.
Local media has reported that at least nine people who were partially buried in snow have since been rescued, with three of them being airlifted to hospital.
It is not currently known how serious the injuries they suffered were. The ski resort operator told local media that several avalanche airbags, equipment that can help wearers float to the top of a snowdrift, were seen being deployed
A large-scale search and rescue operation is now underway to locate further victims of the snowslide, which happened as several groups of skiers were on the pass.
At least two medical helicopters were sent to the scene to assist the injured skiers, while a police chopper joined them to allow authorities to investigate the matter.
Mountain rescue teams from the nearby towns of Neustift im Stubai and Sölden were also sent to assist, along with search dogs.
The avalanche struck at around 9.30am this morning in open terrain near the Daunscharte pass, an area outside the marked pistes, on the Stubai Glacier
Rescuers are searching a huge stretch of avalanche debris on the Stubai Glacier in Austria (pictured) after several skiers were swept away and buried under snow
A stock image of an earlier incident. The avalanche struck around 9.30am this morning
These rescuers are also being supported by soldiers from Germany, as well as mountain rescue teams from Poland.
The area saw heavy snowfall in recent days, as well as high winds. This combination resulted in more than two feet of fresh snow sat atop the area.
But despite the heavy weather, the avalanche happened just one day before the regional avalanche warning service was scheduled to resume.
The Stubai Glacier is the largest glacial ski resort in Austria, and is roughly 50 minutes from the capital, Innsbruck. Pistes start at nearly 10,500ft above sea level.
The resort only opened up for the 2025/26 ski season early last month.
This is a breaking news story with more to come
