Two skiers lost their lives in an avalanche in the Italian Alps on Saturday, close to venues planned for the 2026 Winter Olympics. A third skier sustained injuries in the incident on Alpe Meriggio in Valtellina. Local authorities reported high avalanche risks in the area at the time.
The avalanche struck in the early afternoon, trapping three skiers under snow on Alpe Meriggio, a location in the Valtellina region of Italy. Fire and rescue officials responded promptly, with a helicopter aiding in the extraction of one buried skier, who was later pronounced dead. The other two victims also succumbed to their injuries, while the survivor received medical attention for wounds sustained.
According to AINEVA, Italy's association for snow and avalanche risks, the danger level in the area was very high during the incident. This event occurred amid preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics, for which Valtellina serves as a key hub. Nearby, Bormio, about 40 miles from the site, will host men's alpine skiing and ski mountaineering events. Livigno, roughly 60 miles away, is slated to feature freestyle skiing and snowboarding competitions, as confirmed by valley officials.
Italy's firefighting service, Vigili del Fuoco, released footage capturing the rescue efforts, highlighting the challenges faced by responders in the rugged terrain. The tragedy underscores the inherent dangers of winter sports in alpine environments, particularly in regions gearing up for major international events like the Olympics.
