Authorities in the Swiss Alps have confirmed the discovery of the bodies of five skiers who went missing near the Tete Blanche mountain. The search for the sixth person is still ongoing.
The group had embarked on a ski tour from Zermatt towards Arolla along the Swiss-Italian border. They were reported missing, prompting a large-scale search and rescue effort.
The bodies of five skiers, all Swiss nationals aged between 21 and 58, were found without signs of life late in the evening.
Severe weather conditions, including high winds and heavy snowfall, have hindered rescue operations. Saas-Fee, a neighboring winter resort, is currently inaccessible due to snow.
Anjan Truffer, head of Zermatt’s air rescue service, stated that flying was not feasible due to the adverse weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy snow, and poor visibility.
Truffer suggested that the group may have been affected by the harsh weather rather than an avalanche, as they disappeared from an area with a low risk of avalanches.
Ski tours like the one undertaken by the group typically involve unprepared alpine routes and are equipped with location finders and avalanche shovels.
The last signal from the group was recorded overnight, providing a rough indication of their location.
The Zermatt to Arolla route forms part of the renowned 120km “Haute Route” from Zermatt to Chamonix, reserved for experienced skiers and can span several days.
Source-BBC
