Avalanche risk in Vorarlberg: Two alpinists spilled, drama on the slope!

Avalanche risk in Vorarlberg: Two alpinists spilled, drama on the slope!

in the Bludenz district in Vorarlberg, on April 2, 2025, a dramatic avalanche exit, in which two experienced alpinists were spilled. The alpinists were on the way from the Vermuntstausee over the Kromertal in the direction of the Lobturm when the avalanche loosened in the steep slope below the rock -well -served terrain. Another dangerous aspect of this region is the continuing snow conditions, which in the past few weeks often lead to critical avalanche warning levels.

The two climbers heard settlement noise in the snow cover during their ascent, which caused them to turn around. But it was already too late: a snowboard broke off and completely buried one of the men. The second alpinist was only buried 80 centimeters deep. In the decisive phase, the subsequent men immediately started looking for the spilled and were able to dig out the first man after about 15 minutes.

resuscitation measures and emergency services

After the successful recovery of the first alpinist, resuscitation measures were initiated immediately, which lasted until the emergency medical helicopters Gallus 1 and Robin 1. The condition of the saved man stabilized after the emergency medical care, which is why he was flown to the State Hospital Feldkirch. The treating doctor said optimistically, but emphasized that the outcome of the injuries was uncertain. The second spilled, on the other hand, only had to struggle with a slight hypothermia.

The operation was supported by several forces, including the Libelle police helicopter, the mountain rescue, the alpine police and a crisis intervention team. While this incident caused a sensation in Vorarlberg, another avalanche exit in the Gamspitzl area in Salzburg's Obertauern occurred on the same day, in which the Croatian ex-ski racer Ivica Kostelic was also spilled.

avalanche situation in Austria

The avalanche situation in Austria is worrying. Between February 3 and February 5, 2023, there were numerous avalanches with high activity, with eight people lost their lives. According to the alpine accident database of the Austrian Curatorium for Alpine Safety, most fatal accidents in Tyrol and Vorarlberg were documented. Experts warn that the avalanche warnings have to be perceived better in order to influence the behavior of winter sports enthusiasts. In Tyrol, for example, there is still considerable avalanche danger above 1,800 meters

The alpine police have also reported challenges due to the high number of avalanches. In order to increase security, it is recommended to act defensively at a high risk of avalanche and avoid alpine areas. The communication of the avalanche warnings should also be improved to ensure that the affected winter sports enthusiasts are adequately informed.

For safe moving in the mountains, risk management and situational understanding are essential. In view of the current weather conditions, it is more important than ever to be aware of the dangers and take appropriate precautions. Further information on the current avalanche situation can be found at 5min.at , and alpineSicherheit.at .