Another Two Ski Tourers Die in Swiss Avalanche
19th May 2025
Last modified on May 21st, 2025
Details have been released of two further ski deaths in Switzerland. It follows a separate accident on the Eiger that we have already posted on. UPDATED
In the latest accident the two ski mountaineers were caught in an avalanche while ascending the Alphubel, a 4,206m peak in the Swiss canton of Valais.
The accident occurred last Saturday at 4,165m in the area known as the “ice nose” above the Täschhütte, a popular base for backcountry ski tours in the region.
The pair had set out early that morning from the Täschhütte, aiming to summit the Alphubel, a glaciated peak in the Mischabel range between Täsch and Saas-Fee.
A slab avalanche broke loose, sweeping both skiers down the mountain.
Despite the deployment of Air Zermatt rescue teams, avalanche dog handlers, and specialists from the Cantonal Valais Rescue Organisation, both individuals were found dead.
Formal identification of the victims is still underway, and the public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the incident.
Saas-Fee, Switzerland. Image c/o PlanetSKI
It follows the accident on the Eiger that happened on Saturday at 1.45pm.
Seven people were buried, and one person escaped the avalanche.
“One man died at the scene, and a second man, who was resuscitated on the scene, died shortly thereafter in the hospital,” said a police statement.
“Four other men and one woman were flown to hospitals with injuries.”
One of the deceased was Eliot Dänzer, a professional snowboarder who competed on the FWT Challenger series and finished 3rd overall this past season.
Nendaz Freeride, a competition Dänzer won earlier this season, and the Freeride World Tour, FWT, both posted tributes to Dänzer.
“It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of our dear Eliot Dänzer, who was swept away this Saturday in an avalanche on The Eiger.
“Eliot was part of the great freeride family.
“A talented, humble and passionate rider, he embodied the values of our community: commitment, friendship, freedom, and respect for the mountain.
“Our heartfelt thoughts go out to his sweetheart Eva, his family, his loved ones, and all those who were lucky enough to share a trace, a smile or a line with him.
“Thank you for all the good times we had with you Eliot.
“Ride in peace.”
The incident led to a huge operation involving Swiss Alpine Rescue, mountain specialists, various departments of the Bernese cantonal police, two avalanche dogs, multiple helicopters and a cantonal care team.
The avalanche fell above the ski area of Wengen and Grindenwald, not far from the train station at Kleine Scheidegg.
The police said that the five injured individuals include one Belgian and four Swiss citizens, all of whom live in Switzerland.
Ten people died in avalanches in the Swiss Alps last winter before the latest incidents, according to the Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research, SLF.
This was below the average for the past 20 years:
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