Another Avalanche Death in the Alps
16th March 2026
Last modified on March 18th, 2026
In the latest incident a 20‑year‑old Polish skier has died in Italy. It brings the annual death toll to 128. The annual average is around 100. UPDATED
He was skiing just to the side of the piste with his 19-year old brother in the Presena Glacier, near the Tonale Pass.
He was caught in a slab avalanche that carried him down a narrow gully beside the official run, according to the Trentino Alpine and Speleological Rescue Service, CNSAS.
His brother, who was unharmed, desperately began trying to dig him out.
“When rescuers arrived, the victim’s brother had already managed to find him and clear his airway, but it was immediately clear that the boy was in very serious condition,” local councilor Andrea Zampatti told La Republica newspaper.
Rescuers performed CPR before he was airlifted to Santa Chiara Hospital in Trento.
He died shortly after arrival in hospital.
It comes after the heavy snow at the weekend that was accompanied by strong winds.
On Sunday one person died near La Grave in the southern French Alps with another person injured in the same side.
The pair was ski touring
The injured man is being treated for serious injuries in hospital in Grenoble.
In the south of Switzerland on Sunday there was a Level 4 risk (high).
On Monday it was lowered to Level 3, the same as much of the rest of the Swiss Alps.
Avalanche danger in Switzerland on Monday 16th March. Image c/o Swiss Avalanche Institute.
More than 1m of snow fell in places in Switzerland last weekend with some roads closed.
Parts of the French Alps were also on a Level 3 alert meaning there was ‘considerable’ risk.
A ski tourer was dug out of an avalanche near Le Grand Bornand on Sunday.
A number of others were caught but managed to free themselves.
“Here in Morzine there is ‘considerable’ risk but the temperatures are high with the snow off piste wet and heavy, so few people are venturing away from the marked runs,” said PlanetSKI’s James Cove on Monday.
Morzine, France, 16th March 2026. Image © PlanetSKI
On Wednesday the risk has dropped to Level 2.
The total number of fatalities so far this year is above the annual average, but within the expected range in a dangerous winter.
The average is 104 deaths, but this season there have been 128 so far.
French Alps. 16th March 2026. Image © PlanetSKI
The authorities are urging caution off piste and advising people to wait until the snow settles and the risk drops.
Avalanche sign. Image © PlanetSKI
PlanetSKI: Number 1 for digital ski news
Your digital platform for ski news, resort information, travel, equipment rental, sport, money saving deals and everything connected with snowsports – web site, social media & more.
