High Number of Ski Tourer Deaths in Swiss Alps

1st April 2025

There were 28 fatal accidents last winter, the highest number of deaths in five years.

The number of emergencies in the Swiss Alps also rose slightly according to the mountain emergency statistics of the Swiss Alpine Club.

Off-piste skiing accounts for 85% of fatal winter sports accidents.

The winter of 2023/24 saw an above-average amount of snow at higher altitudes, while lower regions remained saw less snow.

The better snow conditions than in the previous year led to increased activity in snow sports, which was reflected in the number of emergencies, according to the Swiss Alpine Club, SAC.

3,570 people needed assistance.

Although the number was slightly higher than the previous year, it was also slightly lower than the figures for 2021 and 2022.

111 people lost their lives in 93 accidents – half were foreigners.

Last summer, 36 people also lost their lives while hiking in the mountains.

According to SAC, this was the lowest number in ten years.

Blue skies and gentle touring. Image © PlanetSKI.