Urgent Search for Six Skiers Near Zermatt in Swiss Alps Amid Harsh Weather
In a dramatic search operation unfolding in the Swiss Alps, authorities are racing against time to locate six skiers, including five members of a single family. They disappeared while on a ski tour along the treacherous Zermatt-Arolla route near the Tête Blanche mountain.
[update: 11 March 2024 Five bodies have been found as the search continues for the sixth member of the party]
This area, known for its scenic yet challenging ski paths, is being battered by severe weather, complicating rescue efforts. The missing group, aged between 21 and 58, embarked on their journey from Zermatt, a renowned ski resort. The volatile conditions, characterized by a raging storm and high avalanche risks, highlight the inherent dangers of alpine skiing in this region, which is famous for its proximity to the iconic Matterhorn.
Anjan Truffer, the head of Zermatt's air rescue service, said that the weather was so bad that "flying is not an option", with "very strong winds, heavy snow, high avalanche danger, and zero visibility".
The group was doing a route from Zermatt to Arolla, which is part of the famous 120km (75 miles) "Haute Route" from Zermatt to Chamonix. The region is known for its challenging navigation in low visibility conditions, which has resulted in fatalities among even the most skilled skiers and climbers. Around five years ago, a severe storm caused two ski touring groups, totalling 14 individuals, to lose their way on dangerous terrain, leading to a disastrous outcome. Rescuers laboured for nearly 21 exhaustive hours to reach the lost parties.
The incident claimed the lives of seven individuals, and the survivors were rescued with injuries of differing severity.
The current weather for Zermatt shows over 75 cm of fresh snow forecast, which will hamper rescue efforts. These conditions will persist throughout Sunday (10th) and into the evening. Clearer conditions will arrive in the early hours of Monday morning.
Monday 11th March 2024
This current image from the Zermatt webcam shows that fine weather has returned, along with the news that bodies have been found in the search for the missing party.
