Record-setting wave of mountain deaths rocks Italy after avalanches strike

In Italy, at least a dozen people died in mountain accidents during the past week, coinciding with the start of the Winter Olympics. Eleven of the deaths were attributed to avalanches caused by unstable snow conditions on backcountry slopes, with the passage of a single person being enough to trigger them. The affected areas include Valtellina, Trentino, South Tyrol, the Marmolada glacier, the Apennine range, and Valle d’Aosta. Authorities warned of unpredictable conditions due to weak layers of fresh snow, but emphasized that Olympic venues and managed ski resorts remain safe. Recent snowstorms have attracted more visitors to the slopes, contributing to the increased number of accidents.

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