A "warning" has been issued after three people were killed near the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Three people were killed in avalanches near the Winter Olympics in Italy. One person was killed after two avalanches hit the Marmolada area in the Dolomites, which is not far from Cortina d’Ampezzo, where the women’s alpine skiing is taking place. Two others were killed after an avalanche hit Albosaggia, a village in the lower Valtellina valley, close to where the men’s alpine is taking place.
A potential fourth victim could be dead, as well.
“The Alpine rescue service said it had no confirmation yet of a potential fourth victim in Trentino Alto Adige, where local media have reported that a man injured in an earlier avalanche died in hospital,” the report states.
“Heavy snowfall in the Alps in recent days has caused several avalanches. Earlier this week, another avalanche in the Trentino Alto Adige region killed two Finnish skiers.”
In the wake of the tragic accidents, a warning has been issued, letting everyone know about avalanches and how to be safe:
- Avalanches are possible when you have snow on a slope steeper than about 30 degrees.
- Most avalanches happen during or soon after a big snowstorm, period of strong winds, or during a thaw (rapid increase in temperature).
- Signs of higher avalanche danger include recent avalanches, cracking in the snow, and audible collapsing. Avoid traveling on or under similar slopes.
"Avalanches are possible any time you have snow on a slope. The best thing you can do before you head into the mountains is check the avalanche forecast," the alert reads.
Stay safe out there, everyone.