5 German Climbers Are Killed by Avalanche in Italian Alps

An early-season avalanche swept two climbing parties near Cima Vertana in northern Italy on Saturday, killing five German mountaineers. Three died in one group; in the other, two survived while a man and his 17-year-old daughter were found Sunday in a gully. Rescuers deployed immediately but paused overnight. Darkness and fog grounded helicopters early Sunday before teams and avalanche dogs were dropped at altitude to continue on foot. European Avalanche Warning Services counted at least 11 avalanche deaths in Italy this 2024-25 winter, and a 2024 study found about 100 annually across the Alps.