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7 Skiers Caught, 2 Killed by Large Avalanche

Originally posted on Powder | By Izzy Lidsky | Last updated May 19, 2025 2:47 PM ET

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, a large avalanche on the western side of Switzerland's Eiger caught and carried seven people. Five of the skiers were injured and two died in the accident.

At 1:45 p.m., the Bern Cantonal Police received reports of an avalanche on the Eiger. Emergency services including members of the Swiss Alpine Rescue, members of the Bern Cantonal Police, two avalanche rescue dogs, three Rega helicopter teams, four Air-Glaciers helicopters, and a Swiss Helicopter were dispatched to the area.

Five of the skiers were injured critically and flown to a nearby hospital. One of the deceased skiers died on scene, the other was resuscitated on site but died later at the hospital. Both of the deceased were Swiss citizens, aged 21 and 30.

The Bernese Oberland Regional Public Prosecutors Office is conducting further investigations.

The avalanche occurred above the Grindenwald-Wengen ski area and was triggered by falling ice.

While high-altitude areas in the Alps still hold enough snow to ski in May, warming temperatures often cause falling ice and avalanches. A serac fall triggered another avalanche in the Mont Blanc area on Thursday, May 15, but no one was injured.

POWDER extends our deepest condolences to the friends and family of the deceased and all those affected by the tragedy.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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