Swiss authorities have confirmed the discovery of the remains of five skiers who had been reported missing in the Alps.
Efforts by local authorities persist as they continue their search for a sixth individual amidst the ongoing rescue operation initiated near the towering Tete Blanche mountain, standing at 3,706 meters, following the disappearance of the group.
Setting out from Zermatt, celebrated as the gateway to the Matterhorn, the skiers embarked on a memorable ski journey towards Arolla along the captivating Swiss-Italian border.
In a report from the Swiss Valais canton police, it was stated that five out of the six skiers were located at 21:20 local time (20:20 GMT) “without any signs of life.” Prior communications from authorities to the journalists had mentioned that all the skiers were Swiss citizens, with ages ranging from 21 to 58 years old.
The local police department confirmed that teams on both sides of the route had been alerted, but the ongoing operation was facing challenges due to severe weather conditions.
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Prolonged high winds in the Alps for several days, along with heavy snowfall within the past 24 hours, have compounded the difficulties. Furthermore, access to the neighboring winter resort of Saas-Fee, close to Zermatt, is currently blocked by snow.
The route from Zermatt to Arolla is part of the famous 120km (75 miles) “Haute Route” from Zermatt to Chamonix. It is very popular, but suitable only for the most experienced skiers, and can take several days.
Anjan Truffer, at the helm of Zermatt’s air rescue unit, informed the journalists that flying was out of the question due to the adverse weather conditions, highlighting the perilous combination of powerful winds, relentless snowfall, elevated avalanche hazards, and total absence of visibility.
Mr. Truffer suggested that the group’s disappearance could be attributed to the harsh weather conditions rather than an avalanche, noting that they vanished along a section of the Zermatt Arolla route with a minimal risk of avalanches.
Mr. Truffer clarified that the group’s last signal, recorded overnight, wasn’t conveyed through speech, yet it served as a vital clue for rescue services to roughly pinpoint their position.
As part of the iconic 120km (75 miles) “Haute Route” linking Zermatt to Chamonix, the journey from Zermatt to Arolla enjoys widespread popularity. Nevertheless, it’s reserved for adept skiers and typically extends over several days.