An off-trail avalanche claimed the lives of two skiers and injured another on Sunday, February 15, 2026, on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif, which lies near the borders with France and Switzerland. This tragic incident occurred in the Couloir Vesses, a popular freeride route located in Courmayeur, within the upper Val Veny area. The details were confirmed by Italy's Alpine Rescue agency.
According to the reports, three skiers were caught in the avalanche that struck on Sunday morning. One of the victims, who was initially reported to be in serious condition, succumbed to the injuries sustained during the incident. Rescue operations were extensive, involving 15 rescuers, three canine units, and two helicopters to aid in search and rescue efforts in the treacherous conditions.
Courmayeur, a picturesque town with approximately 2,900 inhabitants, is situated around 200 kilometers (124 miles) northwest of Milan. This town is notable as one of the venues for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which draw attention to the region’s vast winter sports opportunities.
In a separate incident in Trentino, another skier was reported to have been partially buried by an avalanche but was rescued by his companions before serious injury could occur. This highlights the precarious conditions faced by skiers in the Italian Alps, particularly during this season.
A troubling pattern has emerged in the region's mountains, as authorities noted that a record 13 backcountry skiers, climbers, and hikers lost their lives over a week ending February 8. Among these fatalities, 10 were particularly tragic, occurring in avalanche incidents triggered by an exceptionally unstable snowpack. This situation has raised alarms about the safety of winter sports enthusiasts in the area.
The perilous conditions have been exacerbated by recent snowfall and the presence of wind-swept snowcaps that have created weak internal layers within the snowpack. These factors have contributed to heightened avalanche risks throughout the entirety of the Alpine crescent that borders France, Switzerland, and Austria. The Alpine Rescue agency has issued warnings advising winter sports participants to exercise extreme caution as the winter season progresses.
This situation underlines the inherent dangers involved in off-trail skiing and the necessity for safety measures in high-risk avalanche zones. The tragic events serve as a sobering reminder for all outdoor enthusiasts to stay informed about current conditions and to prioritize safety during mountain excursions. Through increased awareness and preparedness, the hope is to prevent further casualties in the challenging and unpredictable environment of the Italian Alps.
