Skier dies in Tyrol avalanche

A group of four skiers were skiing off piste when they were hit and swept away by the avalanche. Two of the group escaped with no injuries but are currently receiving counselling.

The Nauders ski lifts were closed on Friday because of strong winds, but employees reported seeing the group of four heading off piste towards Valdafur.

Police said the avalanche struck at around 1.30pm and that two of the skiers were completely buried by the snow. By the time a rescue team reached them it was too late to save the life of the victim.

Skiers and snowboarders are advised to check local avalanche forecasts before venturing off piste, and to pay attention to recent weather and avoid avalanche terrain within 24 hours of a storm that brings 30 centimetres or more of fresh snow, which is when slides are most common.