Local Austrian media are reporting the death of a 16 year old Australian skier in an avalanche in St Anton am Arlberg yesterday.
Media revealed today that Austrian police have reported that a 16 year old Australian skier has tragically died in an avalanche in St Anton on Wednesday local time while skiing with his family. Bringing the death toll for weather related events in the past week in Europe to 15.
Austria has had mammoth snowfall over the past two weeks with up to four metres reported. Avalanche danger has, in some parts, been extreme and one resort was evacuated due to avalanche fears.
The devastating avalanche event was originally reported by local newspaper, Tiroler Tageszeitung. The article’s English translation reported that a family of four including a 16 year old and 14 year old were skiing off piste when they found themselves in difficult terrain and called for help.
While waiting for help, the mother and eldest son were caught in an avalanche, with the son completely buried. Mountain rescue services were on the scene but unable to revive the young man.
UPDATE: The Sydney Morning Herald revealed the 16 year old was a student at Sydney’s International Grammar School.
This is gutting news for our snow community and our thoughts are with the family.
