Fatal Avalanche in St.Anton - 18th December 2012

A group of Russian skiers ventured into steep terrain.

Local police believe the group became disorientated in snow and wind, with very poor visibility. They got into a 45° steep, very narrow channel system and it appears that one member became separated from the group and triggered an avalanche in one of the chutes.

The alarm was raised at the bottom and the victim was eventually found 1.7m below the surface, in a gully. He had apparently deployed his airbag but to no avail.

A report (in German) is here - is here.