Industry News
What began as a celebration of alpine speed and tradition ended in tragedy on Saturday, April 12, when two separate serious accidents during the Allalin Races left one skier dead, another critically injured, and a third participant also hospitalized after a collision. According to the Cantonal Police of Valais, the first accident occurred at 9:40 a.m., when a 26-year-old Swiss skier veered off course near “Untere Ritzi” and suffered life-threatening injuries. After receiving emergency medical care on the mountain, he was transported by Air Zermatt helicopter to a hospital in Sion.
Less than two hours later, a second, fatal incident took place during the same race. Two competitors collided for reasons still under investigation. One of the skiers, an 18-year-old Swiss national, died on the scene. The second was airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries.
The Allalin Races—known locally as the “Allalin-Rennen”—are among the most iconic ski mountaineering events in Switzerland, drawing hundreds of amateur and semi-professional skiers to the glacier slopes of Saas-Fee each spring. Participants launch from over 3,500 meters (11,400 feet) above sea level and descend at high speeds toward the valley floor, in what is considered one of the highest and longest glacier races in Europe. The race has been held annually since the 1940s and is cherished not only for its athletic prestige but also as a local tradition that marks the end of the ski season.
In light of the tragic events, race organizers announced the immediate cancellation of the remainder of the event. A statement posted Sunday read: “Due to a tragic incident, the Allalin races from yesterday, Saturday, April 12, were canceled. Our thoughts are with the relatives and friends.”
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched a formal investigation into both accidents. Emergency responders from the Cantonal Police, the Valais Rescue Organization, ski patrol from the Saas Valley lift company, and medical personnel from Air Zermatt and Air-Glaciers were all involved in the response.
Separately on the same day, another fatal skiing accident occurred around noon in the 4 Vallées area near Siviez (Nendaz). A 64-year-old Danish skier fell while skiing near the Chassoure Pass and sustained critical injuries. He was also flown to Sion Hospital, where he died later that afternoon.
With snow sports season winding down across the Alps, the accidents have cast a somber shadow over what is typically a festive closing chapter for mountain communities. As glacial races like the Allalin continue to gain popularity, safety procedures and race protocols may now come under greater scrutiny. Officials and locals alike are now left to mourn, reflect, and determine what changes—if any—should be made before racers return to the high alpine slopes next spring.
