Avalanche
Two cross-country skiers were caught in an avalanche on Sunday afternoon, January 26, near St. Moritz, Switzerland. The rare incident ocured on the cross-country trail near Isola along Lake Sils which is situated just below the Corvatsch ski area. Corvatsch is one of several ski areas in the Engadin Ski Area which joined the IKON pass this season. The incident highlights the risks that avalanches can pose even to non-alpine winter sports enthusiasts.
According to the Graubünden cantonal police, the avalanche occurred around 2:45 p.m., covering a cross-country ski trail. A 63-year-old woman was completely buried under the snow, while her 59-year-old sister was partially buried. A snow groomer driver passing through the area noticed the avalanche and immediately alerted authorities. Acting quickly, the driver, alongside other nearby hikers and cross-country skiers, managed to rescue both women from the snow masses.
Emergency responders, including a Rega helicopter crew, an avalanche search dog team from the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), and specialists from Heli Bernina AG, were dispatched to the scene. The two women were flown to the nearby hospital in Samedan for medical evaluations. Their conditions have not been publicly disclosed, but they were reportedly responsive during their rescue.
The avalanche’s circumstances are under investigation, with support from the WLS Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, known for its expertise in avalanche science.
Avalanches involving cross-country skiers are rare due to the typically flat or gently sloped terrain used for these trails. Most avalanche incidents occur in steeper, off-piste areas frequented by alpine skiers, snowboarders, or mountaineers. However, avalanches can slide on rare occasions onto groomed runs and even cross-country trails. The most recent documented avalanche that buried cross-country skiers happened in February 2022 in Goms, Switzerland, where both skiers were partially buried, but escaped with just minor injuries.
Sunday’s avalanche occurred in the Maloja region, a picturesque area of Graubünden known for its dramatic alpine scenery, proximity to the luxury ski resort of St. Moritz, and as the starting point of the annual Engadin Ski Marathon. The marathon is one of the largest cross-country ski races in the world, drawing thousands of participants every March to race from Maloja through the stunning Engadin Valley to S-Chanf.
