Industry News
What started as a heated exchange in a ski hut spiraled into a full-scale brawl on the slopes of Flachau, one of Austria’s most popular ski resorts, on the evening of March 9, 2025. More than 15 people were involved, with three German tourists suffering injuries that required hospitalization.
According to a report by the Austrian police, an argument between Dutch and German holidaymakers escalated into a physical confrontation outside the hut before spilling onto the ski slope itself. The clash became so violent that three German tourists had to be taken to the Kardinal Schwarzenberg Hospital in Pongau, Austria. The Dutch skiers initially fled the scene but were later tracked down following an extensive search involving multiple police patrols. The cause of the dispute remains under investigation.
Flachau, part of the Ski Amadé region, is known for its wide, well-groomed slopes and lively après-ski scene, attracting thousands of tourists from across Europe each winter. However, like other major Alpine destinations, the resort has seen its share of tensions between Dutch and German visitors, who make up a significant portion of the region’s ski tourism. Past incidents have ranged from bar fights to slope-side altercations, often fueled by alcohol and national rivalries that flare up in Austria’s high-energy après-ski culture. The rivalry between the Dutch and German soccer fans is one of the most concise rivalries in international football. However, a violent brawl of this size on the ski slopes has not been documented before. German and Dutch tourists comprise the largest and second-largest tourist groups in Austrian ski resorts. The Salzburg region sees almost 6 million nights at hotels booked by German tourists and 2 million nights from Dutch visitors.
Police have not confirmed whether charges will be filed but have stated that they are working to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
