Backcountry
Avalanche
According to The Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF), there have only been 7 avalanche deaths in Switzerland so far this season. This is 65% below average for this time of year, as the average is 20. 5 of the 7 avalanche deaths occurred while backcountry ski touring, while the other 2 were free riders.
Given the fact that 148 individuals were caught in avalanches in Switzerland this season, its pretty remarkable that only 7 of them didn’t make it. This is a very promising statistic for the future. Also, this winter was the first winter in 9 years that there wasn’t an avalanche that claimed more than 1 life. A lack of snow in the alps this winter definitely played a part in the low number of avalanche deaths, but it is a step in the right direction.
