Industry News
A serious skiing accident occurred shortly after midday on Wednesday on Zermatt’s black-rated slope 85a, located on the Plateau Rosa, resulting in severe injuries to two skiers. The incident took place around 12:00 p.m. when a 37-year-old Swedish man and a 57-year-old Italian man collided near the right-hand edge of the piste. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and both skiers sustained significant injuries upon impact, coming to rest off the marked trail.
Black slope 85a, known for its steep gradient and technical difficulty, is part of the expansive Matterhorn Ski Paradise area—one of Europe’s premier ski destinations. The run descends from the Plateau Rosa region near the Swiss-Italian border and is reserved for experienced skiers. Emergency services responded swiftly, with personnel from the Cantonal Police of Valais, Zermatt mountain rescue, and Valais rescue organization arriving at the scene. Air-Glaciers and Air Zermatt helicopters were deployed to transport the injured individuals to hospitals in Visp and Sion after receiving on-site first aid.
The Office of the Public Prosecutor has opened an investigation into the circumstances of the accident. Authorities have issued a call for witnesses. Anyone who observed the incident or has relevant information is urged to contact the Cantonal Police Operations Centre at +41 27 326 56 56.
