Industry News
A 24-year-old woman suffered serious injuries after a collision with two young skiers on Patscherkofel’s red-marked family slope, according to a statement from Tyrolean police. The incident occurred on Slope No.. 6 at Patscherkofel on December 29 at approximately 3:15 p.m. Patscherkofel is part of the Olympia Ski World Innsbruck Ski Area, consisting of 12 separate ski areas on the same ski pass. The ski area includes the famous Stubai Glacier, Austria’s highest ski resort, Kühtai, freeriding paradise Axamer Lizum, and the family-friendly Rangger Köpfl and Patscherkofel.
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The woman, an Albanian national residing in Innsbruck, lost her balance and fell immediately after navigating a terrain edge on the family run, slope No. 6. Moments later, two skiers, estimated to be between 10 and 12 years old, reportedly used the uneven terrain as a jump and collided with the fallen skier. In the collision, the woman sustained fractures to her left forearm and fingers. Although the boys initially remained at the scene and inquired about her condition, they departed without exchanging personal information, likely due to language barriers. The injured skier received first aid on the slope and was transported by ski rescue with a sled to a nearby medical facility. She was later taken to a hospital for further treatment.
The Tyrolean police are calling for witnesses to help establish the exact circumstances of the incident. Anyone with information, including the young skiers involved, is encouraged to contact the Tirol Police Department at +43 59133 7110.
Patscherkofel, located just south of Innsbruck, is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and panoramic views of the Tyrolean Alps. The ski area offers over 18 kilometers of runs, including beginner and intermediate slopes, and a reliable mix of natural and artificial snow. Slope No. 6, where the accident occurred, is a red-marked intermediate run often frequented by families and less experienced skiers. With its wide design and gentle gradients, it’s a favorite for those looking for a relaxed descent, but terrain edges and occasional steeper sections can present challenges for less confident skiers. Patscherkofel is part of the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck which comproses of a total of 213 miles (340 kilometers) of ski runs on the same ski pass, serviced by a total of 111 ski lifts, including funiculars, cable cars, gondolas, and chairs as well as surface lifts.
Authorities remind all skiers to exercise caution, especially in areas with terrain changes or blind spots, and to always stop safely to avoid collisions.
