Tragedy in Arosa, Switzerland, As Avalanche Claims Life of 26-Year-Old Olympic Snowboarder

A snowboarder lost her life in a tragic avalanche on a closed slope in Arosa, Switzerland, on Monday, December 23, according to the cantonal police of Graubünden. The 26-year-old, was identified by the Swiss Ski Association as snowboard cross athlete Sophie Hediger. Hediger had ventured onto the Black Diamond run with another snow sports enthusiast when disaster struck.

The incident unfolded around 1:15 p.m. when the pair left the marked and closed Black Diamond slope. Shortly after, Hediger was swept away by an avalanche, prompting her companion to immediately alert rescuers and begin a desperate search. The area, known for its challenging terrain, had been closed due to avalanche risk — a precaution that tragically proved warranted.

Emergency teams, including rescuers from the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), avalanche search specialists with trained dogs, and personnel from Rega (the Swiss Air Rescue service), quickly mobilized. They were joined by employees of Arosa-Lenzerheide mountain railways and members of the Alpine police. After nearly two hours of searching, they located Hediger beneath the snow at approximately 3:30 p.m. Despite their efforts to resuscitate her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The tragedy has cast a somber shadow over Arosa, a picturesque ski resort nestled in the Swiss Alps and renowned for its sprawling slopes and idyllic scenery. A popular destination for both locals and international visitors, Arosa features a variety of runs catering to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The Black Diamond slope, intended for expert-level athletes, is known for its steep grade and potential avalanche risks, particularly in the late season. The Black Diamond run, also known as Run 12, features 600 meters (1,970 feet) of vertical with a maximum pitch of 42°.

Arosa is located about two hours southeast of Zurich. The resort merged with Lenzerheide in 2014 when the Urdenbahn gondola connected the two formerly separate ski areas. Now, the combined Arosa-Lenzerheide ski area offers a total of 225 kilometers (140 miles) serviced by 43 lifts, making it the largest connected ski area in the canton Graubünden.

Authorities from the Graubünden Public Prosecutor’s Office and the cantonal police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, support services, including a team from the local fire brigade and the Care Team Grischun, have been providing counseling to Hediger’s grieving partner and family.

This marks another sobering reminder of the inherent dangers of venturing into closed or unmarked areas in alpine regions. As the investigation continues, officials are urging all snow sports enthusiasts to respect closures and heed avalanche warnings, which are issued to protect lives.