Chief of Swiss Mountain Guide Association Says COVID-19 Lockdown to Blame for Spike in Avalanche Deaths 14 people have died in avalanches in Switzerland this winter. Eight of those deaths were in the last weekend alone. Switzerland averages eight avalanche fatalities every winter. Related: VIDEO: Intense Rescue of Jones Snowboards Rider Buried 3-Feet Deep After Avalanche in Tahoe Backcountry The Swiss Moutain Guide Association’s chief Pierre Mathey believes that COVID-19 lockdown has something to do with […] Avalanche Martin Kuprianowicz | January 22, 2021 41 Comments