Industry News
A tragic accident occurred on January 3 in the Stubaier Gletscher ski area, Austria, that claimed the life of a young man when he hit a rock. A 23-year-old Dutch skier lost his life after venturing into an unsecured area of the resort with his brother and a friend. The incident unfolded around midday when the group left the designated ski slopes and entered a freeride zone. During the descent, the skier struck a stone with his shins, causing him to fall and collide with a protruding rock. During the impact with the rock, the 23-year-old suffered devastating injuries.
Despite immediate first aid efforts by ski patrol responders and the crew of a rescue helicopter, the young man succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His body was recovered by a police helicopter and transported to the valley for further examination. Authorities have ordered an autopsy to confirm the cause of death. Initial investigations suggest no external fault in the accident.
The Stubai Glacier is one of Austria’s most renowned ski destinations, known for its high-altitude terrain and year-round skiing opportunities. Situated in the Stubai Valley (Stubaital), approximately 45 minutes from Innsbruck, the resort boasts Austria’s largest glacier ski area. With over 60 miles (96 kilometers) of pistes, it caters to skiers of all levels and includes a dedicated freeride zone for advanced enthusiasts. However, like all off-piste activities, freeriding in Stubai Glacier requires caution and proper preparation due to the inherent risks of unmarked and unsecured terrain.
