Industry News
A dramatic late-night police pursuit through Austria’s Zillertal ski resort ended with officers firing warning shots after a fleeing driver attempted to escape on foot down a ski slope in the middle of the night, on Thursday, November 13.
The chase began around 11:50 p.m., when a civilian patrol on the B169 Zillertalstraße spotted a car swerving across the road, repeatedly drifting out of its lane and striking the right shoulder. When officers attempted a stop, the driver sped away, delivering a wild pursuit that at times exceeded the speed limit by up to 77 kilometers an hour (48 miles per hour).
The wild pursuit continued for approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) before the driver left the main road, steering onto a forest track that led directly into ski area terrain. His car eventually became stuck on the crest of the ski hill, forcing him to flee on foot. He then attempted to run down a steep ski slope in complete darkness.
Despite repeated commands to stop, the man continued his descent. Officers fired warning shots into the air, at which point the suspect finally complied and surrendered. No injuries or property damage resulted from the gunfire. Tyrol police later identified the man as a 26-year-old Austrian. A breath test revealed he was heavily intoxicated. His driving license was immediately confiscated, and his car was impounded due to extreme speeding. The suspect sustained serious injuries while running on the ski slope and was treated by emergency responders before being transported to the hospital. No other individuals were injured during the incident. Authorities have filed multiple charges.
The chase took place in the Zillertal Arena in the Zillertal Valley in Tyrol. The Arena spans from 580 meters to 2,500 meters (1,900–8,200 ft) and is the valley’s largest resort, offering around 150 kilometers (93 miles) of ski runs serviced by 52 lifts. Zillertal is accessible via several alpine villages, including Zell am Ziller, Gerlos, Königsleiten, and Hochkrimml, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international skiers.
