The slopes, which are prepared with artificial snow, are mostly in good condition, the terrain directly next to them is largely free of snow. There, stones and tree stumps are an absolute danger to life.
The horrific accidents on Christmas Day in Tyrol’s Zillertal, when a 12-year-old girl crashed off-piste into a tree, and Wednesday at the Steinplatte ski resort in Tyrol’s Waidring, where two 17-year-old German skiers went off-piste and killed injured in the open terrain made it clear: death is currently lurking off the slopes.
“Even turf is hard as stone”
“Thanks to the artificial snow, you can ski very well on the slopes, but there is usually no snow right next to it. Stones and tree stumps are not covered with snow, the terrain is frozen. That’s why even grass cushions are as hard as stone,” warns Andreas Steurer, head of the Alpine Police in the Kitzbühel district.
Unfortunately, according to Steurer, skiers and snowboarders often overestimate their own skills. In combination with the current high frequency on the slopes, dangerous situations would arise and accidents would happen. He calls on winter sports enthusiasts to adapt their speed to the circumstances.
Warning also for ski tours
Due to the appalling snow conditions, Christian Eder, training manager of the Tyrolean mountain rescue service, warns against ski tours. “Stones covered only with snow mean a high risk of falls and injuries,” says the expert.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
