The bodies of five skiers have been recovered near the popular Zermatt ski resort in the Swiss Alps, following a search operation launched after their equipment was discovered abandoned near the summit of a mountain climb.
Emergency services were alerted on Saturday when a group of climbers ascending the Rimpfischhorn — a 4,199-metre peak in the Valais Alps — spotted several unattended pairs of skis close to the summit. The discovery prompted a coordinated ground and aerial search involving Valais police and the Air Zermatt rescue team.
Rescuers located the bodies below the summit on the Adler Glacier, near the Swiss-Italian border. According to police, three of the victims were found together, while the remaining two were discovered higher up on a narrow patch of snow. All were located among avalanche debris at high altitude.
Air Zermatt confirmed that a fifth pair of skis was recovered during the search, indicating the group had been traveling together. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, and authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances of the accident.
The Rimpfischhorn is known for its challenging terrain, attracting experienced climbers and skiers seeking more advanced alpine expeditions. The typical ascent from Zermatt involves a five-hour journey and requires an overnight stay in a mountain hut. Climbers usually access the route via a cable car to Blauherd at 2,570 metres.
Zermatt itself is a renowned luxury resort that draws affluent skiers from across Europe, particularly the UK. While the village and surrounding ski slopes are considered relatively safe, the incident underscores the dangers posed by backcountry and high-altitude skiing, especially in avalanche-prone areas.
In a separate incident late Friday, Air Zermatt conducted a high-risk rescue operation on the Fiescherhörner peaks. Four alpinists became stranded in extreme weather conditions, including dense fog and high winds. An initial evacuation attempt was thwarted by the elements, but a second effort shortly after midnight successfully brought the climbers to safety.
Authorities are urging caution to those venturing into the mountains, particularly during unstable weather conditions. The Valais prosecutor’s office has opened a formal investigation into the fatal Rimpfischhorn expedition.
