rescue workers in italy At least a dozen skiers, climbers and hikers have lost their lives in a record tragedy in the country’s mountains over the past week, it was reported on Monday.

Although authorities said 11 of the 12 victims died in an avalanche that was triggered by unusually unstable conditions on a remote slope that had not been cleared, The Associated Press report A total of 13 people died.

The incidents took place last Friday as the Winter Olympics kicked off in the region. Authorities stressed that the competition venues – in Lombardy on the Swiss border, Cortina d’Ampezzo in Veneto and Val di Feime in Trentino – remained safe, well-maintained and closely monitored.

Italy’s professional mountain rescue organization revealed that the fatal disaster was caused by weak new snow, which was unstable and could trigger an avalanche if a person passed through it.

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Vigili del Fuoco crew digs through heavy snow while conducting search and rescue operations in the mountains. (fire brigade)

The National Alpine and Cave Rescue Team says the main problem is caused by “a persistent weak layer in the snow cloak, often covered by new snow or wind, a condition that makes detachments difficult to predict and easily triggered by even a single skier or climber passing by.” “The danger spots are many and difficult to identify even for experts.”

Federico Catania, spokesman for the country’s alpine rescue team, added that recent snowstorms have prompted tourists to take advantage of new ski slopes, “and as a result, the number of accidents and fatalities has increased proportionately,” according to the Associated Press.

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Two Vigili del Fuoco crew members stand inside a helicopter next to an open door during Operation Snow Mountain. (fire brigade)

Italy’s national fire and rescue agency, Vigili del Fuoco, reported that an avalanche hit Alpe Meriggio in Valtellina over the weekend, killing two people and seriously injuring one, and at least one victim was buried.

The Associated Press also reported that three people were killed in avalanches in Trentino and one person died in neighboring South Tyrol.

Two other people were reportedly killed in separate avalanches near the Marmolada glacier, two hikers Ice climbers along the Apennines and Valle d’Aosta.

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Vigili del Fuoco crew conducts helicopter rescue over mountains. (fire brigade)

Outside of those areas, Catania said people skiing in managed areas should not face any significant risks, according to the Associated Press.

“There is no risk to people skiing in managed ski areas, and there is no risk to Olympic venues in particular,” Catania said. “All these areas are constantly monitored and are generally safe regardless of Olympic events.”

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Before the start of the Winter Olympics, Virgili Del Fuco said that staff will take safety measures for all visitors.

“for Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Games and the Winter Paralympics, the Italian National Fire Brigade has implemented enhanced rescue structures to ensure the safety of athletes, delegations, spectators and citizens, while ensuring the continuity of regular services. ” the organization said.