TL;DR
Swiss professional snowboarder Eliot Dänzer, 23, was among two fatalities in a recent avalanche on the Eiger. The incident occurred during a ski touring expedition, highlighting the risks faced by even experienced mountain athletes.
Eiger Avalanche Takes Lives of Two, Including Rising Snowboard Star
A recent avalanche on Switzerland's Eiger mountain has resulted in two fatalities, including 23-year-old professional snowboarder Eliot Dänzer. The incident occurred on Saturday, May 17, at approximately 1:45 p.m., involving seven individuals from two separate ski touring groups. The avalanche prompted a significant rescue operation, utilising helicopters, avalanche dogs, and mountain rescue teams.
Dänzer had recently achieved notable success in the freeride snowboarding community, securing a third-place finish in the Freeride World Tour Challenger series and winning the Nendaz Freeride event earlier this season. His loss has deeply affected the snow sports community, with many remembering him for his humble nature, passion for riding, and respect for the mountains.
The avalanche, which occurred in the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area, also claimed the life of another Swiss national, aged 21. Five other individuals—four men and one woman—were rescued and transported to local hospitals with injuries. An eighth person in the vicinity, though not caught in the avalanche, was later evacuated by helicopter due to worsening weather conditions.
The Eiger, standing at 3,967 metres, is known for its challenging terrain and attracts skiers and riders from around the world. Recent snowfall had added to already substantial accumulations from mid-April, potentially contributing to unstable conditions. It's worth noting that regular avalanche bulletins for Switzerland had ceased publication after April 15, 2025.
Authorities have completed formal identification of the victims, and investigations into the incident are ongoing under the supervision of the Bernese Oberland Regional Public Prosecutor's Office.
The Jungfrau Ski Region, which includes the ski areas near the Eiger, offers over 200 kilometres of pistes. The Grindelwald-Wengen area, where the avalanche occurred, features 103 kilometres of slopes, including the renowned Lauberhorn World Cup downhill run. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in backcountry skiing and snowboarding, even for highly skilled athletes.
The snow sports community has come together to honour Dänzer's memory, with Nendaz Freeride establishing a White Book for people to share photos and memories, which will be given to Dänzer's family.
About the author
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
