TL;DR
Two American backcountry skiers were caught in an avalanche in the Stubai Alps near Neustift im Stubaital, Austria, on April 3. One skier sustained a serious shoulder injury after being swept 200 metres down a steep couloir. Rescue teams airlifted both skiers from the scene.
American Backcountry Skier Seriously Injured After Slab Avalanche in Austria's Stubai Alps
Two American backcountry skiers were caught in an avalanche on Friday, April 3, in the northern Stubai Alps near Neustift im Stubaital, Austria. One of the pair sustained a serious shoulder injury after both were swept roughly 200 metres down a steep couloir.
What Happened
According to a press release from Tyrol Police, the two skiers had set out from the Franz Senn Hut with the goal of reaching the summit of Hintere Wilde Turm, a prominent peak in the Stubai Alps. During their ascent via the Höllenbachferner glacier, they climbed a steep, southeast-facing gully toward the summit ridge.
After reaching the ridge, both skiers removed their skis and continued on foot. At approximately 1:30 p.m., a slab avalanche was triggered by the higher skier. The slide carried both skiers down an east-facing couloir for around 200 metres.
One skier was partially buried up to his shoulders and managed to free himself. His partner was buried more deeply, with only one arm visible above the snow. The partially buried skier located and dug out his companion, who remained conscious but had suffered a serious shoulder injury.
A third alpinist in the area witnessed the avalanche and called emergency services.
Rescue and Response
The injured skier was airlifted by the "Alpin 2" emergency helicopter to Innsbruck University Hospital. The second skier was evacuated unharmed by a police helicopter and flown back to the Franz Senn Hut.
Avalanche Details
Authorities described the slide as a medium-sized slab avalanche, approximately 200 metres long and 15 to 20 metres wide at its crown, with a fracture depth of around 45 to 50 centimetres. The slope angle in the gully was estimated at 40 to 45 degrees - a range where avalanches release easily.
Avalanche danger in the region on April 3 was elevated. Spring conditions typically bring increased instability as temperatures rise through the day. South and east-facing slopes - like the one involved here - are particularly vulnerable in the afternoon as solar warming weakens snow layers and increases the likelihood of slab releases.
Why the Stubai Alps Demand Respect in Spring
The Stubai Alps, located in the Austrian state of Tyrol, are a popular ski touring destination thanks to extensive glaciated terrain and high alpine peaks. The Franz Senn Hut is a key base for multi-day tours in the region, with access to objectives like the Hintere Wilde Turm. But the area's steep glaciated slopes and complex terrain also make it particularly prone to avalanche activity, especially during periods of warming or unstable snowpack.
Backcountry travellers are generally advised to start early, avoid steep terrain during the warmest parts of the day, and carefully assess slope angles and snowpack stability. Slopes between 30 and 45 degrees remain the most avalanche-prone, particularly when recent snowfall, wind loading, or temperature fluctuations are factors.
Current Avalanche Warnings
The Austrian avalanche service has warned that the main danger areas for dry snow slab avalanches are currently on west, northwest, and northeast-facing slopes between approximately 2,200 and 2,800 metres elevation. With warmer temperatures forecast over the coming days, the service has flagged an increasing spring pattern with a daytime cycle of rising avalanche danger.
Investigation Ongoing
An investigation into the incident is ongoing, with a report to be submitted to the Innsbruck Public Prosecutor's Office. No further information about the identity of either skier has been released.
About the author
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
