Heli-Skiing Accident in Northern Sweden: Avalanche Kills Two Brothers

Two Italian skiers lost their lives on March 20 when an avalanche struck a heli-skiing group in Sweden’s Abisko mountains near the Norwegian border. The victims, brothers Mattia Böer, 50, and Daniele Böer, 45, were buried under the snow, while a third brother, Simone Böer, survived by deploying his airbag. The helicopter was also partially buried.

The avalanche occurred in Kårsavagge, a remote and challenging backcountry zone in the high north of Sweden, just after the group had been dropped off by helicopter. As the slide swept through, Simone and a guide managed to stay on the surface, but Mattia and Daniele were fully buried. Despite swift rescue efforts using avalanche transceivers, both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the heli-skiing operation, looking into whether safety protocols were properly followed. With ongoing high avalanche risk across Scandinavia, officials continue to warn backcountry users of unstable snow conditions.

The Böer brothers, lifelong mountain enthusiasts, had traveled to Sweden for a week-long heli-skiing trip. Their tragic passing has deeply affected their hometown in Italy and the global ski community. Our sincere condolences go out to all those affected by this accident.