Rare Avalanche Catches Cross-Country Skiers Near St. Moritz, Switzerland

Two cross-country skiers were caught in a rare avalanche on Sunday afternoon, January 26, near St. Moritz, Switzerland. The incident occurred on a cross-country trail along Lake Sils, located just below the Corvatsch ski area, one of several areas that joined the IKON Pass for the 2024-25 season. 

According to the Graubünden cantonal police, the avalanche struck around 2:45 p.m., burying a section of the cross-country trail. A 63-year-old woman was completely engulfed by the snow, while her 59-year-old sister was partially buried. A snow groomer driver in the area noticed the avalanche and quickly alerted authorities. The driver, along with nearby hikers and other cross-country skiers, rushed to help and successfully rescued both women from the snow.

Emergency responders were quickly on the scene, including a Rega helicopter crew, an avalanche search dog team from the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), and specialists from Heli Bernina AG. The two women were airlifted to the hospital in Samedan for medical evaluations. While their exact conditions have not been disclosed, reports suggest they were conscious during the rescue.

Avalanches involving cross-country skiers are exceedingly rare, as XC trails are typically flat or gently sloped. Most avalanche incidents happen in steeper, off-piste areas frequented by alpine skiers, snowboarders, or mountaineers. However, on rare occasions, avalanches can reach groomed trails, as was the case here. It serves as a reminder that, while rare in this case, avalanches can be an omnipresent risk factor when spending time in the mountains.