Avalanche Claims Life of Swiss Pro Snowboarder Eliot Dänzer

Photo: Instagram @nendazfreeride

The global freeride community is grieving the loss of Swiss professional snowboarder Eliot Dänzer, who was tragically killed in an avalanche on May 17, 2025, on the west side of the Eiger. He was one of two fatalities in the slide, which also injured five others.

The avalanche occurred around 1:45 p.m. above the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area, a region known for its steep alpine terrain and iconic big-mountain lines. Multiple rescue teams responded, including Swiss Alpine Rescue, the Bern Cantonal Police, three Rega helicopter crews, four Air-Glaciers helicopters, a Swiss Helicopter team, and two avalanche rescue dogs. Despite the massive response effort, Dänzer and another skier could not be saved.

Dänzer, just 23 years old, was an emerging force in the freeride world. He competed on the Freeride World Tour Challenger series and recently capped off an impressive season with a 3rd-place overall finish. Earlier this year, he claimed victory at the Nendaz Freeride, one of the most respected stops on the European freeride circuit. His riding was marked by creativity, precision, and an unmistakable passion for the mountains.

Beyond his results, Eliot was known as a kind, grounded, and deeply stoked member of the freeride family. Friends and fellow riders often spoke about his humble attitude and contagious energy in the mountains. 

Dänzer’s passing is a sobering reminder of the risks that come with exploring big terrain, even for the most experienced and well-equipped riders. But more than that, it’s a devastating loss of a beloved member of our tribe — a rider who was just beginning to carve his legacy in the mountains he loved.

The TGR community extends our deepest condolences to Eliot’s family, friends, and everyone touched by his life and riding.