High avalanche death toll during snowy Swiss winter
Twice as many people were caught up in Swiss avalanches last winter, which resulted in a higher rate of deaths than in previous years.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/mga
By March 30, 27 avalanche fatalities had been recorded among 215 incidents of people being swept away. The average number of fatalities in other years is 18.
Last winter’s excess of fatalities was caused by above average snowfall, particularly at lower regions below 2,000 metres. Heavy snowfall in alpine regions started earlier than usual and the authorities had to issue several avalanche warnings, particularly in January.
Around 2,000 people have lost their lives in avalanches in Switzerland since records began in 1936. The number has fallen in recent years, but SLF warns that people who ski off-piste are putting themselves at increased risk.
More
More
Avalanches: looming danger in the Swiss Alps
This content was published on
Switzerland has a long tradition of avalanche protection. But how predictable is the white death?
Gotthard traffic queue hits 20km during holiday weekend
This content was published on
The traffic jam at the Gotthard north portal reached a length of 20 kilometres on the motorway between canton Nidwalden and canton Uri.
Swiss Interior Minister visits Cannes Film Festival
This content was published on
Swiss Interior Minister left the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday after three days of intensive dialogue, meetings and film screenings.
Swiss theatre director breaks with tradition at Vienna’s Rathausplatz
This content was published on
With the proclamation of the "Free Republic of Vienna", the start of the festival on Friday evening was unusually political.
Swiss foreign minister backs Berset at Council of Europe
This content was published on
Cassis described Berset as the "ideal candidate" to help the Council realise its aim of ensuring security and peace in Europe.
Gay conversion therapy banned in Swiss canton of Valais
This content was published on
On Thursday, the canton approved a new Health Act which includes a ban on therapies aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity.
This content was published on
Some aspects of pro-Palestine sit-ins have gone too far, but the right to protest and debate must be upheld, the student association has said.
This content was published on
Lack of experience and local knowledge are often the main factors behind accidents and 16 people have lost their lives in off-piste avalanches and falls so far this winter season. Particularly tragic are the cases involving children, such as the eight-year old boy who suffocated in deep snow earlier this week near Laax in eastern…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.