Three Skiers Die in Italian Alps Avalanches Near Olympics

Three off-piste skiers died and another was left in critical condition after separate avalanches struck the Italian Alps on Saturday, amid heavy snowfall that has heightened risks in the region hosting the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The incidents occurred in Lombardy and Trentino Alto Adige, near venues for the games that began on February 4.

In the first event, two skiers perished near Pizzo Meriggio in the Orobie Alps, close to the village of Albosaggia in Sondrio province. The avalanche hit around midday, sweeping away a group of three individuals who were skiing outside marked trails. Emergency responders launched a major operation, deploying three helicopters from the Regional Health Service, Guardia di Finanza, and Fire Brigade to navigate challenging terrain and weather conditions. One helicopter had been stationed in Livigno, supporting Olympic-related activities.

Rescuers airlifted medical teams to the site, where they reached two of the skiers first. One was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other, a 53-year-old man, was stabilized and transported to Sondrio Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. The third skier, later identified locally as...