A number of dramas took place on the Austrian ski slopes this winter. Since the start of the season in November 2022, 13 people have died in accidents. There have never been more. “So far we have had twice as many deaths on the slopes as in previous years. So far there have been 200 police shots, including 100 seriously injured,” says Chief Inspector Stefan Eder (50) of Innsbruck against “Bild”. Eleven people were killed in Tyrol alone.
There are even fewer accidents compared to previous years. But when it crashes, it often has deadly consequences. One of the reasons is the lack of snow, Eder explains. “Important autumn areas are missing. Skiers fall over the dangerous edge of the piste after making mistakes, overestimating themselves or going too fast. Due to the artificial snow, the slopes are also hard in the morning.”
“The pilots have gotten worse”
The Austrian Board of Trustees for Alpine Safety (Ökas) brings another aspect into play. «There is often a lack of ski fitness. After the Corona years, many people are even less practiced in winter sports than before,” says Ökas chairman Peter Paal. And adds: “The pilots have gotten worse.” The Austrian Alpine Association complains that the operators of the slopes also have to do their part to ensure the safety of customers.
President Andreas Ermacora appeals to their common sense: “Operators should ask themselves whether icy slopes will be closed in individual cases if conditions such as the current one prevail.” Job quality is crucial. Holes or other bumps can become deadly.
“Fewer skiing accidents than last year”
Although it looks bad on the slopes in Austria, it is not so dramatic here and in Germany. There have been no deaths so far. The number of injuries is also limited. “We do not find any increased accident figures,” Davos hospital explains when asked by Blick. This is also the case in the Inselspital Bern. It is also quiet in Nidwalden: “Our calamity is currently registering fewer ski accidents than last year.”
To keep it that way, Andreas Falkeis (59), head of the Alpine Police Landeck, has a few tips: “Make sure you adapt your speed and risk appetite to the circumstances. Rule of thumb: The vehicle in front always has priority and only overtakes at a great distance. If there is hardly any snow outside the pistes, ski in the middle of the pistes.” He has a special tip for snowboarders: “Don’t go behind bends on the slopes, there are hardly any alternatives with the current snow conditions.” (abbot)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
