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A spring ski tour on the western slopes of the Eiger turned tragic on May 17 when an avalanche swept through the high alpine terrain, burying seven people and claiming the lives of two backcountry skiers, including Swiss professional snowboarder Eliot Dänzer.
Authorities confirm that eight individuals were in the area when the avalanche broke loose. Two separate groups—one of two and another of five—were on a high-mountain ski tour when a massive slide occurred. Seven people were caught and buried under the snow.
Despite a rapid and extensive response effort, two of the seven were found deceased, while five others were rescued with varying degrees of injury.
Among those lost was Eliot Dänzer, a 31-year-old freeride athlete known for his powerful riding style and deep reverence for the mountains. The identity of the second victim has not been officially released, but both were experienced mountain travelers whose presence in the community was deeply valued.
Our condolences to family and friends.
Ski the World
