Avalanche hits near Austrian ski resort with multiple people buried and search underway

A major search operation is underway near one of Austria’s largest ski resorts this morning after multiple skiers were swept away in a huge avalanche. 

The avalanche struck at around 9.30am this morning in open terrain near the Daunscharte pass, an area outside the marked pistes, on the Stubai Glacier, according to officials. 

Several skiers were on this off-piste area, which police have said triggered the avalanche. 

Local media has reported that at six people who were partially buried in snow have since been rescued. 

It is not currently known how serious the injuries they suffered were. 

A large-scale search and rescue operation is now underway to locate further victims of the snowslide. 

At least two medical helicopters were sent to the scene to assist the injured skiers, while a police chopper joined them to allow authorities to investigate the matter. 

Mountain rescue teams from the nearby towns of Neustift im Stubai and Sölden were also sent to assist, along with search dogs. 

Rescuers are searching a huge stretch of avalanche debris on the Stubai Glacier in Austria (pictured) after several skiers were swept away and buried under snow

A stock image of an earlier incident. The avalanche struck around 9.30am this morning 

These rescuers are also being supported by soldiers from Germany, as well as mountain rescue teams from Poland. 

The Stubai Glacier is the largest glacial ski resort in Austria, and is roughly 50 minutes from the capital, Innsbruck. Pistes start at nearly 10,500ft above sea level. 

A lower section of piste 9 at the resort was hit by the avalanche and closed immediately.

The resort only opened up for the 2025/26 ski season early last month. 

This is a breaking news story with more to come