Five German climbers have died after an avalanche swept across the slopes of Cima Vertana in Italy’s Ortles mountain group, South Tyrol. The tragedy occurred on Saturday afternoon, 1 November 2025, at an altitude of around 3,200 metres.
According to Italy’s alpine rescue service (CNSAS), the avalanche struck two groups of mountaineers as they made their ascent towards the 3,545-metre summit. The first group of three climbers was immediately engulfed by snow and ice. All three were found dead shortly after the alarm was raised. The second group of four suffered two further fatalities, while two people managed to survive with injuries.
The victims, all German nationals, have not yet been named but are understood to have been young adults. Rescuers said the alarm was raised at about 3:50 pm after a large section of snow broke away just below the summit ridge. Helicopters and drones were deployed to assist in the search and recovery operation.
By evening, the bodies of all five victims had been recovered. Rescue teams continued to monitor the area amid fears of further instability in the snowpack. The two survivors were airlifted to hospital in Bolzano and are being treated for trauma and hypothermia.
Local avalanche risk level “considerable”
Cima Vertana is one of the most popular peaks in the Ortles range. It attracts experienced climbers and ski-mountaineers for its challenging north-face route and spectacular glacier views. However, the terrain is notoriously treacherous when fresh snow combines with strong winds. These conditions create unstable slabs that can break away without warning.
Early reports suggest that mild temperatures followed by rapid cooling may have weakened the snowpack, increasing the risk of slides. The local avalanche risk level for the area on Friday was described as “considerable.”
Italy’s alpine rescue authorities have urged climbers to exercise extreme caution in the high mountains as early winter conditions set in. By mid-July this year, 11 people had already died in avalanches across Italy, according to data from the European Avalanche Warning Services (EAWS). With the latest incident, that number has now risen sharply.
Investigators are expected to review weather data and terrain conditions to determine what triggered the collapse. Meanwhile, tributes have begun appearing on mountaineering forums, where fellow climbers have expressed condolences. They also warned of the increasing unpredictability of alpine conditions linked to changing weather patterns.
The Cima Vertana tragedy is one of the deadliest avalanches in South Tyrol in recent years. Authorities have reminded those venturing into the high Alps to check official avalanche bulletins, carry full emergency equipment, and avoid exposed routes during periods of unstable snow.
