Tragedy Strikes High Altitude Near Zermatt
A somber discovery has been made in the challenging high-altitude terrain near Switzerland’s renowned luxury resort, Zermatt. Rescuers have located the bodies of five skiers in the Valais Alps, an incident that underscores the inherent dangers of backcountry expeditions in the region. The victims were found on Sunday, May 25, 2025, following an extensive search operation.
The alert was first raised on Saturday when a group of climbers ascending the Rimpfischhorn, a prominent 4,199-metre (13,776-foot) peak, noticed several pairs of abandoned skis near the summit, located at an altitude of approximately 4,000 metres. Recognizing the unusual circumstance, they promptly notified emergency services.
Search and Discovery on Adler Glacier
Following the alert, Swiss authorities, including the Valais cantonal police and rescue service Air Zermatt, launched immediate aerial and ground searches across the rugged mountainous area east of Zermatt, close to the Italian border.
The search efforts on Sunday morning led rescuers to the Adler Glacier, located below the Rimpfischhorn summit. There, the bodies of the five individuals were tragically discovered. Reports from Air Zermatt indicate the victims were found at varying altitudes. Three bodies were located together on an area of avalanche debris or a snow cone, while the remaining two were discovered higher up on a narrow patch of snow.
A fifth pair of skis was later found during the search, confirming that the group consisted of five individuals.
Investigation Underway
The identities and nationalities of the deceased skiers have not yet been formally released, pending official identification processes.
The public prosecutor’s office in Canton Valais has initiated a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this fatal incident. Authorities are reportedly examining various factors, including the prevailing weather conditions in the region at the time and potential avalanche activity, as part of their probe into the cause of death.
Understanding the Risks: Advanced Backcountry Terrain
While Zermatt is widely known for its upscale ski resort facilities attracting affluent visitors, the Rimpfischhorn area represents a significantly more advanced and demanding environment. The climb to the summit is considered a serious backcountry expedition, typically taking around five hours from the nearest resort access points and often requiring an overnight stay in a high mountain hut.
The region has recently experienced challenging conditions. Reports note the presence of heavy wind and fog, and significant snowfall approximately four weeks prior had triggered avalanches and temporarily impacted access to Zermatt itself. These conditions highlight the unpredictable and dangerous nature of high-altitude alpine environments, even for experienced individuals. Tragically, this incident follows a similar event last year where five cross-country skiers were also found deceased in an area near Zermatt.
Air Zermatt, which participated in the recovery operation, was also involved in a separate, challenging rescue mission on the Fiescherhörner mountain the previous night, successfully evacuating four alpinists stranded in difficult weather, further illustrating the rigorous demands placed on rescue teams in this terrain.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with exploring remote, high-alpine areas.
References
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg7y9ln5ylo
- https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/bodies-5-skiers-found-swiss-glacier-zermatt-122175926
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/25/five-skiers-found-dead-rimpfischhorn-zermatt-switzerland
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg7y9ln5ylo
- https://www.dw.com/en/switzerland-five-skiers-found-dead-near-zermatt/a-72664597
