Austria records deadliest avalanche season in over ten years

Despite faster rescue methods and better avalanche forecasts, sliding snow masses continue to be a deadly problem. This winter, Europe's Alpine countries recorded an above-average death count with Austria being the worst affected statistically. Out of 133 people killed by avalanche across Europe, 29 were killed in Austria, figures not seen in over ten years.

Authorities have blamed uneven snowfall distribution which has created unstable snow cover. 

Arnold Studeregger, forecaster at the Styria region's Avalanche Warning Service Styria, says the main cause wasn't too much snow….but not enough. 

According to Studeregger: "In winters with little precipitation like this one, it tends to snow a bit, then there's a dry period, then it snows again and that's how different layers of snow form which do not bond together. And when a skier rides over this snow, the upper layer breaks off and creates an avalanche."

Many experts agree the amount of precipitation in Austria's mountains has constantly shifted over centuries and is not directly linked to climate change.

It has been a traumatic season for Austria's mountain rescue teams. Using sturdy metal toboggans, they quickly transport survivors to medical facilities. But in the past few months too many skiers were recovered dead.

"When we're called out on a mission, we roll up our sleeves and get to work," mountain rescuer Erwin Sackl tells CGTN. "Here at Goldeck mountain, avalanche accidents are a constant risk when people ski off-piste."

Although skiers are not supposed to leave secured slopes, many ignore these warnings. This season, Austria has already recorded three times more avalanche deaths than last year due to critical snow conditions and reckless behaviour.

"We are all volunteers who have to leave work or leisure activities to respond to emergencies," Sackl says. "It usually takes at least half an hour for us to reach the avalanche site."

Due to high rescue costs, authorities are now debating whether avalanche survivors should reimburse insurance companies in cases of gross negligence. The Goldeck mountain rescue team disagrees, calling for more education and awareness instead of punishment.