All skiers accounted for after Austrian resort avalanche

Authorities in western Austria feared the worst after a disastrous Christmas Day avalanche at a ski resort that sparked a massive manhunt for submerged skiers. See the video.

A rescue helicopter grounded after nightfall. Picture: AFP

Authorities, based on the video of a skier, initially reported that roughly 10 people were feared buried in deep snow on Christmas Day in Lech Zürs, a popular holiday spot in Western Austria.

But the 10 skiers, most of whom were unharmed, have been located after an avalanche at a resort sparked a massive search for them, police said on Monday.

One was seriously injured following the avalanche in the area, where up to 200 rescuers backed by helicopters and dogs scoured the steep mountain slope for survivors.

In video, the avalanche can be seen sweeping down the mountain and burying ant-like skiers as they try to outrun it.

Moment skiers are engulfed by massive avalanche in Austrian mountains https://t.co/DOzO1exmT5

— The Independent (@Independent) December 26, 2022

A German citizen was seriously injured and was transported to hospital, Hermann Fercher, head of the tourist office responsible for reporting on the rescue, told AFP.

The people involved included citizens from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Bosnia, Croatia and the United States.

Officials had warned of high avalanche risk in the area over the weekend. In recent years, avalanches in Austria have killed about 20 people on average each year.

Rescuers search for two people believed missing after an avalanche struck skiers. Picture: AFP

Austrian police had been looking for the final two skiers caught up in the avalanche, which struck between Zuers and Lech am Arlberg on the 2700m Trittkopf mountain about 3pm local time.

But eight of the skiers managed to escape although two were injured. One woman managed to get herself to hospital and all eight were later identified and no longer feared buried.

The BBC and CNN, quoting local police, confirmed the final two had been found alive.

“According to our current information, it can be assumed that no more people are missing,” police said later.

Of the 10 people rescued, four were injured, including one seriously.

Rescuers used helicopters to search by air while dogs scoured for survivors on the ground. .

Rescuers continue the search into the night. Picture: AFP

Officials had warned of high avalanche risk in the area over the weekend.

In recent years, avalanches in Austria have killed about 20 people on average each year.