Authorities in Switzerland's Valais canton were searching for six people who went missing while on a ski tour departing from the Alpine town of Zermatt.&nbsp;

The authorities said that the skiers went missing on Saturday (Mar 9) on the Zermatt-Arolla trail near the Matterhorn summit, which straddles the Swiss-Italian border.&nbsp;

As per the authority, five of the skiers were of the same family from the Valais canton. The sixth person is from the canton of Fribourg.&nbsp;

They went missing around Tête Blanche mountain.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-doctors-accused-of-harvesting-organs-of-death-row-inmates-attended-oxford-universitys-sessions-698610">Chinese doctors accused of harvesting organs of death row inmates attended Oxford University’s sessions</a>&nbsp;

"The weather conditions are currently very bad, which makes the emergency response very difficult," the police said, without disclosing information about the six missing people.&nbsp;

The police have said that the missing skiers were between the ages of 21 and 58.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Authorities in Switzerland's Valais canton were searching for six people who went missing while on a ski tour departing from the Alpine town of Zermatt. The authorities said that the skiers went missing on Saturday (Mar 9) on the Zermatt-Arolla trail near the Matterhorn summit, which straddles the Swiss-Italian border.

Authorities in Switzerland's Valais canton were searching for six people who went missing while on a ski tour departing from the Alpine town of Zermatt. The authorities said that the skiers went missing on Saturday (Mar 9) on the Zermatt-Arolla trail near the Matterhorn summit, which straddles the Swiss-Italian border. As per the authority, five of the skiers were of the same family from the Valais canton. The sixth person is from the canton of Fribourg. They went missing around Tête Blanche mountain. Also read: Chinese doctors accused of harvesting organs of death row inmates attended Oxford University’s sessions "The weather conditions are currently very bad, which makes the emergency response very difficult," the police said, without disclosing information about the six missing people. The police have said that the missing skiers were between the ages of 21 and 58. (With inputs from agencies)

Switzerland: Police launch search for six skiers missing near Matterhorn

A group of six skiers, five of whom died in the Swiss Alps, made a valiant attempt to survive before the sad end: digging snow caves.

They did this in an apparent bid to shield themselves from the cold, revealed the lead rescuer in an interview with Sky News.

Five members of the same family were among the six skiers who embarked on a ski tour from Zermatt, Switzerland, aiming to reach Arolla.

Anjan Truffer, the head of mountain rescue at Air Zermatt AG, was present when the bodies of five cross-country skiers were discovered on Sunday (Mar 10)&nbsp;near Tete Blanche mountain, following their reported disappearance.&nbsp;

The search for a sixth person is still underway, though Truffer stressed the need for realistic expectations.&nbsp;

Truffer told Sky News&nbsp;that his team faced a delay reaching the&nbsp;site near the famed Matterhorn mountain in the Alps due to snowstorms.

Upon arrival, his French counterparts had already found two bodies.

"We started to look for the others with avalanche transceivers and probes and we immediately discovered two more bodies," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/switzerlands-glaciers-shrink-overall-volume-by-10-in-two-consecutive-years-study-640687">Also read |&nbsp;Switzerland glaciers’ overall volume shrinks by 10% in last two years, small ones may disappear: Study</a>

<h2>Desperate efforts for survival</h2>

Helicopter footage&nbsp;released by police in Valais canton showed ski tracks and snow piles believed to be makeshift shelters constructed by the skiers.

Truffer said these were their attempts to shield themselves from the elements by burrowing into the snow.

"They did try to make a snow cave to protect themselves from the wind," he told Sky News.

Truffer said the group's lack of suitable equipment, particularly small shovels ill-equipped for heavy snowfall, hindered their ability to cope with rapidly accumulating snow.

Also watch |&nbsp;Five out of six missing skiers found dead in Switzerland

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/five-out-of-six-missing-skiers-found-dead-in-switzerland-699561/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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Setting off from Zermatt, the skiers were also ill-prepared for the harsh conditions, with Truffer noting their light attire.

It is speculated they were training for a race before encountering trouble.

While their ages are estimated to range between 21 and 58, official identification by authorities has not yet been completed.

(With inputs from agencies)

A group of six skiers, five of whom died in the Swiss Alps, made a valiant attempt to survive before the sad end: digging snow caves. They did this in an apparent bid to shield themselves from the cold, revealed the lead rescuer in an interview with Sky News.

A group of six skiers, five of whom died in the Swiss Alps, made a valiant attempt to survive before the sad end: digging snow caves. They did this in an apparent bid to shield themselves from the cold, revealed the lead rescuer in an interview with Sky News. Five members of the same family were among the six skiers who embarked on a ski tour from Zermatt, Switzerland, aiming to reach Arolla. Anjan Truffer, the head of mountain rescue at Air Zermatt AG, was present when the bodies of five cross-country skiers were discovered on Sunday (Mar 10) near Tete Blanche mountain, following their reported disappearance. The search for a sixth person is still underway, though Truffer stressed the need for realistic expectations. Truffer told Sky News that his team faced a delay reaching the site near the famed Matterhorn mountain in the Alps due to snowstorms. Upon arrival, his French counterparts had already found two bodies. "We started to look for the others with avalanche transceivers and probes and we immediately discovered two more bodies," he said. Also read | Switzerland glaciers’ overall volume shrinks by 10% in last two years, small ones may disappear: Study Desperate efforts for survival Helicopter footage released by police in Valais canton showed ski tracks and snow piles believed to be makeshift shelters constructed by the skiers. Truffer said these were their attempts to shield themselves from the elements by burrowing into the snow. "They did try to make a snow cave to protect themselves from the wind," he told Sky News. Truffer said the group's lack of suitable equipment, particularly small shovels ill-equipped for heavy snowfall, hindered their ability to cope with rapidly accumulating snow. Also watch | Five out of six missing skiers found dead in Switzerland Setting off from Zermatt, the skiers were also ill-prepared for the harsh conditions, with Truffer noting their light attire. It is speculated they were training for a race before encountering trouble. While their ages are estimated to range between 21 and 58, official identification by authorities has not yet been completed. (With inputs from agencies)

Skiers tried to make 'snow caves' before they died in Swiss Alps, says rescuer

In Switzerland, the search for the sixth skier who remains untraced is underway. Earlier rescue officials discovered the bodies of five cross-country skiers who went missing over the weekend.

Five out of six missing skiers found dead in Switzerland

Austrian officials have rescued a 10-member group of skiers caught in an avalanche near a Lech-Zuers resort in western Austria on Sunday. They used helicopters, searchlights, and avalanche dogs to locate the missing people. However, during the initial phase of the operation, the officials feared that the snow from the avalanche might have taken them down with it.

"According to the current information, we can assume that no other people are missing," said the police. However, little or no information is available on the skiers' nationalities. As per the reports, the avalanche occurred around 14:00 GMT at an altitude of 2,700m (8,858ft). The snow trail from the avalanche took away the ski track in western Austria, Austria Press Agency (APA) reported.

On Monday, the police updated that they found all the missing people from the avalanche. However, four out of the ten skiers have suffered injuries. Among them, the authorities found one person partially buried and immediately flew him to Innsbruck regional hospital with serious injuries. The other six people remain unaffected by the avalanche.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/world/almost-10-tourists-buried-in-avalanche-in-austria-apa-546553">At least 10 tourists buried in avalanche in Austrian ski resort: APA</a>

An official statement by the police stated that they retrieved all the missing people. However, they will carry out a final security search for final clarification.&nbsp;

Reports say the avalanche happened on the 2,700-metre Trittkopf mountain between Zuers and Lech. Soon after the disaster, the officials deployed many helicopters and search teams for assistance.&nbsp;

Watch|&nbsp;Spain: Six dead, two injured after bus falls off the bridge, rescue operation underway 
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As many as 200 people helped in the rescue operation for the ten skiers. The search continued till night, due to which the search teams required searchlights and other types of equipment.&nbsp;

Lech/Zuers, a part of the cradle of Alpine skiing, sells itself as 'one of the best ski areas in the world.' According to the resort's website, they closed the ski area till 5 PM on Sunday and provided an update on Monday at 8 AM. Regardless, there has been no voluntary statement from the resort's side.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Austrian officials have rescued a 10-member group of skiers caught in an avalanche near a Lech-Zuers resort in western Austria on Sunday. They used helicopters, searchlights, and avalanche dogs to locate the missing people.

Austrian officials have rescued a 10-member group of skiers caught in an avalanche near a Lech-Zuers resort in western Austria on Sunday. They used helicopters, searchlights, and avalanche dogs to locate the missing people. However, during the initial phase of the operation, the officials feared that the snow from the avalanche might have taken them down with it. "According to the current information, we can assume that no other people are missing," said the police. However, little or no information is available on the skiers' nationalities. As per the reports, the avalanche occurred around 14:00 GMT at an altitude of 2,700m (8,858ft). The snow trail from the avalanche took away the ski track in western Austria, Austria Press Agency (APA) reported. On Monday, the police updated that they found all the missing people from the avalanche. However, four out of the ten skiers have suffered injuries. Among them, the authorities found one person partially buried and immediately flew him to Innsbruck regional hospital with serious injuries. The other six people remain unaffected by the avalanche. Also read| At least 10 tourists buried in avalanche in Austrian ski resort: APA An official statement by the police stated that they retrieved all the missing people. However, they will carry out a final security search for final clarification. Reports say the avalanche happened on the 2,700-metre Trittkopf mountain between Zuers and Lech. Soon after the disaster, the officials deployed many helicopters and search teams for assistance. Watch| Spain: Six dead, two injured after bus falls off the bridge, rescue operation underway As many as 200 people helped in the rescue operation for the ten skiers. The search continued till night, due to which the search teams required searchlights and other types of equipment. Lech/Zuers, a part of the cradle of Alpine skiing, sells itself as 'one of the best ski areas in the world.' According to the resort's website, they closed the ski area till 5 PM on Sunday and provided an update on Monday at 8 AM. Regardless, there has been no voluntary statement from the resort's side. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Avalanche in Austria: All 10 missing skiers rescued, four injured

One skier died and another was in critical condition on Thursday, hospital employees said, after being caught in an<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/two-ski-resort-employees-die-in-french-alps-while-setting-avalanche-control-charges-190138&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiJ6vbqzPbfAhUSZt4KHZ3sDKEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0g0ieKt2q_2fndHDwS8NU1"> avalanche</a> on some of the most challenging terrains at Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico, a resort known for its steep runs.

They were skiing down a chute off Kachina Peak, a 12,481-foot (3,804-meter) mountain about 130 miles (210 km) north of Albuquerque, when the avalanche hit at around 11:45 am, said Taos Ski Valley spokesman Chris Stagg.

"There were no others caught in the avalanche, it was just the two," Stagg added.

The ski patrol and other skiers dug the two men out of the avalanche and they were rushed to the hospital, the ski resort said on Facebook.

The first was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in Taos, where he later died of his injuries, said a hospital employee, who asked not to be identified as he was not authorized to speak to media.

Hospital spokeswoman Renee Laughlin declined to comment.

The other skier was airlifted to University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque and was in critical condition, said hospital spokesman Mark Rudi.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the two individuals who were affected by today’s event and their families," Taos Ski Valley said on its social media page.

Former New Mexico governor and US presidential candidate Gary Johnson were among dozens of skiers who used ten-foot poles in a 45-minute effort to search the snow before the two men were found.

"At least a hundred people were doing what I was doing," said Johnson, who lives in the Taos area, and regularly skis at the resort. "Those guys could have been any one of us."

Johnson and other rescuers spent hours after the rescue checking for another person feared to have been caught in the slide.

In each of the last 10 winters, 27 people have died on average in avalanches in the United States, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center said.

Taos Ski Valley's ski patrol had used explosive devices in the area on Thursday morning to reduce the threat of avalanches, Stagg said.

The rocky "K3" chute the two men were skiing down is accessed off a lift to the top of the peak. The lift was opened for the first time this season on Tuesday, after more than 16 inches of snow fell in the last week.

"It's very steep and challenging terrain," added Stagg. "You like to think it's always safe, but sometimes there are pockets of snow that can avalanche."

One skier died and another was in critical condition on Thursday, hospital employees said, after being caught in an avalanche on some of the most challenging terrains at Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico, a resort known for its steep runs.

One skier died and another was in critical condition on Thursday, hospital employees said, after being caught in an avalanche on some of the most challenging terrains at Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico, a resort known for its steep runs. They were skiing down a chute off Kachina Peak, a 12,481-foot (3,804-meter) mountain about 130 miles (210 km) north of Albuquerque, when the avalanche hit at around 11:45 am, said Taos Ski Valley spokesman Chris Stagg. "There were no others caught in the avalanche, it was just the two," Stagg added. The ski patrol and other skiers dug the two men out of the avalanche and they were rushed to the hospital, the ski resort said on Facebook. The first was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in Taos, where he later died of his injuries, said a hospital employee, who asked not to be identified as he was not authorized to speak to media. Hospital spokeswoman Renee Laughlin declined to comment. The other skier was airlifted to University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque and was in critical condition, said hospital spokesman Mark Rudi. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the two individuals who were affected by today’s event and their families," Taos Ski Valley said on its social media page. Former New Mexico governor and US presidential candidate Gary Johnson were among dozens of skiers who used ten-foot poles in a 45-minute effort to search the snow before the two men were found. "At least a hundred people were doing what I was doing," said Johnson, who lives in the Taos area, and regularly skis at the resort. "Those guys could have been any one of us." Johnson and other rescuers spent hours after the rescue checking for another person feared to have been caught in the slide. In each of the last 10 winters, 27 people have died on average in avalanches in the United States, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center said. Taos Ski Valley's ski patrol had used explosive devices in the area on Thursday morning to reduce the threat of avalanches, Stagg said. The rocky "K3" chute the two men were skiing down is accessed off a lift to the top of the peak. The lift was opened for the first time this season on Tuesday, after more than 16 inches of snow fell in the last week. "It's very steep and challenging terrain," added Stagg. "You like to think it's always safe, but sometimes there are pockets of snow that can avalanche."

Avalanche kills one skier, injures another in New Mexico

Two South Korean freestyle skiers who competed at last month&#39;s Pyeongchang Winter Olympics have been banned for life for allegedly assaulting female teammates, Seoul&#39;s ski association said Thursday.

Choi Jae-woo and Kim Ji-hyon are accused of &quot;physically and sexually abusing female athletes&quot; at a competition in Japan this month, a Korea Ski Association (KSA) spokesman told AFP.&nbsp;

After an investigation, he said, &quot;we decided to ban Choi and Kim permanently&quot;, adding the two would be barred from registering as skiers at the KSA -- a first step to taking part in competitions at home and abroad.

The move comes as a #MeToo campaign spreads across South Korea, which remains socially patriarchal despite its economic and technological advances, and where women have long been reluctant to come forward with accusations against powerful men.

The KSA spokesman said that Choi, 24, and Kim, 23, drank together in their hotel room during the Freestyle Skiing World Cup in Akita.

They asked female athletes in the next room to join them, and multiple media reports say they assaulted them when the offer was refused.

The women asked South Korean police to investigate the two for assault after returning to Seoul, the KSA said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Choi is currently ranked sixth in the moguls FIS World Cup and is one of the best-known skiers in South Korea.

He reached the men&#39;s moguls final in the Pyeongchang Winter Games but did not finish his second run. Kim was eliminated in qualifying.&nbsp;

Choi said then he was seeking to compete at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics -- a goal that would be impossible under the ban.&nbsp;

Two South Korean freestyle skiers who competed at last month's Pyeongchang Winter Olympics have been banned for life for allegedly assaulting female teammates

Two South Korean freestyle skiers who competed at last month's Pyeongchang Winter Olympics have been banned for life for allegedly assaulting female teammates, Seoul's ski association said Thursday. Choi Jae-woo and Kim Ji-hyon are accused of "physically and sexually abusing female athletes" at a competition in Japan this month, a Korea Ski Association (KSA) spokesman told AFP. After an investigation, he said, "we decided to ban Choi and Kim permanently", adding the two would be barred from registering as skiers at the KSA -- a first step to taking part in competitions at home and abroad. The move comes as a #MeToo campaign spreads across South Korea, which remains socially patriarchal despite its economic and technological advances, and where women have long been reluctant to come forward with accusations against powerful men. The KSA spokesman said that Choi, 24, and Kim, 23, drank together in their hotel room during the Freestyle Skiing World Cup in Akita. They asked female athletes in the next room to join them, and multiple media reports say they assaulted them when the offer was refused. The women asked South Korean police to investigate the two for assault after returning to Seoul, the KSA said. Choi is currently ranked sixth in the moguls FIS World Cup and is one of the best-known skiers in South Korea. He reached the men's moguls final in the Pyeongchang Winter Games but did not finish his second run. Kim was eliminated in qualifying. Choi said then he was seeking to compete at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics -- a goal that would be impossible under the ban.

Two South Korean skiers banned for life for sexual abuse

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