Danger of avalanches in Austria’s ski regions

There is a considerable risk of avalanches on Saturday in the Austrian federal state of Vorarlberg and large parts of Tyrol, traditionally popular with winter sports enthusiasts.

“The main danger comes from new snow and drifting snow,” reported the avalanche warning service of Vorarlberg, which borders Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

Strong winds in higher altitudes as well as frost at surface level due to cold nights bring some danger further east in Tyrol: “Both represent an ideal weak layer for the drift snow deposited on top,” according to the local avalanche warning service.

Even individual winter sports enthusiasts could trigger avalanches, the services warned. Winter sports in Austria are currently largely reserved for locals and residents.

In order to prevent the coronavirus from spreading further, Austria has imposed a quarantine obligation for those entering the country and Bavaria for those returning from day trips. This means that there is practically no cross-border ski tourism at present.