Tag

Alps

All articles tagged with #alps

world9 hours ago

Six Killed as Extreme Avalanche Weekend Rocks the French Alps

Six people were killed in separate avalanches across the French Alps over the weekend as authorities warned of extreme avalanche danger (levels 4–5) and urged against off-piste skiing; the fatalities occurred in Val d’Isère, Arêches-Beaufort, Courchevel, La Plagne and Vallorcine, with rescue teams frustrated by non‑compliance and many backcountry skiers lacking essential safety gear, while hundreds sought shelter due to travel disruptions.

environment29 days ago

Alpine Glaciers Face Peak Extinction by 2050, Study Warns

Glaciers in the European Alps are projected to reach their peak rate of extinction in eight years, with over 100 expected to vanish permanently by 2033, driven by human-caused global warming. Similar rapid losses are forecasted in North America and other regions, with significant implications for ecosystems, water resources, and cultural heritage. Urgent climate action and adaptation strategies are needed to mitigate these impacts.

world2 months ago

German Climbers Killed in Italian Alps Avalanche

Five German climbers, including a 17-year-old girl, died in an avalanche in the Italian Alps near South Tyrol while attempting to summit Cima Vertana, with rescue efforts ongoing for two others who fell about 200 meters. The avalanche occurred at around 3,500 meters altitude, possibly triggered by wind or recent snow accumulation, highlighting the persistent danger of avalanches in the region.

science1 year ago

Hiker Uncovers 280-Million-Year-Old Ecosystem in Alps

A hiker in the Italian Alps discovered 280-million-year-old fossils, revealing a prehistoric ecosystem from the Permian period, predating dinosaurs. The melting ice, due to climate change, exposed well-preserved footprints of ancient reptiles, amphibians, and insects. This significant find, made at high altitudes, offers insights into life before the age of dinosaurs and highlights the impact of climate change on uncovering hidden paleontological treasures.

tragedy1 year ago

"Discovery of Missing Toddler's Remains in French Alps Brings Closure"

The remains of 2 1/2-year-old Emile Soleil, who went missing in the Alps last summer, have been found, bringing a tragic end to the search. The discovery was made by a woman walking in a previously searched area, and genetic testing confirmed the identity of the remains. Emile's parents, devout Catholics, expressed their sorrow in a statement, while the local mayor acknowledged the long road to recovery from the loss. The cause of death remains unknown, and a forensic investigation is ongoing.

crime1 year ago

"Discovery of Missing French Toddler's Bones in the Alps"

French investigators have positively identified the remains found near the mountain village of Le Vernet as those of a 2-year-old boy who went missing in July last year. The toddler disappeared while on a visit to his grandparents, leading to a large-scale search involving police, soldiers, and sniffer dogs. The cause of death is still unknown, and further analysis of the bones will take place as authorities continue their investigation.

architecture1 year ago

"Panoramic Views: Minimally Invasive Tent-Like Refuge in Italian Alps"

Architecture studio EX has constructed the Pinwheel Shelter mountain refuge in Italy using prefabricated CLT panels and aluminium cladding, creating a "minimally invasive" structure with panoramic views of the Italian Alps. Positioned 2,850 meters above sea level, the shelter's tent-like shape and reversible design aim to blend with the alpine environment, providing a much-needed stopover for hikers. The interior features a radial plan with reduced-height wings, evoking the experience of being inside a tent, while the exterior is clad in aluminium with bright red accents to contrast with the snowy surroundings.

natural-disasters2 years ago

Fatal Avalanche Claims Two Hikers in Italian Alps

Two snowshoe hikers were killed in an avalanche in the Italian Alps near the Switzerland border. The avalanche occurred at an elevation of 7,200 feet in the Formazza valley, with one hiker found buried in the snow and the other recovered from a lake. Rescue operations, including helicopter and divers, were hampered by strong winds and low visibility. The victims were reported to be a 30-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man from the Lombardy region in northern Italy.

environment2 years ago

Mont Blanc's Dramatic Shrinkage: France's Tallest Mountain Loses 2 Meters in 2 Years

Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in the Alps, has shrunk by 2.2 meters since 2021, reaching its lowest height in recent memory. The new official height is 4,805.59 meters. Climate and glaciology experts caution against linking the shrinkage to global warming, as variations in wind and precipitation play a significant role. The decline could be due to lower summer precipitation, and researchers hope to gather data on the impact of climate change on the Alps. The region has already experienced a loss of glaciers and permafrost due to global warming.

world2 years ago

"Decades-Old Skier's Remains Discovered on Austrian Alpine Glacier"

The body of a skier believed to have died in an accident on a glacier 22 years ago has been found in the Austrian Alps. The remains were discovered on the Schlatenkees glacier in the Hohe Tauern national park, and a DNA comparison is being conducted to confirm the man's identity. This discovery follows the recent finding of human remains and skis on the same glacier, highlighting the increase in discoveries of hikers and skiers who went missing decades ago as glaciers melt and recede due to global warming.