Drama in Vorarlberg

Hut guests resuscitate buried alpinists

The accident site below the Grüne Kuppe in Vorarlberg.(Bild: Polizei)

Two alpinists from Germany faced death on a ski tour in the Vorarlberg Silvretta on Saturday morning. They were caught in a snow slab on their way towards Piz Buin.

The two men from Baden-Württemberg, aged 49 and 55, had chosen the variant along the moraine below the "Grüne Kuppe" for the route towards Biz Buin. At the height of the summer hiking trail, they decided to cross the slope in order to ascend via the old hiking trail. The younger one went ahead, the older one followed a few meters behind. After they had passed about 100 meters of the slope, disaster struck: a snow slab broke loose directly above them and swept the two winter sports enthusiasts away. 

The scene of the accident below the Grüne Kuppe in Vorarlberg.(Bild: Polizei)

Eyewitness became a guardian angel
While the 49-year-old was completely buried by the avalanche, his companion was able to free himself from the masses of snow. Fortunately, an eyewitness had witnessed the dramatic scenes from the Wiesbadner Hütte. She informed the hut owner, who immediately made an emergency call and sent six hut guests to the avalanche cone as first responders.

Successful resuscitation
Just 15 minutes later, the first aiders and the 55-year-old ski tourer were able to locate the buried victim. They dug out the already motionless body and immediately began resuscitation. 

And indeed: the 49-year-old began to breathe on his own again. The seriously injured alpinist was then flown to Feldkirch Regional Hospital by the crew of the emergency helicopter. His uninjured companion was transported to the valley by the Libelle police helicopter.