At least two people were killed on Saturday after an avalanche hit a mountain valley near Courmayeur in northern Italy.
The Alpine Rescue Service confirmed the fatalities in a statement released on February 15.
Rescue teams were deployed immediately after reports of a large snow slide in the affected valley.
Officials said emergency responders worked in difficult conditions to locate and recover victims buried under snow.
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The identities of the victims have not yet been officially released by local authorities.
Search operations continued for several hours to ensure no additional people were trapped beneath the avalanche.
Authorities warned that unstable snow conditions remain a serious risk across alpine regions.
Weather experts linked the avalanche to recent heavy snowfall and sudden temperature changes.
Local officials urged skiers and hikers to avoid dangerous slopes and follow safety advisories.
The area near Courmayeur is a popular destination for winter sports and mountain tourism.
Italy’s emergency services said investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the avalanche.
The tragedy highlights continuing dangers faced in alpine regions during peak winter season.
