Acquittals after avalanche on slope in Lech am Arlberg

The two had to answer for an avalanche on a ski slope in Lech/Zürs on Christmas Day 2022, in which five winter sports enthusiasts were injured. They were accused of having cleared the slope without due care. The verdicts are not legally binding.

• From the archive: Avalanche in Lech/Zürs: Four injured, no more missing

Immediately after the avalanche hit the slope 134 (“Balmen”) shortly before 3 p.m., a catastrophe was feared. Based on a video, it was assumed that ten winter sports enthusiasts were buried. Over 200 people searched for hours and until nightfall for possible victims, and eight helicopters and several avalanche dogs were deployed. A skier from Germany was partially buried by the avalanche and flown to the hospital in Innsbruck with serious injuries. Four other skiers also sustained injuries in the avalanche accident.

Success of avalanche blasting unclear

When investigating the cause, it emerged that avalanche blasting had been carried out at the site of the avalanche in the morning of the accident, but not all of the snow had been removed. This was ultimately the basis for the accusation against the two defendants – that they had cleared the slope even though the success of the avalanche blasting was unclear. The charges were negligent bodily harm and endangering physical safety.

No indication of further avalanche

The two defendants explained at the trial how they went about securing the slope and what investigations they carried out on the slope. During a control drive after the explosions, there was no indication that another avalanche could occur there. The two defendants were also exonerated by an expert report. This stated that the extent of the remaining snow had not been apparent to the two men.

The two defendants were acquitted due to the benefit of the doubt. Because the public prosecutor asked for time to think about the case, the verdicts are not legally binding.