A Single Hand Emerging from the Snow... Miraculous Rescue in the Alps

Quick Rescue Thanks to the Calm Response of a Citizen Who Spotted a Hand
Six Killed in Recent Avalanches Across the Alps

An incident occurred at a ski resort in the Swiss Alps where a skier buried in snow was dramatically rescued. A single hand, accidentally discovered sticking out of the snow, became the crucial clue that saved a life. On January 15, Yonhap News TV, citing foreign media such as the New York Post, reported that a man skiing discovered another skier buried in the snow by chance and managed to rescue him in a dramatic fashion.

A skier buried in the snow at a Swiss Alps ski resort was dramatically rescued. Instagram matteozilla

On January 10, Matteo Zila, 37, was enjoying skiing at the Engelberg ski resort in Switzerland when he noticed an arm protruding from the snow. On the day of the accident, 40 to 50 centimeters of fresh snow had accumulated at the resort. Zila explained, "At first, I was trying to help a man who was walking up without skis, but as I turned my head, I saw a hand sticking out of the snow." Having previously received avalanche rescue training, he immediately rushed to the scene, removed the snow from around the buried man's face and mouth, and checked his consciousness. It was reported that the rescued skier had been coming down a slope when he failed to notice a small bush, fell, and became trapped in the snow, unable to move. Fortunately, thanks to Zila's quick response, the skier was rescued without serious injury.

Meanwhile, as avalanches have been occurring across the European Alps recently, six skiers were killed in an avalanche in the French Alps last weekend. Experts warn that due to recent heavy snowfall, the snow layers in the Alps are extremely unstable. If dozens of centimeters of snow accumulate in a short period, even a small impact can trigger a large-scale avalanche. In particular, unofficial or unmaintained courses and mountainous areas pose a much greater risk.

A man who had previous experience in avalanche rescue training immediately ran to the scene, removed the snow around the buried man's face and mouth, and checked his consciousness. Instagram matteozilla

Ski resort safety authorities are installing warning signs around the slopes and increasing patrols, but some skiers are still being drawn to the scenery of the snow-covered mountains and venturing outside controlled areas. Experts point out, "The moment you leave the slope, the time it takes for rescue increases significantly, and the chances of survival drop sharply."

In the event of an avalanche, immediate evacuation is most important. If possible, you should move to the side, away from the direction in which the snow is flowing, and it is helpful to discard heavy equipment such as skis or poles. To aid rescue, it is also necessary to shout loudly or expose part of your body above the snow to indicate your location.

If you become buried in snow, you should avoid excessive movement and focus on securing an air pocket in front of your face. Conserving your energy while waiting for rescue can increase your chances of survival. Safety officials in the Alps emphasize, "Avalanche warning signs are not just simple guides but the minimum boundary for protecting lives," and added, "The more natural snow there is, the greater the risk, and this must always be kept in mind."