The Eastern Alps were the most abundantly hit, with the Gothard area getting some 80 centimeters. Fresh powder has covered many of the country’s ski resorts just a week before the Christmas vacation. On Sunday some areas got close to 1.20 meters of the white stuff. The Conches valley in the canton of Valais got some 60 centimeters. The heavy snowfalls combined with strong winds have created dangerous avalanche situations at altitudes of over 1800 meters. In the canton of Grisons, an avalanche swept away two backcountry skiers. A REGA helicopter flew out to their aid, but the men managed to dig themselves out before the rescue team arrived. In the canton of Valais, a 40-year-old was not as lucky and was seriously injured by an avalanche when backcountry skiing near Verbier. The Davos Avalanche and Snow Institute warns skiers that massive spontaneous snow slides should be expected.

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