Drama on a poison run

“Deeply saddened” after fatal skiing accident

There is great concern in the Wagrain ski resort following the accident.

(Bild: Pressefoto Scharinger/Daniel Scharinger)

A boy (11) died on Tuesday in the Wagrain ski resort in Salzburg after losing control of his skis on a black run, breaking through the safety net and crashing into a hut. The Wagrain mountain railroads now want to evaluate the safety measures.

What happened on Tuesday on the black slope number 15 in the Wagrain ski area has left deep scars. "We are deeply saddened and cannot put it into words. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family," says Simon Guggi, spokesman for the mountain railroads. It is a difficult situation for everyone - especially for the bereaved. The family from Lower Austria was on vacation in Wagrain - at the moment it is still the semester break in the eastern provinces.

The accident happened in the early hours of the morning on the "poison run". The boy was skiing with his father when he skied down the 65 percent slope, which is difficult even for experienced skiers. He lost control, broke through a barrier net and crashed into a hut.

A rescue helicopter flew the resuscitated boy to the university hospital. The eleven-year-old succumbed to his injuries in Salzburg hospital. (symbolic image)

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian/Christian Jauschowetz)

Piste rescuers managed to resuscitate the boy on the spot. A rescue helicopter quickly brought the seriously injured child to Salzburg University Hospital. There, however, the eleven-year-old succumbed to his injuries. The Red Cross crisis intervention team took care of eyewitnesses, relatives and other victims.

We take every accident as an opportunity to evaluate and optimize procedures, safety measures and other aspects. We will do the same in this case.

Simon Guggi, Sprecher der Bergbahnen Wagrain

Bild: Bergrettung Altenmarkt

Now, one day later, questions are being asked about safety. The fact is that a sign at the start of the slope called "Giftabfahrt" (poison run) indicates that it is dangerous. "There have been no accidents at this point so far," emphasizes Guggi, referring to safety measures such as the safety net, information board and slow-down sign. The mountain railroads have announced an evaluation. 

Tips for safe skiing
But how do I ski safely, what rules of conduct and recommendations apply to avoid accidents? The Board of Trustees for Alpine Safety provided tips for safe skiing in response to a request from "Krone".

Tomas Woldrich from the Board of Trustees emphasizes: "The more difficult or steeper the slope conditions, the more important skiing ability, fitness and ski equipment are."

Recommendations to minimize the risk of falling while skiing

• Adapt the choice of slope, track and, above all, speed to your own ability
• Take regular breaks
• Warm-up exercises for the whole body before the first descent and after longer breaks
• Improve your skiing technique
• Ski with appropriate equipment (serviced ski equipment, up-to-date binding settings, suitable clothing, goggles and, of course, a snow sports helmet)
• as well as showing consideration for others and observing the FIS rules of conduct

And for all parents who are out on the slopes with their children, Woldrich advises: "Parents should make sure that the chosen slope is suitable for their child's skiing ability and their own. Secondly, it is advisable to ski a short distance ahead of the child in this situation so that you can react appropriately in the event of a fall."