Today, 06.12.2025, a mountaineer died in an avalanche near the “Stopelzieher” fixed-rope route below the Zugspitze. It was a small avalanche that triggered in extremely steep terrain.
The report reached Tirolean headquarters just before 10:00 am today, 06.12.2025, of an avalanche release with one buried person. As became evident, two mountaineers wanted to climb the Zugspitze via the “Stopelzieher” fixed-rope climbing route. During their ascent a small slab avalanche triggered (Magnitude 1) which swept along one of the persons over rocky terrain. The person died as a result of his grave injuries where it occurred. The second person was secured to the rope at the time of the avalanche release, thereby preventing his fall. This person set off an emergency alarm after the avalanche, and remained without injuries.
The mountaineer swept along by the avalanche was buried 30cm deep in snow and was located by an avalanche dog. Efforts at resuscitating the victim were initiated immediately but were unsuccessful.
The avalanche was a small, shallow slab avalanche. On the snowpack surface, wind impact is visible.