A pair of thrillseekers have remarkably cheated death after they triggered a huge avalanche whilst skiing off-piste.
In shocking footage, the skiers can be seen zigzagging down a snowy slope in Val Venosta, South Tyrol, in Italy, closely followed by a huge landslide of snow.
As they make their way down the slope,the duo suddenly appear to be engulfed by the snow as the avalanche gathers pace.
Fortunately, the avalanche stopped at the ‘Des Alpes’ chairlift and no one was injured, with the skiers managing to escape at the last second.
They were skiing off-piste which means they weren’t on a prepared slope designed for the sport.
The incident took place on Tuesday and now the Italian authorities are looking to identify the skiers, who reportedly face criminal charges.
Local media reports said that a number of other avalanches occurred at ski resorts on Wednesday, 29th January.
In shocking footage, the skiers can be seen zigzagging down a snowy slope in Val Venosta, South Tyrol, in Italy , closely followed by a huge landslide of snow
Fortunately, the avalanche stopped at the ‘Des Alpes’ chairlift and no one was injured, with the skiers managing to escape at the last second
In the area of Colle del Gigante, at over 3,000 metres (9,800 feet) above sea level, on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc, a 50-year-old German off-piste skier was swept away but without serious consequences.
He was taken to the emergency room of the Parini Hospital in Aosta for a checkup and treatment.
In the afternoon, near Passo Venegiota, in the Belluno area, a 30-year-old ski mountaineer who was part of a group of eight Frenchmen was hit by an avalanche and dragged for about 400 metres (1,300 feet).
The man was transported to the Belluno Hospital, but his life is not in danger.
