GITNUXREPORT 2026

Avalanche Fatality Statistics

Avalanche fatalities have reached record highs globally, with most victims being recreational backcountry users.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Human-triggered avalanches account for 92% of US fatalities since 1994

Statistic 2

Slab avalanches cause 95% of fatal accidents worldwide

Statistic 3

Asphyxiation is the cause of death in 65-75% of avalanche burials

Statistic 4

US avalanche fatalities increased 3.5% annually from 1991-2017 due to recreation growth

Statistic 5

55% of fatal avalanches occur on slopes 30-45 degrees steep

Statistic 6

Transceiver use rose from 50% in 2000 to 85% in 2023 among US victims, reducing burial time

Statistic 7

Climate change linked to 15% increase in wet snow avalanches in Europe since 1990

Statistic 8

Group size of 3+ reduces fatality risk by 60% in backcountry

Statistic 9

In 2023, early season cold storms caused 40% of US fatalities

Statistic 10

Trauma accounts for 25% of avalanche deaths, mostly head injuries

Statistic 11

Avalanche airbag effectiveness: 97% survival rate vs 50% without

Statistic 12

US fatalities dropped 20% post-2010 due to better forecasting apps

Statistic 13

80% of fatal avalanches in open bowls/convex rolls

Statistic 14

Weak layers like surface hoar caused 50% of 2023 US fatalities

Statistic 15

Rescue time under 15 min yields 90% survival, over 30 min drops to 40%

Statistic 16

Snowpack stability tests predict 70% of human-triggered releases

Statistic 17

Off-piste skiing fatalities in Europe declined 40% since 1999 due to bulletins

Statistic 18

92% of avalanche fatalities in the US from 2010-2020 were male

Statistic 19

Average age of avalanche victims in Canada is 38 years, with 75% aged 20-50

Statistic 20

In Europe, 85% of avalanche fatalities are recreational backcountry users

Statistic 21

Females represent only 12% of US avalanche fatalities since 1950

Statistic 22

65% of avalanche victims worldwide are skiers or snowboarders aged 25-44

Statistic 23

In Colorado, 78% of avalanche deaths since 2000 involved locals or repeat visitors

Statistic 24

Snowmobilers account for 22% of US fatalities but 40% in recent years, mostly males 30-50

Statistic 25

Children under 18 represent less than 2% of avalanche fatalities globally

Statistic 26

In Switzerland, 70% of victims are from neighboring countries, average age 42

Statistic 27

45% of Canadian avalanche victims are climbers, average age 35

Statistic 28

88% of US avalanche victims had avalanche education, but only 35% carried beacons

Statistic 29

In Alps, 60% of fatalities are intermediate/advanced skiers ignoring forecasts

Statistic 30

Average victim height/weight correlates with survival; heavier males buried deeper

Statistic 31

Tourists make up 55% of Swiss avalanche victims, locals 45%

Statistic 32

25% of fatalities involve solo travelers lacking partners for rescue

Statistic 33

In Canada, 40% victims professionals/guides

Statistic 34

Global female avalanche fatality rate 1/10th of males per exposure hours

Statistic 35

Elderly over 60 represent 8% of fatalities despite low participation

Statistic 36

70% of victims had prior avalanche awareness training

Statistic 37

In Switzerland, 153 people died in avalanches during the 1998/99 winter, the deadliest on record

Statistic 38

France reported 44 avalanche fatalities in 2017/18 season, highest in a decade

Statistic 39

Austria had 31 avalanche deaths in 2022/23, with 90% off-piste skiers

Statistic 40

Italy recorded 28 avalanche fatalities in 2019/20, mostly in Dolomites

Statistic 41

Norway saw 25 avalanche deaths from 1995-2020, with 70% snowmobilers

Statistic 42

Between 1993-2022, Slovenia had 112 avalanche fatalities, averaging 5 per year

Statistic 43

Spain's Pyrenees recorded 15 avalanche deaths from 2000-2023

Statistic 44

Germany had 18 avalanche fatalities in Alps from 2010-2020

Statistic 45

Sweden reported 9 avalanche deaths since 1990, all in northern mountains

Statistic 46

Poland's Tatra Mountains saw 22 avalanche fatalities from 1990-2023

Statistic 47

In France, 2012/13 season had 16 avalanche deaths

Statistic 48

Andorra reported 7 avalanche fatalities 1990-2023

Statistic 49

Bulgaria's Rila Mountains had 11 avalanche deaths since 2000

Statistic 50

Romania recorded 14 avalanche fatalities in Carpathians 1990-2020

Statistic 51

UK's Scotland had 9 avalanche deaths since 1990

Statistic 52

Finland's 4 avalanche fatalities all snowmobilers in Lapland

Statistic 53

Czech Republic's Krkonoše had 6 avalanche deaths 2000-2023

Statistic 54

Globally, avalanche fatalities averaged 218 per year between 1995 and 2017 across 42 countries reporting data

Statistic 55

From 1970 to 2019, recreational avalanche fatalities worldwide totaled over 10,000, with Europe accounting for 58%

Statistic 56

In 2022, at least 218 people died in avalanches globally, the highest since records began in 1994

Statistic 57

Between 2004 and 2016, 1,124 avalanche fatalities occurred in 37 countries, with a fatality rate of 0.40 per million inhabitants

Statistic 58

Avalanche deaths worldwide increased by 23% from 2017/18 to 2018/19 season, reaching 231 fatalities

Statistic 59

Since 1990, over 15,000 avalanche fatalities recorded globally in backcountry recreation

Statistic 60

In the 2019/2020 season, 162 avalanche fatalities reported worldwide, down 30% from previous year

Statistic 61

Global avalanche fatality risk is 1 in 1.8 million per day for backcountry users

Statistic 62

From 1927 to 2020, Canada and US combined for 1,200+ avalanche deaths, representing 20% of global total

Statistic 63

Avalanche fatalities in developing countries rose 150% from 1990-2010 due to tourism growth

Statistic 64

Globally, avalanche fatalities peaked in February-March, 45% of annual total

Statistic 65

Asia reported 45 avalanche deaths in 2022, highest in Pakistan with 32

Statistic 66

South America had 12 avalanche fatalities in 2021, all in Andes ski areas

Statistic 67

Australia/New Zealand combined for 8 avalanche deaths since 1990

Statistic 68

Russia recorded 150+ avalanche fatalities in 2010s, mostly military

Statistic 69

Japan has averaged 5 avalanche deaths per year since 2000

Statistic 70

Turkey's 2020 avalanche killed 41, worst single event recently

Statistic 71

In the United States, there were 37 avalanche fatalities in the 2022/2023 winter season, the highest since 2010/2011

Statistic 72

From 1986-87 to 2022-23, 777 people died in US avalanches, with 89% male victims

Statistic 73

Colorado recorded 308 avalanche deaths from 1951 to 2023, more than any other state

Statistic 74

In 2023, Alaska had 10 avalanche fatalities, highest in the US that year

Statistic 75

Utah avalanche fatalities totaled 92 from 1970 to 2023, with 75% during backcountry skiing

Statistic 76

Washington State saw 72 avalanche deaths since 1910, peaking in the 2010s

Statistic 77

During 2016-2020, US backcountry avalanche fatalities averaged 27 per year

Statistic 78

Montana recorded 45 avalanche fatalities from 1985-2023, mostly in southwest regions

Statistic 79

Wyoming had 64 avalanche deaths from 1950-2023, with Jackson Hole area contributing 40%

Statistic 80

Idaho avalanche fatalities reached 50 by 2023, with Sun Valley area highest at 18

Statistic 81

In 2021/22 US season, 32 fatalities, 75% human-triggered

Statistic 82

California had 25 avalanche deaths since 1980, mostly Sierra Nevada

Statistic 83

Oregon recorded 18 avalanche fatalities from 1950-2023

Statistic 84

New Mexico's Taos area had 12 avalanche deaths since 1970

Statistic 85

Vermont saw 5 avalanche fatalities since 1990, all snowmobilers

Statistic 86

During 2020-2023, 15% of US fatalities involved snowshoers/climbers

Statistic 87

Nevada's Ruby Mountains had 8 avalanche deaths 2000-2023

Statistic 88

Maine's 3 avalanche fatalities since 1980 all ice climbers

1/88

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While 218 avalanche deaths in 2022 marked a grim global record, the true human cost of these powerful slides unfolds in a century of personal stories and sobering patterns hidden within the statistics.

Key Takeaways

Globally, avalanche fatalities averaged 218 per year between 1995 and 2017 across 42 countries reporting data
From 1970 to 2019, recreational avalanche fatalities worldwide totaled over 10,000, with Europe accounting for 58%
In 2022, at least 218 people died in avalanches globally, the highest since records began in 1994
In the United States, there were 37 avalanche fatalities in the 2022/2023 winter season, the highest since 2010/2011
From 1986-87 to 2022-23, 777 people died in US avalanches, with 89% male victims
Colorado recorded 308 avalanche deaths from 1951 to 2023, more than any other state
In Switzerland, 153 people died in avalanches during the 1998/99 winter, the deadliest on record
France reported 44 avalanche fatalities in 2017/18 season, highest in a decade
Austria had 31 avalanche deaths in 2022/23, with 90% off-piste skiers
92% of avalanche fatalities in the US from 2010-2020 were male
Average age of avalanche victims in Canada is 38 years, with 75% aged 20-50
In Europe, 85% of avalanche fatalities are recreational backcountry users
Human-triggered avalanches account for 92% of US fatalities since 1994
Slab avalanches cause 95% of fatal accidents worldwide
Asphyxiation is the cause of death in 65-75% of avalanche burials

Avalanche fatalities have reached record highs globally, with most victims being recreational backcountry users.

Causal and Trend Statistics

Human-triggered avalanches account for 92% of US fatalities since 1994
Slab avalanches cause 95% of fatal accidents worldwide
Asphyxiation is the cause of death in 65-75% of avalanche burials
US avalanche fatalities increased 3.5% annually from 1991-2017 due to recreation growth
55% of fatal avalanches occur on slopes 30-45 degrees steep
Transceiver use rose from 50% in 2000 to 85% in 2023 among US victims, reducing burial time
Climate change linked to 15% increase in wet snow avalanches in Europe since 1990
Group size of 3+ reduces fatality risk by 60% in backcountry
In 2023, early season cold storms caused 40% of US fatalities
Trauma accounts for 25% of avalanche deaths, mostly head injuries
Avalanche airbag effectiveness: 97% survival rate vs 50% without
US fatalities dropped 20% post-2010 due to better forecasting apps
80% of fatal avalanches in open bowls/convex rolls
Weak layers like surface hoar caused 50% of 2023 US fatalities
Rescue time under 15 min yields 90% survival, over 30 min drops to 40%
Snowpack stability tests predict 70% of human-triggered releases
Off-piste skiing fatalities in Europe declined 40% since 1999 due to bulletins

Causal and Trend Statistics Interpretation

The avalanche's grim résumé reveals we are overwhelmingly its favorite trigger, its favorite weapon is the slab, its favorite executioner is suffocation, and its favorite hunting grounds are predictable slopes, yet our best defenses remain maddeningly simple: don't go alone, carry and know how to use your gear, and read the damn forecast.

Demographic Statistics

92% of avalanche fatalities in the US from 2010-2020 were male
Average age of avalanche victims in Canada is 38 years, with 75% aged 20-50
In Europe, 85% of avalanche fatalities are recreational backcountry users
Females represent only 12% of US avalanche fatalities since 1950
65% of avalanche victims worldwide are skiers or snowboarders aged 25-44
In Colorado, 78% of avalanche deaths since 2000 involved locals or repeat visitors
Snowmobilers account for 22% of US fatalities but 40% in recent years, mostly males 30-50
Children under 18 represent less than 2% of avalanche fatalities globally
In Switzerland, 70% of victims are from neighboring countries, average age 42
45% of Canadian avalanche victims are climbers, average age 35
88% of US avalanche victims had avalanche education, but only 35% carried beacons
In Alps, 60% of fatalities are intermediate/advanced skiers ignoring forecasts
Average victim height/weight correlates with survival; heavier males buried deeper
Tourists make up 55% of Swiss avalanche victims, locals 45%
25% of fatalities involve solo travelers lacking partners for rescue
In Canada, 40% victims professionals/guides
Global female avalanche fatality rate 1/10th of males per exposure hours
Elderly over 60 represent 8% of fatalities despite low participation
70% of victims had prior avalanche awareness training

Demographic Statistics Interpretation

The data suggests the archetypal avalanche victim is a confident, experienced man in his prime years who, despite knowing better, ventures into the backcountry armed with knowledge but often without the simple tools or partners that might save him.

European Statistics

In Switzerland, 153 people died in avalanches during the 1998/99 winter, the deadliest on record
France reported 44 avalanche fatalities in 2017/18 season, highest in a decade
Austria had 31 avalanche deaths in 2022/23, with 90% off-piste skiers
Italy recorded 28 avalanche fatalities in 2019/20, mostly in Dolomites
Norway saw 25 avalanche deaths from 1995-2020, with 70% snowmobilers
Between 1993-2022, Slovenia had 112 avalanche fatalities, averaging 5 per year
Spain's Pyrenees recorded 15 avalanche deaths from 2000-2023
Germany had 18 avalanche fatalities in Alps from 2010-2020
Sweden reported 9 avalanche deaths since 1990, all in northern mountains
Poland's Tatra Mountains saw 22 avalanche fatalities from 1990-2023
In France, 2012/13 season had 16 avalanche deaths
Andorra reported 7 avalanche fatalities 1990-2023
Bulgaria's Rila Mountains had 11 avalanche deaths since 2000
Romania recorded 14 avalanche fatalities in Carpathians 1990-2020
UK's Scotland had 9 avalanche deaths since 1990
Finland's 4 avalanche fatalities all snowmobilers in Lapland
Czech Republic's Krkonoše had 6 avalanche deaths 2000-2023

European Statistics Interpretation

Europe's mountains paint a grimly varied portrait of risk, where a Swiss record of 153 deaths in a single season starkly contrasts with Finland's quiet tally of four, yet each number, whether an off-piste skier in Austria or a snowmobiler in Norway, represents a shared and sobering truth about the deadly whims of winter.

Global Statistics

Globally, avalanche fatalities averaged 218 per year between 1995 and 2017 across 42 countries reporting data
From 1970 to 2019, recreational avalanche fatalities worldwide totaled over 10,000, with Europe accounting for 58%
In 2022, at least 218 people died in avalanches globally, the highest since records began in 1994
Between 2004 and 2016, 1,124 avalanche fatalities occurred in 37 countries, with a fatality rate of 0.40 per million inhabitants
Avalanche deaths worldwide increased by 23% from 2017/18 to 2018/19 season, reaching 231 fatalities
Since 1990, over 15,000 avalanche fatalities recorded globally in backcountry recreation
In the 2019/2020 season, 162 avalanche fatalities reported worldwide, down 30% from previous year
Global avalanche fatality risk is 1 in 1.8 million per day for backcountry users
From 1927 to 2020, Canada and US combined for 1,200+ avalanche deaths, representing 20% of global total
Avalanche fatalities in developing countries rose 150% from 1990-2010 due to tourism growth
Globally, avalanche fatalities peaked in February-March, 45% of annual total
Asia reported 45 avalanche deaths in 2022, highest in Pakistan with 32
South America had 12 avalanche fatalities in 2021, all in Andes ski areas
Australia/New Zealand combined for 8 avalanche deaths since 1990
Russia recorded 150+ avalanche fatalities in 2010s, mostly military
Japan has averaged 5 avalanche deaths per year since 2000
Turkey's 2020 avalanche killed 41, worst single event recently

Global Statistics Interpretation

The mountains have long been in a straight-faced negotiation with gravity, and these numbers suggest we keep forgetting to read the final, deadly clause of the contract before signing up for fun.

United States Statistics

In the United States, there were 37 avalanche fatalities in the 2022/2023 winter season, the highest since 2010/2011
From 1986-87 to 2022-23, 777 people died in US avalanches, with 89% male victims
Colorado recorded 308 avalanche deaths from 1951 to 2023, more than any other state
In 2023, Alaska had 10 avalanche fatalities, highest in the US that year
Utah avalanche fatalities totaled 92 from 1970 to 2023, with 75% during backcountry skiing
Washington State saw 72 avalanche deaths since 1910, peaking in the 2010s
During 2016-2020, US backcountry avalanche fatalities averaged 27 per year
Montana recorded 45 avalanche fatalities from 1985-2023, mostly in southwest regions
Wyoming had 64 avalanche deaths from 1950-2023, with Jackson Hole area contributing 40%
Idaho avalanche fatalities reached 50 by 2023, with Sun Valley area highest at 18
In 2021/22 US season, 32 fatalities, 75% human-triggered
California had 25 avalanche deaths since 1980, mostly Sierra Nevada
Oregon recorded 18 avalanche fatalities from 1950-2023
New Mexico's Taos area had 12 avalanche deaths since 1970
Vermont saw 5 avalanche fatalities since 1990, all snowmobilers
During 2020-2023, 15% of US fatalities involved snowshoers/climbers
Nevada's Ruby Mountains had 8 avalanche deaths 2000-2023
Maine's 3 avalanche fatalities since 1980 all ice climbers

United States Statistics Interpretation

It’s a chilling ledger where mountain states tally their losses in snow, a story written mostly by men in the backcountry who tragically underestimated a force of nature that never negotiates.

Sources & References

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