At least two skiers have died in an avalanche in the Italian province of South Tyrol, DPA reported.
A group of about 10 people was buried by an avalanche, the Italian mountain rescue service reported. At least one of the injured was transported by helicopter to hospital in serious condition, and the search for another continues.
According to initial data, the incident occurred around noon in a difficult-to-reach high-mountain area at an altitude of about 2,300 meters.
Since the start of the winter season, several avalanche incidents have already been recorded in the Italian Alps, resulting in deaths and injuries. The latest case brings the number of people killed in avalanches in European mountains since the beginning of October to at least 127.
Experts say one reason for the increasing number of incidents is climate change. Temperatures are rising and snowpack is becoming more unstable.