The bodies of five skiers were found on a glacier near Zermatt, a mountain resort in Switzerland, authorities reported on Sunday.
The discovery came after two other skiers spotted abandoned skis at the base of Rimpfischhorn, a peak rising over 13,000 feet.
The two skiers were climbing the Rimpfischhorn when they came across the unattended equipment.
Concerned by the absence of the ski owners, they contacted rescue services to report what they had seen.
Valais cantonal police confirmed that the alert prompted an immediate emergency response.
An Air Zermatt helicopter was deployed to the area with a team of rescue specialists.
Onboard were an emergency doctor, a paramedic, and two experts from the Valais Cantonal Rescue Organization.
Both aerial surveillance and ground searches were launched in the vicinity of the Adler Glacier.
The five bodies were located shortly thereafter during these coordinated efforts.
Three of the victims were found approximately 1,600 feet below where the skis had been left, authorities said.
The remaining two bodies were discovered about 600 feet higher, on a snow-covered patch.
“Formal identification of the victims is still ongoing,” Valais officials stated on Sunday.
The Valais Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into the incident.
Authorities are looking into possible contributing factors, including recent avalanche activity.
Weather conditions at the time of the accident are also being examined as part of the inquiry.
