On a fateful Sunday, October 5, 2025, the serene slopes of Mount Tosc in Slovenia’s Julian Alps became the scene of a devastating tragedy. An avalanche struck near the 2,275-meter peak, claiming the lives of three Croatian hikers and sending ripples of grief across borders. As rescue operations unfolded amid treacherous conditions, communities in both Slovenia and Croatia were left grappling with loss and searching for answers about how such a calamity could occur.
According to MENAFN, the avalanche hit a group of seven Croatian mountaineers as they were descending Mount Tosc. The weather was far from forgiving—heavy snow, persistent rain, and the looming threat of further avalanches created a perilous environment for both the hikers and the rescue teams. The body of the first victim was recovered late Sunday, and the search for the remaining missing mountaineers continued into Monday.
Rescue teams faced daunting obstacles. "The search was very difficult due to snow, rain and a serious danger of new avalanches," the Mountain Rescue Association stated on its official Facebook page. Their efforts were hampered not only by the harsh weather but also by the risk that the unstable snowpack might trigger further slides at any moment. It was only after hours of painstaking work that the bodies of the two remaining hikers—brothers from the Croatian city of Kaštela—were discovered, trapped under up to 1.5 meters of snow.
The loss was felt deeply in Kaštela, a coastal town near Split, Croatia. As reported by Portal.hr, the City Administration announced plans to declare a day of mourning in honor of the two brothers. "This tragedy and loss of life have deeply shaken our community," said Frane Smoljo, a spokesman for the City of Kaštela, in a statement to Hina. Mayor Denis Ivanović and city services began consultations with the parents of the deceased, seeking their input on when to hold the day of mourning and awaiting information about when the bodies would be transported back to Kaštela from Slovenia.
For the people of Kaštela, the loss was intensely personal. The local community described the deceased brothers as exemplary young men—an assessment that only heightened the collective grief. The city’s response was swift and somber, with officials and citizens alike coming together to support the bereaved families. The pain was not confined to Kaštela alone; another Croatian citizen, hailing from the Solin area and the town of Sveti Kajo, was also among the victims. The avalanche’s impact thus extended across multiple communities, each left to mourn in its own way.
Slovenian authorities, meanwhile, were quick to issue warnings to others who might be tempted to venture into the high mountains. The Mountain Rescue Association urged caution, stating, "Mountain hiking in the coming days is very dangerous and we advise against it," and adding, "current conditions in the high mountains are extremely difficult." Their message was clear: the combination of snow, rain, and unstable terrain posed a serious threat to anyone in the area.
Rescue teams were kept busy throughout the weekend, not only with the search for the Croatian mountaineers but also with helping several other hikers stranded by heavy snowfall. Some found themselves forced to spend the night in mountain huts, waiting for helicopter evacuations as conditions made ground rescues nearly impossible. The Julian Alps, known for their breathtaking beauty and challenging climbs, are generally most accessible during the summer months, when the weather is more stable and snow is minimal. But in early October, the mountains can be treacherous—a reality that became all too apparent in the wake of this tragedy.
According to local media reports cited by MENAFN, 15 people have died in snow avalanches in Slovenia over the past 15 years. While such incidents are not everyday occurrences, they are a sobering reminder of the risks that come with alpine adventure. The region’s rugged terrain and unpredictable weather can quickly turn a routine hike into a life-threatening ordeal.
In the aftermath of the avalanche, the process of repatriating the victims’ bodies began. Kaštela’s city officials coordinated closely with the families and Slovenian authorities, mindful of the need to provide both practical assistance and emotional support. The city’s consideration of a day of mourning was not merely symbolic; it was a testament to the deep bonds of community and the respect accorded to those who lost their lives in pursuit of their passion for the mountains.
The story of the two brothers from Kaštela, described as "exemplary young men," resonated far beyond their hometown. Their commitment to mountaineering, their spirit of adventure, and the tragic circumstances of their deaths touched a nerve in Croatia and among outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. The avalanche also brought into sharp relief the unpredictable dangers that lurk in even the most beloved natural settings.
The rescue operation itself was a feat of endurance and determination. Navigating through snow and rain, and under the constant threat of additional avalanches, rescuers demonstrated remarkable professionalism and courage. Their efforts ensured that the victims’ families would not be left in uncertainty, even as they highlighted the immense risks faced by those who answer the call to save others in the mountains.
For many in Slovenia and Croatia, the tragedy served as a sobering reminder of the need for caution and preparation when venturing into the wilderness. The Mountain Rescue Association’s warning was not issued lightly; it reflected the hard-earned wisdom of those who know the mountains best. As the region mourns its losses, there is a renewed focus on safety, respect for nature’s power, and the importance of heeding expert advice.
In the days following the avalanche, support poured in for the affected families. Messages of condolence, offers of assistance, and gestures of solidarity underscored the sense of shared loss. The City of Kaštela’s planned day of mourning provided an opportunity for collective reflection and remembrance—a way for the community to come together, honor the deceased, and begin the difficult process of healing.
As autumn settles over the Julian Alps, the memory of those lost in the avalanche will linger. Their story, marked by courage, camaraderie, and tragedy, stands as a poignant reminder of the beauty and peril that coexist in the world’s wild places. And for those left behind, the challenge now is to find meaning in loss and to carry forward the legacy of those who loved the mountains.
