In a tragic incident in the northern mountains of Sweden, on March 20, 2025, two Italian skiers lost their lives due to an avalanche after being airlifted to Karsavagge, a remote area near the Norwegian border. The victims, who have been identified as brothers Mattia and Daniele Boer, aged 45 and 50 respectively, were part of a group of five Italians. The group was reportedly guided by an internationally certified mountaineer at the time of the accident, which occurred shortly after their helicopter, operated by Kallfax Flyg, had landed.
The avalanche hit the helicopter just moments after the skiers disembarked, burying Mattia and Daniele under a mass of snow. A third brother, Simone, who was also part of the excursion, fortunately escaped unharmed and returned safely to the Niehku resort, where the group had originally set off.
According to Johan Lindblom, the CEO of the Niehku Mountain Villas that organized the trip, “two people were taken to the hospital, but it is with deep sorrow that we confirm that their lives could not be saved.” The tragic accident took place within the Abisko National Park, an area noted for its rugged terrain and occasional avalanche risks.
Earlier reports indicated the avalanche danger was rated at level three on a scale of five on the day of the incident, suggesting considerable risks associated with navigating the snow-covered slopes. The alpine guide who led the group was able to escape the avalanche, remaining on the surface and aiding in emergency efforts.
The Swedish police have since revealed that the two deceased brothers were well-known locals from Luserna San Giovanni, a town in the province of Turin, with deep ties to their community. They belonged to a family noted for their work in dentistry and real estate; Mattia was a dentist who practiced alongside their father, while Daniele worked in a real estate agency.
As news of the tragedy broke, the Italian Embassy in Sweden quickly moved to contact the families of the victims. They stated plans to facilitate the repatriation of the bodies back to Italy. Reports from local media indicate that the family is deeply involved in the community, making the tragedy all the more poignant.
In light of this severe incident, Swedish authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the avalanche and the ski group's plight. Reports suggest that the site of the accident is roughly 60 kilometers from the nearest accessible road, which complicated rescue operations.
At the accident scene, medical teams arrived swiftly, but despite their efforts, the brothers were pronounced dead upon their arrival at a hospital in Tromsø, Norway. The families of the deceased are now grappling with the heavy burden of grief; in addition to losing the two brothers, they are faced with widespread media coverage and community mourning.
The avalanche incident not only impacts the Boer family but also highlights the inherent dangers associated with backcountry skiing and heliskiing, which, while thrilling, come with significant risks—especially in regions known for unpredictable weather patterns like northern Sweden.
As the local community comes to terms with this tragedy, there are calls for enhanced safety measures for skiing operations in avalanche-prone areas. The combination of thrill-seeking and nature's unpredictability often leads to heart-wrenching outcomes, and the families involved in this situation hope that lessons can be learned from this tragedy to prevent similar situations in the future.
The investigation is expected to shed more light on the event, including factors like the avalanche forecast and compliance with safety practices during such high-risk activities. With the ski season in full swing, both skiers and guides are reminded of the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols in environments that pose threats such as avalanches.
While this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with winter sports, it also underscores the deep bonds of family and community. In these moments, it is the stories of love and togetherness that resonate most profoundly, even amidst the sorrow of loss.
