A tragic avalanche struck a group of Italian skiers in Kårsavagge, Sweden, on Thursday, March 20, 2025, around 3:50 PM, resulting in the deaths of two brothers identified as Mattia Boer, 50, and Daniele Boer, 45. The serious incident unfolded shortly after they had landed by helicopter, accompanied by their brother Simone, who fortunately escaped unharmed.
The group was heliskiing near the Norwegian border when the avalanche occurred, involving a total of seven individuals: the five Italian tourists, their internationally certified alpine guide, and the helicopter pilot. Eyewitness accounts and reports from the tourist agency Niehku Mountain Villas detail the tragic events, stating, "The alpine guide and two skiers were dragged by an avalanche. The two Italians were buried beneath the snow, while the guide remained on the surface."https://dimages2.gazzettaobjects.it/files/image_528_298/uploads/2025/03/21/67dd5c5fb150e.jpeg
As the avalanche swept through, it caught the group near their helicopter which had just landed minutes before the disaster. This led to immediate rescue operations, but the location posed challenges due to its remote nature, approximately 60 kilometers from the nearest road. Johan Lindblom, the CEO of Niehku Mountain Villas, expressed in a statement, "Two people were taken to the hospital, but it is with deep sadness that we confirm that their lives could not be saved." Despite the rapid response, rescuers were unable to revive the two brothers who had been buried in the snow.
Mattia Boer was known for his work in the family dental practice located in Torre Pellice that he operated with his brother Simone, while Daniele Boer was employed in the real estate industry with a Swiss company near Geneva.
According to reports, the avalanche risk had been assessed as significant, reaching a level three on a scale of five on the day of the incident, highlighting the hazardous conditions. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency had warned that skiers should carefully evaluate the snowpack and terrain. This incident has sparked discussions regarding safety protocols in alpine environments.
Amidst the aftermath, the Italian embassy in Sweden confirmed the tragedy and stated that they are in contact with the families of the affected individuals. They will assist with the procedures for the repatriation of the deceased skiers' bodies to Italy.
Authorities in Sweden have opened an investigation into the incident, led by prosecutor Jonas Fjellström, focusing on potential negligence that could have contributed to the tragedy. This includes examining the role of the tour guiding operators and the responsibilities surrounding such high-risk activities.
The depth of loss felt by the families of the two brothers resonates deeply, spotlighting the dangers associated with extreme skiing excursions. The incident underscores the importance of athlete safety, regulatory oversight, and adherence to environmental precautions when engaging in recreational activities in potentially perilous settings.
As the investigation unfolds, it seeks to ensure accountability and perhaps inspire enhancements to future safety measures in the ski industry. The events of that fateful afternoon in Kårsavagge will remain a poignant reminder of the unpredictability and risks associated with skiing in potentially hazardous conditions.
Mattia and Daniele Boer will be remembered not only for their pursuits in life but as a cautionary tale to others who may test nature's boundaries in pursuit of adventure. The skiing community is left mourning a tragic loss, hoping for reforms that might prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
