State Department warns Americans of 'extremely dangerous' avalanche conditions across Europe

Dozens have died in European avalanches this season as the U.S. issues an urgent travel warning for Americans in Switzerland, Austria, and France Alpine regions. Travel State Department warns Americans of 'extremely dangerous' avalanche conditions across Europe Dozens have died in avalanches across Europe this season, with parts of Switzerland, Austria and France at the highest danger levels By Brie Stimson Fox News Published February 20, 2026 9:56pm EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Avalanche slams into moving train in Swiss Alps Swiss Alps avalanche slams into train near Zermatt as shocked child passenger says "uh-oh!" (Credit: Kirsten Osborne via Storyful) NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The State Department on Friday issued a warning of "significantly increased avalanche danger" in parts of Switzerland, Austria, and France, telling Americans abroad to monitor local avalanche forecasts. The warning comes after dozens of people have died in avalanches across Europe this season so far."Authorities report significantly increased avalanche danger in parts of Switzerland, Austria, and France," the State Department wrote in the alert. "Monitor conditions via the European Avalanche Warning Service: https://avalanches.org." An alert from the U.S. embassy in Austria said Austrian authorities have reported "significantly increased avalanche danger in Alpine regions," with parts of Tyrol and Vorarlberg at Danger Level 4, which is considered high, and other Alpine regions in are at Danger Level 3, which is "considerable." 6 MOTHERS WHO ‘CHERISHED TIME TOGETHER’ AMONG VICTIMS IN AVALANCHE NEAR LAKE TAHOE The State Department on Friday issued a warning of "significantly increased avalanche danger" in parts of Switzerland, Austria, and France, telling Americans abroad to monitor local avalanche forecasts. (Getty) "At Danger Level 4, avalanches can be triggered very easily, and large to very large natural avalanches can be expected," the embassy wrote. "Exposed transportation routes may be at risk. Conditions are extremely dangerous for snow sports outside marked and open trails. Local authorities may preemptively close certain areas and prohibit access."STATE DEPARTMENT ISSUES SECURITY ALERT AMID ‘HEAVY GUNFIRE’ NEAR US EMBASSY IN HAITI The embassy said Americans in those areas should monitor avalanche forecasts, listen to local authorities, avoid backcountry activities, and stay on marked trails. A French emergency management helicopter rescued an avalanche victim in the French Alps on Jan. 29. (Jeff Pachoud/AFP via Getty Images)The U.S. embassy in Switzerland also reported "significantly increased avalanche danger," with large regions in the Cantons of Valais and Graubünden at Danger Level 4 and other alpine regions in Switzerland and Liechtenstein at Level 3." In France, the U.S. embassy also reported "strong or very strong avalanche risk in Alpine regions in France along the borders with Italy and Switzerland," including Hautes Alpes, Isere, Savoie, and Haute-Savoie." A ski patrol on their way to check the ski slopes and other nearby areas for hazards and avalanches after a heavy snowfall in Austria. (Getty) Fox News Digital has reached out to the State Department for comment. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPIn the U.S., eight skiers also died near Lake Tahoe and one remains missing this week in the deadliest avalanche in California history. Related Topics TravelState DepartmentLifestyleEuropeWeather Fox News Lifestyle A look at the top-trending stories in food, relationships, great outdoors and more. Arrives Twice a week By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!