The bodies of five missing skiers have been found in the Swiss Alps, according to local authorities. The search and rescue operation was launched after the group went missing near the Tete Blanche mountain. One person is still unaccounted for. The skiers were all Swiss nationals and ranged in age from 21 to 58 years old.

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The search operation was hindered by severe weather conditions. High winds and heavy snowfalls have been occurring in the area, making it difficult for search teams to locate the missing skiers. Saas-Fee, a nearby winter resort, is currently cut off by snow. The bad weather has made flying impossible, with strong winds, high avalanche danger, and zero visibility.

It is suspected that the skiers may have been overcome by the harsh weather conditions rather than being caught in an avalanche. The area where they went missing has a low risk of avalanches. Ski tours like this one typically follow unprepared routes and are equipped with location finders and avalanche shovels. The last signal from the group was recorded overnight, providing a rough idea of their location.

The route from Zermatt to Arolla, where the skiers disappeared, is part of the renowned Haute Route. This 120km (75 miles) route from Zermatt to Chamonix is popular among experienced skiers but requires advanced skills. It can take several days to complete.