Alpine accidents in Austria in 2024 - a review of the year

In 2024, 309 people died in the Austrian mountains, an alarming increase compared to 2023.

The mountain sports year 2024: Worrying numbers

In 2024, a total of 309 people lost their lives in the Austrian mountains, which represents a significant increase of 14% compared to the 271 fatalities in 2023. This figure also significantly exceeds the ten-year average of 284 fatalities. Most fatal accidents occurred while hiking and mountaineering, followed by accidents on the slopes and ski tours as well as suicides. It is particularly alarming that 67 percent of those who died were over 51 years old, with cardiovascular disorders and falls from a height being the most common causes of death.

Accident statistics 2024: a look back

The accident statistics show that 170 of the fatalities, around 55 percent, were recorded in the summer mountain sports disciplines. There were also 68 fatalities in the winter mountain sports disciplines. At 9,324, the number of injuries remained at the previous year's level, but was significantly higher than the ten-year average of 8,422. 13,999 accidents were recorded in total, which underlines the need to raise awareness of alpine safety. In terms of injuries, the gender ratio between men (56 percent) and women (43 percent) is still fairly balanced.

State and federal state statistics

As in previous years, most of the fatalities came from Austria (58%), followed by Germany (28%) and the Netherlands (3%). Tyrol is once again the leader in these sad statistics with 104 fatal accidents, followed by Salzburg (58), Carinthia (36) and Vorarlberg (35). 87 percent of the fatalities were male (269).

Prevention and awareness-raising

The Austrian Committee for Alpine Safety (ÖKAS) appeals to people, especially the younger generation, to be aware of the dangers of the Alps. For older people, it is important to only be active in the mountains after an annual health check-up and stable health in order to minimize the risk of cardiovascular failure.

Alpinmesse 2025: Together for more safety

The rising number of accidents in the Alps highlights the urgency of further raising awareness of safety in mountain sports. As part of the Alpinmesse 2025, which takes place from November 22 to 23, the topic of alpine safety will once again be in the spotlight. Visitors will be able to expand their knowledge of risk management and accident prevention at presentations and workshops.
 

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Further information on the alpine accident figures in Austria in 2024 can be found at alpinesicherheit.at

Text & data source: Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit (ÖKAS)