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Tragedy in Vardousia: Four Mountaineers Died of Asphyxiation – Theories About the Avalanche

Published December 29, 2025, 14:16
Tragedy in Vardousia: Four Mountaineers Died of Asphyxiation – Theories About the Avalanche

Four mountaineers who lost their lives in Vardousia died of asphyxiation, according to the forensic report. No external injuries were found, reinforcing the scenario that they were buried by large amounts of snow. The unfortunate mountaineers appear to have triggered the avalanche themselves, according to the president of the local community. The weather conditions were good, but the area was prone to avalanches due to recent snowfall on icy ground. The mountaineers chose a dangerous path, and the search and rescue operation began late in the afternoon, reducing the chances of success. The avalanche swept them away at an altitude of approximately 2,200 meters. According to the community president, the avalanche was created because the fresh snow had not had time to integrate into the icy ground below. The ascent to the Korakas peak is demanding and takes about three hours, while the descent is equally time-consuming. The tragedy occurred while one of the mountaineers had received news of his grandfather's death and was looking for his son to inform him.