A deadly wave of avalanches has hit western Austria after heavy snowfall and strong winds destabilized the mountains. Authorities say the snow has piled up over the past week and sits on a weak base. On Friday, an avalanche swept up five off-piste skiers near St. Anton am Arlberg and killed them. Police say another skier died later from injuries in a hospital. Also on Friday, avalanches killed a German father in Nauders-Bergkastel and a Swiss snowboarder in Vorarlberg. Officials reported dozens of incidents on Friday and hundreds over the week. They say the danger will remain high into Sunday.
