Deadly avalanches hit Swiss skiers

Bad weather hampered rescuers searching for three people feared buried under snow today after avalanches killed at least five others in the Swiss Alps.

Police warned that the risk was still high after the avalanches hit a group of skiers and then the rescuers who came to their aid in the Diemtig Valley, about 25 miles south of the capital Bern yesterday.

An emergency doctor who was part of the rescue team was among the four people confirmed killed.

Police believe at least three skiers were still missing. They said rescue efforts would depend on the weather. Officials had halted the rescue and recovery operation at nightfall yesterday.

Separately two skiers were buried in another avalanche near the town of Verbier close to the borders with France and Italy. One person was killed while his guide was rescued alive.

The start of the ski season and heavy snowfall in recent days have prompted officials to warn of a heightened avalanche risk in the Swiss Alps.