Three Croatian climbers killed in avalanche on Mount Tosc, Slovenia
Three Croatian mountaineers were killed by an avalanche that struck Mount Tosc in Slovenia’s Julian Alps on October 5, 2025. The group of seven was descending toward the Bohinj valley when unstable snow collapsed, sweeping three climbers into a ravine. Rescue operations led by the Slovenian Mountain Rescue Service recovered all victims within two days.
Rescue operatives searching for 3 croatian hikers who were swept away by an avalanche near Mount Tosc on October 5, 2025. Credit: Gorska Reševalna Zveza Slovenije
An avalanche struck the slopes of Mount Tosc at an altitude of 2 275 m (7 464 feet) in Slovenia’s Julian Alps on Sunday, October 5, killing three Croatian mountaineers.
The victims were part of a group of seven, descending toward the Bohinj valley when unstable snow and strong winds triggered the slide.
The rescue operation was coordinated by the Slovenian Mountain Rescue Service (GRZS) from Stara Fužina, under commander Miha Arh. Over 60 rescuers were involved in the two-day recovery effort. One body was recovered late on Sunday before the search was halted due to avalanche danger.
Improved weather on Monday, October 6, allowed helicopters to resume operations and locate the remaining two victims, found approximately 350 m (1 148 feet) down slope in a ravine.
The Julian Alps, located in northwestern Slovenia near the Italian border, are highly exposed to abrupt weather changes and snow instability, especially during autumn storms.
Avalanche conditions typically increase in the Julian Alps during early autumn, when fresh snow overlays older melt–freeze layers, creating unstable bonding between snow strata.
Rescue operatives searching for the 3 Croatian hikers after the avalanche on the Tosc mountain, Slovenia on October 5, 2025. Credit: Gorska Reševalna Zveza Slovenije- Aerial view of rescue operatives searching for the 3 hikers on the Tosc Mountain after an avalanche on October 5, 2025. Credit: Gorska Reševalna Zveza Slovenije
- Helicopter being used along with on site operatives to search for 3 Croatian hikers after an avalanche on October 5, 2025. Credit: Gorska Reševalna Zveza Slovenije
According to national rescue data, Slovenia’s mountains record around 20 fatalities annually, mostly due to avalanches and falls.
A scientific abstract published in 2025 describes avalanches as Slovenia’s most fatal natural hazard, responsible for about one death per year on average.
Mount Tosc, part of Triglav National Park, is a well-known alpine destination and a frequent route for hikers and ski-tourers. Authorities advised the public to monitor official avalanche warnings and avoid high-elevation routes during unstable weather cycles.
- Helicopter being used to transport rescue operatives after an avalache near the Tosc mountain on October 6, 2025. Credit: Gorska Reševalna Zveza Slovenije
- Helicopter being used for search of 3 Croatian hikers after an avalanche in Slovenia, on October 5, 2025. Credit: Gorska Reševalna Zveza Slovenije
- Rescue operatives searching for 3 croatian hikers who were swept away by an avalanche near Mount Tosc on October 5, 2025. Credit: Gorska Reševalna Zveza Slovenije
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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