Croatian Mountaineer Dies, Two Missing After Avalanche on Slovenia's Tosc Mountain

Tragic Avalanche Strikes Croatian Mountaineers in Julian Alps

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia – A tragic avalanche incident on Tosc Mountain in Slovenia's Julian Alps on Sunday, October 5, 2025, has resulted in the death of one Croatian mountaineer, with two others currently missing. Rescue teams have been battling severe weather conditions in their efforts to locate the missing individuals.

Incident Details and Initial Search Efforts

The three mountaineers were part of a larger group of seven Croatian climbers who were ascending Tosc Mountain, a 2,275-meter-high peak in northwestern Slovenia. According to reports, four members of the group decided to take a break at the Vodnikov Dom hut, while the remaining three continued their ascent despite deteriorating weather conditions. The avalanche struck around 10 a.m. local time, sweeping away the three climbers.

Slovenian police confirmed that rescue teams recovered the body of one mountaineer during the difficult search operation. The search for the remaining two missing climbers was launched immediately, involving more than 60 personnel.

Challenging Rescue Conditions Hamper Operations

Rescue efforts have been significantly hampered by adverse weather, including heavy rain, snow, strong winds, and a heightened risk of further avalanches. Rescue official Klemen Belhar told Croatia's public broadcaster HRT that the search was 'very demanding' due to the poor conditions, stating, 'Conditions are not good, it is snowing hard and it is cold.' Initially, helicopters could not be deployed due to the severe weather, though they were utilized later in the afternoon.

Marko Andrić from the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service noted that there was 'more than half a meter of snow at the location,' further complicating the search. The Slovenian Mountain Rescue Service (GRZS) is leading the operation, facing treacherous terrain and the constant threat of new avalanches.

Search Suspended, Resumption Expected Monday

Due to the extremely dangerous conditions and the ongoing threat of avalanches, the search operation was suspended for the remainder of Sunday. Police spokesman Bostjan Repinc stated that the search would resume on Monday, October 6, 2025. The identities of the mountaineers have not yet been released.