Large-scale avalanche rescue operation concludes after skier found safe

A major search and rescue operation near Gaustablikk in southern Norway has ended after a skier reported missing in an avalanche was located unharmed, police confirmed Saturday evening.

The operation was launched after authorities received reports of a snowslide in the Toreskyrkja–Gaustablikk area of Tinn municipality at 16:14 local time, Dagbladet reports. Rescue teams, including three helicopters—one air ambulance, one police helicopter, and one search-and-rescue unit—were deployed alongside ground crews with avalanche dogs.

“We currently have reports of ski tracks leading into the slide,” Ottar Steinstø, operations leader for the South-Eastern Norway Police District, told media. The avalanche measured approximately 20 metres wide and 30 metres long.

Around 19:00, police confirmed contact with the skier who triggered the avalanche, ending the search. During the operation, a second avalanche was reported near Høgevarde, prompting the redirection of one helicopter to the new site.

Authorities had urged the public to share any information about activity in the area prior to the slide.