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ITALY — The Monte Rosa massif in Europe boasts 10 peaks that exceed 4,000 meters. The highest of these, the Dufourspitze, tops out at a whopping 4,634 meters. That's more than 15,300 feet in height and enough for it to claim the title of Switzerland's highest peak.
While much of the massif is in Switzerland, some of it lies aross Italian borders. Thus, many of its peaks have both German and Italian names. This one is known by the Italian name of Monte Rosa. It and other peaks have long attracted world-class climbers and skiers. But, sadly, some of these expeditions end in serious injury and death.
Here's an amazing video where Monte Rosa's danger was (narrowly) avoided.
As the skier navigates the steep terrain, the snow begins to give way. I can't even imagine how terrifying it would be to see an avalanche forming like that.
Fortunately, the skier tumbled out of the way of the avalanche and was unharmed as the mass of snow made its way downhill and cascaded over the rocks below.
