Kappl, March 2025 - During the final of the Dutch/Belgian Freeride Championships 2025, an accident occurred requiring the deployment of mountain rescue.
On the day of the competition, avalanche level 1 was reported. Despite the low risk of avalanches, a snowslide still occurred when a participant ventured just outside the competition slope. This part of the slope was not part of the competition. When the participant initiated a turn, snow broke loose and slid downhill. The participant remained upright, but two mountain rescue personnel slid with it. One of these personnel landed awkwardly and injured his leg. He was picked up by a helicopter and taken to the hospital. The rescue went well, and action was taken quickly and correctly. The rest of the competition proceeded smoothly.
The organization is grateful to mountain rescue for their efforts and wishes the injured party a speedy recovery.