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Sadly, these deaths come despite persistent warnings from authorities about the dangers of off-piste skiing in these conditions. The current danger of avalanches is bordering between levels 4 and 5 — meaning high and extreme — and absolute vigilance is needed. Officials are stunned by the number of people ignoring safety warnings and heading out into the backcountry without the requisite equipment, such as shovels and tracking beacons.
Due to the amount of snow that has fallen in recent days, it's on an unsteady base according to officials, and that is what is causing the increase in avalanches, making skiing conditions more dangerous. That means even if weather conditions lift, a high degree of vigilance is needed, following all guidance from local ski resorts and officials.