A tragic avalanche accident occurred in the area of Mięguszowiecka Valley in Slovakia's High Tatras, claiming the lives of two Poles. The victims are esteemed snowboarder Ali Olszański and ski mountaineer Marek Patola. Despite possessing professional equipment and extensive experience in high mountains, the athletes did not survive being swept away by a mass of snow. Slovak HZS rescuers confirmed the discovery of the victims' bodies after the immediate danger had subsided.

Death of Two Poles

Ali Olszański and Andrzej Patola were killed by an avalanche in Mięguszowiecka Valley in Slovakia's Tatras.

Third-Degree Danger Level

Rescuers confirmed that on the day of the tragedy, there was a considerable avalanche risk, despite the victims' attempts at independent snowpack assessment.

Experience vs. Nature

The victims were professionals equipped with rescue gear, which, however, was insufficient against the power of the elements.

On Wednesday evening, the Tatra community was plunged into mourning upon learning of the death of two outstanding Polish mountain athletes in the area of Mięguszowiecka Valley. The avalanche victims were Ali Olszański, considered a legend of Polish freeriding, and experienced ski mountaineer Marek Patola. Both men were well-known in the climbing and skiing community as individuals with exceptionally high skills who had repeatedly pushed the boundaries in extreme skiing. The tragic event happened during a descent in difficult terrain, where, despite having an ABC kit, the force of nature proved overwhelming. For decades, Mięguszowiecka Valley has been one of the most demanding areas of the High Tatras, serving as an arena for both great successes and the greatest tragedies of Polish and Slovak winter mountaineering.Controversy surrounding the accident was sparked by recent reports posted by Ali Olszański on social media. The athlete documented the process of checking snowpack stability, which was mistakenly interpreted by some of the public as an assurance of safety. Slovak rescuers from Horská záchranná služba (HZS) denied suggestions of good conditions, pointing to the persistent third-degree avalanche danger. It is precisely at a "considerable" level of danger that statistically the highest number of accidents occur, as conditions seem acceptable to skilled skiers despite the real and high risk of spontaneous snow mass release. „HZS zdôrazňuje, že hodnotenie stability snehovej pokrývky zverejnené súkromnými osobami by sa nemalo považovať za oficiálne bezpečnostné pokyny.” (HZS emphasizes that stability assessments of the snowpack published by private individuals should not be considered official safety instructions.) — Horská záchranná službaThe families and friends of the victims remember them as exceptionally helpful, passionate, and humble individuals. The mother of 30-year-old Andrzej, in a moving statement, admitted that the tragedy "broke their hearts," while also emphasizing that the mountains were her son's entire life. Meanwhile, rescuers in the Bieszczady mountains are also warning of extremely difficult conditions and trail icing, indicating a nationwide deterioration of weather in mountain regions. The services appeal for absolute respect of HZS and TOPR bulletins, reminding that in high mountains, even the best equipment does not guarantee survival in a confrontation with an avalanche.

Mentioned People

  • Ali Olszański — Renowned Polish snowboarder and freerider, victim of the accident.
  • Andrzej Patola — Experienced Polish ski mountaineer who died alongside Olszański.