Austria eyes ban on social media for under-14s
Austria is considering a ban on social media use for people under 14, joining a trend of countries tightening rules to curb youth online access as part of broader youth-protection efforts.
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Mpox Clade Ib Triggers Travel Warnings Across Austria and Sweden
Health authorities report 13 mpox cases of the transmissible clade Ib in Austria (6) and Sweden (7) as of March 12, 2026, prompting travel precautions. The virus spreads through direct contact with lesions, with a 5–21 day incubation, allowing infection during travel. Guidance includes vaccination where available, thorough hand hygiene, avoiding contact with sick animals in certain regions, and for sexually active travelers to monitor symptoms, discuss with partners, and avoid new sexual contact if symptoms appear until cleared.
IEA emergency oil releases aimed at cooling prices as Germany, Austria unlock reserves
The IEA has agreed to coordinate a record release of emergency oil reserves to calm surging prices, with Germany and Austria set to release their stockpiles to help stabilize energy markets.
Snowbound Alps claim more lives as avalanches slam Austrian peaks
Austria’s Tirol region endured a wave of deadly avalanches triggered by heavy snowfall and strong winds, with at least five people killed in St Anton am Arlberg and additional fatalities in Nauders-Bergkastel and Klösterle. Dozens of rescue teams were deployed as nearly 200 avalanche incidents were recorded in the past week and more than 200 in total this past week, with conditions described as turbulent and likely to continue.
Climber handed suspended sentence after abandoning girlfriend on Austria’s highest peak
Thomas Plamberger, 39, was convicted of gross negligent manslaughter for abandoning his girlfriend Kerstin Gurtner on Austria’s highest peak, the Grossglockner, where she froze to death in January 2025. He received a suspended five‑month prison sentence and a €9,600 fine. Prosecutors say he previously abandoned a prior girlfriend on a mountain hike, a claim supported by that ex’s testimony; Plammerger denied it, while webcam footage and rescue records were cited in court.
Climber convicted for leaving girlfriend to die on Austria’s highest peak
A 37-year-old man was found guilty of grossly negligent manslaughter for leaving his inexperienced girlfriend on Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner, where she later froze to death. The Innsbruck Regional Court sentenced him to a suspended five-month prison term and a €9,600 fine, noting factors like his clean record and the loss of a relative; the verdict can be appealed.
Austrian Mountaineer Receives Suspended Sentence After Abandoning Girlfriend on Highest Peak (Ex-Testimony Alleges Prior Abandonment)
Thomas Plamberger, 39, was convicted of gross negligent manslaughter for abandoning his girlfriend Kerstin Gurtner on Austria’s Grossglockner in January 2025, leading to her death by freezing. He received a suspended five‑month prison term and a €9,600 fine after prosecutors said he descended the mountain while she remained behind and silenced his phone; prosecutors also alleged a prior similar abandonment of a former girlfriend who survived and testified in court.
Austrian climber convicted after girlfriend's fatal winter ascent on Grossglockner
An Austrian climber was found guilty of gross negligent manslaughter after his girlfriend died of hypothermia during a winter ascent on the Grossglockner. He received a five-month suspended sentence and a €9,600 fine. The court cited the girlfriend's lack of winter climbing experience and his role as the more experienced climber, while prosecutors argued he should have turned back or called for help; the case has sparked debate about risk and criminal liability in mountaineering.
Alpine tragedy triggers court clash over climber's duty of care
An Austrian climber faces gross negligent manslaughter charges after leaving his girlfriend about 50 metres below the summit of Austria’s tallest peak, the Großglockner, during a 17-hour ascent that ended with her dying of hypothermia. Prosecutors say his experience and risky decisions made him responsible; he denies liability, calling it a tragic accident, while the case probes the responsibilities of the more experienced climber in alpine conditions. The trial begins in Innsbruck.
Austrian climber on trial after girlfriend's death on Grossglockner
An experienced Austrian climber, Thomas Plamberger, is facing negligent manslaughter charges after his girlfriend Kerstin Gurtner froze to death on Austria's Grossglockner. Prosecutors allege nine planning and equipment mistakes and a delayed call for help; Plamberger reportedly left her near the summit, returning hours later to find her dead. He denies wrongdoing; a conviction could carry up to three years in prison as the trial begins.
Alpine tragedy leads to trial over alleged climber negligence on Austria's Grossglockner
A climber identified by Austrian media as Thomas P goes on trial in Innsbruck for allegedly abandoning his exhausted girlfriend during a winter ascent of Austria's highest peak, the Grossglockner, resulting in her death from hypothermia; prosecutors argue he was the experienced guide who should have turned back or called for help, while his defense says they were prepared; a guilty verdict could reshape liability standards for climbers, with potential prison time up to three years.
Tschofenig disqualified at Olympics for boots 4mm too large
Austria's Daniel Tschofenig was disqualified from the men's large hill event at the Winter Olympics after officials found his boots were four millimetres larger than permitted, ending his medal bid despite qualifying; Domen Prevc won gold, Ren Nikaido silver, and Kacper Tomasiak bronze.
Austrian duo claims Olympic gold in women’s team alpine combined
Austria’s Ariane Raedler and Katharina Huber won the women’s team combined event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, with Mikaela Shiffrin finishing fourth.
Eight Skiers Die in Austria as Avalanches Strike Despite Warnings
Eight skiers were killed in three separate avalanches in Austria on Saturday, despite authorities' warnings about high avalanche risk. In Bad Hofgastein, a female skier was buried around 12:30 p.m. at about 7,200 feet. About 90 minutes later, an avalanche in the Gastein Valley swept seven people; four died, two were seriously injured, and one escaped unharmed. In Pusterwald, three Czech skiers were killed before 4:30 p.m., with four companions evacuated. Rescue efforts included helicopters, mountain dogs, and crisis teams. The tragedy underscores ongoing avalanche danger even as warnings persist.
Two avalanches in Austrian Alps claim five lives near Salzburg
Five off-piste skiers died in two avalanches in Austria’s Pongau region near Salzburg after heavy snowfall; four fatalities and one serious injury occurred in the main incident, with another skier buried earlier in the day, underscoring dangerous avalanche conditions across the Alps amid ongoing snowfall.