Five off-piste skiers died in two avalanches in the Austrian Alps near Salzburg on Saturday, according to the Pongau mountain rescue service. The avalanches occurred in the Pongau area following heavy snowfall in the region.

An avalanche struck a group of seven skiers, killing four and seriously injuring one, local mountain rescue officials said. This incident occurred around 14:00 local time (13:00 GMT). About an hour and a half earlier, a separate avalanche swept away a female skier in open alpine terrain nearby, resulting in her death.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to the families. This tragedy painfully demonstrates how serious the current avalanche situation is," said Gerhard Kremser, district head of the Pongau mountain rescue service. Kremser added that further avalanches were recorded in the Pongau region around midday, but no injuries were reported in those incidents.

Poor conditions have contributed to a number of deaths in the Alps over the past week. The recent heavy snowfall has significantly increased the avalanche risk, particularly for those venturing off-piste. Authorities have repeatedly warned skiers and snowboarders to remain on marked trails and to heed avalanche warnings.

The mountain rescue service continues to monitor the situation and assess the avalanche risk in the Pongau region. Further updates are expected as weather conditions evolve.