Polish Tourist Dies in Avalanche on Orla Perć Trail in Tatra Mountains

TATRA MOUNTAINS, POLAND – A 28-year-old Polish tourist, identified as Mateusz, died on February 14th, after becoming buried in an avalanche while traversing Orla Perć, a notoriously difficult and dangerous route in the High Tatras. The incident underscores the inherent risks of winter mountaineering in the region, even for those adequately equipped.

Mateusz embarked on the solo ascent of Orla Perć, considered the most challenging hiking trail in the Polish Tatras, on Saturday. According to reports, his family lost contact with him several hours into the hike and immediately alerted rescue services. A large-scale search operation was launched, complicated by challenging weather conditions and limited visibility.

His brother pleaded for information on social media, stating, “Good evening, my brother set off towards Orla Perć today (February 14th). Our last contact was at 13:40. Has anyone seen him on the trail or know anything that could help reconstruct his route? Rescue services have been informed.”

Initial reports offered a brief glimmer of hope when another hiker contacted authorities, stating they had encountered Mateusz on Zawrat peak between 10:30 and 11:00. The hiker reported that Mateusz had mentioned plans to descend via Kozia Przehyba, potentially using the Kulczyński Gully or the Granaty route. However, this hope was dashed when it was discovered that the sighting referred to a different missing hiker, leaving Mateusz’s fate uncertain.

The Polish Tatra Mountain Rescue Service (TOPR) confirmed the tragic outcome late on February 14th, reporting that they received a notification regarding a hiker on Orla Perć with whom contact had been lost since 13:40. Search teams immediately deployed, scouring the Dolina Pięciu Stawów, Pusta and Pod Kołem valleys, Kozia Valley, and Świnicka Kotlinka throughout the night. The search was hampered by poor visibility, estimated at only 15 meters.

The search resumed early on February 15th, focusing on an avalanche-prone area within Kozia Dolinka. At 13:33, the NEOSOFT system detected a signal from Mateusz’s mobile phone, which was subsequently confirmed by a RECCO detector. Rescuers located his body buried under 2.7 meters of snow. A doctor on the scene pronounced him dead.

The operation involved 59 rescuers and three avalanche dogs, concluding at 19:30. Preliminary investigations suggest that Mateusz likely triggered the avalanche while descending from Kozia Przehyba. TOPR has issued a warning that avalanche risk in the Tatras is currently at level 2, requiring experience, knowledge of winter routes, and constant monitoring of conditions.

This tragedy follows a similar incident in August 2024, when a 28-year-old tourist died after falling from a significant height on Orla Perć. Rescuers were called out 27 times in just two days around that time, responding to cases of illness, dehydration, and injuries, often involving hikers who overestimated their abilities. In 2023, a total of 18 people died in the Tatras, with 12 fatalities resulting from falls.

The Orla Perć trail, secured with chains, ladders, and metal steps, is renowned for its difficulty and danger. It attracts experienced hikers seeking an adrenaline rush, but demands respect for the mountain environment and a thorough understanding of the risks involved. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Tatras and the importance of preparedness and caution, even for those well-equipped.

The search and rescue operation highlights the dedication of the TOPR and the challenges faced by mountain rescue teams in Poland. The use of advanced technology, such as the NEOSOFT and RECCO systems, proved crucial in locating Mateusz, though ultimately could not prevent a tragic outcome. The incident will likely prompt renewed calls for increased awareness of avalanche safety and responsible mountaineering practices in the Tatra Mountains.