A 58-year-old Australian man has been killed in an avalanche while skiing in the Austrian province of Tyrol.
Rescue services say his 79-year-old Austrian companion was also caught in the avalanche in Obergurgl, but managed to free himself.
A rescue dog finally found the man — who was a resident in Austria — but police said it was too late and noted neither man wore an avalanche locating device.
Warm temperatures in recent days have increased the likelihood of more avalanches in the Alps, with meteorologists predicting unseasonal heat of up to 30C over the weekend in Austria.
AAP