Tragedy on the Ortles Peaks: Trail Runner Tom Arent Van de Plassche Dies in Mountain Accident
January 18, 2026 – A somber mood has fallen over the mountain community following the tragic death of 26-year-old Tom Arent van de Plassche, a skilled trail runner, during a ski mountaineering excursion on the Ortles mountain range in South Tyrol, Italy, on Sunday. The incident occurred along the treacherous Minnigerode couloir, at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters.
Van de Plassche, an Italian citizen with Dutch roots residing in Trento, was ascending the 3,905-meter peak with a climbing partner when the accident unfolded. according to initial reports from rescuers, poor visibility due to dense fog likely contributed to the fatal fall. The young athlete had reached the summit shortly before 9:00 AM and had begun his descent along the south face when he lost control and plummeted approximately 500 meters down the steep couloir.
The alarm was raised by another group of mountaineers who witnessed the harrowing fall. Despite swift action by the mountain rescue team of Solda, utilizing the Pelikan 3 helicopter, and the Guardia di Finanza, Van de Plassche was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was recovered and transported to the hospital in Silandro for an autopsy to rule out any underlying medical conditions. His climbing companion was safely escorted down the mountain and provided with assistance.
A Rising Star in the Trail Running World
Tom Arent Van de Plassche was a well-respected athlete within the Trentino sports community.He recently achieved a notable victory,winning the “Sentiero 618” – a challenging pairs race that concludes the Trentino mountain running season,organized by the Gruppo Sportivo Fraveggio. This win highlighted his dedication and talent in the demanding sport of trail running.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Van de Plassche was deeply committed to environmental and social causes. He worked at Salewa in Bolzano and was an active member of Protect Our Winters Italia, a non-profit association dedicated to combating climate change and protecting the natural environment. On the organization’s website, he expressed his passion for the mountains and his desire to leverage his platform as an athlete to inspire action.“Being an athlete and a great lover of the mountains, Pow offers me the perfect platform to involve as many people as possible in the fight against the climate crisis,” he wrote. “As head of the Athletes Alliance, I help athletes make their voices heard and fight to protect our winters.”
The Dangers of High-Altitude Mountaineering
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with high-altitude mountaineering and ski mountaineering. Factors such as unpredictable weather conditions, steep terrain, and the potential for avalanches can create extremely hazardous situations.
Here are some key safety considerations for those venturing into the mountains:
* Weather Forecast: Always check the weather forecast before embarking on a mountain excursion and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
* Avalanche Risk: Be aware of the avalanche risk and carry appropriate safety equipment, including an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel.
* Navigation: carry a map, compass, and GPS device, and know how to use them.
* Physical Fitness: Ensure you are physically fit enough for the planned activity.
* Proper Equipment: Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and carry essential supplies such as food, water, and a first-aid kit.
* Inform Others: let someone know your planned route and expected return time.
* Consider a Guide: If you are unfamiliar with the area or lack experience, consider hiring a qualified mountain guide.
A community Mourns
The loss of Tom arent Van de Plassche has deeply affected the Trentino and Bolzano communities. He will be remembered not only as a talented athlete but also as a passionate advocate for environmental protection and a dedicated member of the mountain community.
This tragedy underscores the importance of respecting the mountains and taking necesary precautions to ensure safety while enjoying the beauty and challenge of the alpine environment.
