An hit a group of five skiers in Italy's northern Piedmont region on Sunday, killing three of them, according to rescuers on the mountain.

The avalanche hit at about midday on the eastern face of Punta Valgrande, a summit on the border between Italy and Switzerland. Two survived and were transported to hospital by helicopter, while three others were dragged downhill for several hundred metres, suffering fatal injuries.

An alert had been issued in the area above 6,900ft (2,100 metres), warning of "considerable danger of avalanches". Witnesses claimed they saw the avalanche violently smashing down the mountain, sweeping people off the slope.

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The Alpine rescue team was called to the scene and tended to the survivors. Their current condition is unknown, although they are reportedly being treated for injuries sustained from the avaanche.

The area of the Lepontine Alps where the avalanche occurred has a third-degree avalanche risk level, indicating a high risk of winter avalanches. Mountain rescuers claimed challenging conditions in the region, which might have contributed to the tragedy. Authorities are urging caution and advising against avoiding hazardous areas in the mountains.

Last month killed a , despite efforts to save him. Emre Yazgan was enjoying the Palandoken Ski Center in Erzurum, North-East Turkey when the natural disaster suddenly struck at the popular resort.

Footage from local news reports showed the moment rescue teams desperately searched the area for survivors after the avalanche hit, where many had been enjoying themselves at the time. Local governor Mustafa Ciftci said: "Our athlete Emre Yazgan could not be saved despite all interventions. My condolences to our nation." Popular Emre was part of Turkey's National Judo Team.