Ten people were killed in several avalanches in the Austrian and Swiss Alps this weekend, the BBC reported. 

Tourists from New Zealand, China and Germany were among those killed at a number of different ski resorts.

Austrian authorities have issued a level four avalanche warning following heavy snowfall and gusty winds in the area.

A level four warning in Austria means probability of very large avalanches. In such cases, inexperienced skiers are advised to stay on the open slopes, and experienced skiers should stay away from very steep terrain.

Despite the warnings, ski resorts in western Austria are crowded due to the school vacations in Vienna.

Avalanches are common in both Austria and Switzerland. According to the Austrian news agency APA, 30 avalanches were recorded in the Tyrol region on Saturday alone, 11 of which injured people.