Tragedy ... Rescuers prepare to board helicopters in Valle Aurina, in the Italian Alps, in order to reach the spot in Monte Nevoso where six back-country skiers have died in an avalanche. Picture: ANSA via AP

Rescue teams fear as many as 10 people could be trapped under snow in Monte Nevoso near the Austrian border.

Rescue operation ... A rescue helicopter heads to the spot where six skiers died in an in the Italian Alps. Picture: ANSA via APSource:AP

The group of trekkers were hit by a 300 metre wide and 600 metre deep wall of snow around 1,000 feet below the summit.It is believed they were climbing up a gully.

Three helicopters have been sent to the scene along with sniffer dogs to search for survivors.

Rafael Kostner, the head of the rescue operation, told the news agency ANSA: “’The helicopters are having difficulty safely reaching altitudes above 3,000 metres.

“Therefore, they fly with very little fuel and all unnecessary gear is left on the ground.”