Questions are being asked why a ski-touring party left on its ill-fated trip over the weekend.
Five bodies have been found after the group was caught up in bad weather. One person remains missing after they left Zermatt to head to Arolla.
Forecasters say the group would have been confronted by winds of 120 kph and temperatures of minus 15 - which with wind chill, would have felt like minus 30.
Late on Saturday afternoon, the group made a call to emergency services. Eight helicopters started a search – including two army super pumas - but were unable to find them.
An investigation has now been launched on how the group found itself in such trouble. Some experienced guides have been telling the press that they should never have left as the bad weather was predicted – others say they should have turned back earlier.
The local Attorney General, Béatrice Pilloud, says they want to understand the chronology of events and why they were seemingly surprised by the storm.
The search for the sixth victim continues today.
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