A deadly avalanche hit near Swiss Alpine ski resort Zermatt on Monday, resulting in three fatalities and one injury.

Search teams are looking for at least three missing persons after the incident in the off-piste Riffelberg area.

Challenging weather conditions and heavy snow cover have temporarily halted rescue operations.

The victims' identities have not been disclosed as search and recovery efforts continue in the region.

This event adds to a series of avalanches in Switzerland this winter, with the death toll now reaching fourteen.