On 20 January 1999, a storm in the Atlantic Ocean began a chain of weather events that would ultimately lead to tragedy. It kicked off a relentless series of snowstorms - the worst weather conditions the Alps had seen in 400 years.
By the first week of February, unprecedented snowfalls had left Galtür and its residents buried up to the 3-metre mark. But, unknown to them, thousands of tonnes of snow had built up on the nearby mountains.
On 23 February 1999, the avalanche, 100 metres high and travelling at more than 300 kilometres per hour, smashed into the village.
It was all over in less than a minute. Dozens of people were buried in the carnage, six homes were completely destroyed and 28 buildings badly damaged.
Eventually, 22 people were pulled free from the rubble alive. But despite their efforts, rescuers were unable to save everyone - and the death toll reached 31.
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