ROME, March 3 (Xinhuanet) -- An avalanche occured Friday in the western Italian Alps, hitting several skiers, Italian media reported.

    The head of the rescue team, Mauro Marucci, told Sky Italia news that Many skiers have been rescued and were unhurt.

    He added that at least one person is still missing.

    Rescue efforts were underway to search the missing skier, Marucci said.

    The skiers were attending the World Ski Mountaineering Championship on Mount Rocca Giardina, not far from Durin where the Winter Olympics were held last month.

    Earlier, news reports said dozens of skiers were buried by the avalanche. Enditem