Avalanche hits Italian ski hotel killing up to 30 people with many buried under the snow

Governor of Pescara, Antonio Di Marco, said on Facebook: "Unfortunately, a terrible tragedy happened, it seems that there may be some fatalities, but this has yet to be confirmed."

Trapped guests texted messages after the avalanche saying "help, help we are dying of cold", according to Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera.

Emergency crews have been desperately trying to get to victims but have been hampered by a snow storm.

Phones at the exclusive venue are also completely dead and frantic relatives have been unable to get through to guests mobile phones.

Reuters