A FAMILY trapped in the avalanche-hit ski resort of Galtur spoke today of the terrifying moment a blanket of snow struck the village.

Sixteen people died when two massive avalanches hit the outskirts of Galtur on Monday night.

Cliff Marks, 50, his wife Janette, 43, and daughter Danielle, ten, are now among 2,000 tourists stranded in the region.

The family, from Horsham, arrived in the Austrian resort on Saturday, February 13, for a week-long stay.

But within three days the area was hit by some of the most severe snowfalls seen in Europe this century, confining them to their hotel and preventing them returning home last Saturday.

Then, on Monday, the fatal avalanche struck, leaving 16 people dead.

Austrian troops are still searching for 29 people who are missing.

Last night, another avalanche roared through the region of Tyrol, burying at least ten people.

Speaking from the Hotel Rossle, Mr Marks said: "It just came from nowhere. Everything went dark.

"It was like a huge snowstorm. The stuff was everywhere."

Although their hotel was not hit by the avalanche, the family spent the night in fear.

He added: "Although we were never in any actual danger, as the snow only reached the edge of the village and we are in the middle, we didn't know that at the time."

Roads to the resort are still blocked and the family has no idea when they will be able to return home, or when Danielle can go back to Farlington School in Horsham.

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