Reality of Avalanch Danger

We had two fatalities in Zermatt this week. Apparently the avalanch fatalities have been elevated all over Europe this year. Austria already has 20 and Switzerland had 5 until this week. Kaspar (Peak Leaders guide) said that the Swiss usually have only 5 deaths in an entire season. He thinks that the Swiss tend to control the slopes better, but the conditions here are ripe for avalanches. Both fatalities this week have been off piste. Our snowboard instructor has been keeping us close to the groomed trails so no worries.