OSAKA - Seven skiers and mountain climbers were killed in an avalanche Saturday on the snowy North Alps mountain range in Toyama Prefecture, central Japan, local press reported.

An avalanche engulfed the skiers and mountain climbers at around 10:50 a.m. local time in the Masagodake area which is at 2861-meter level, the report said, adding that seven people were rushed by helicopter to nearby hospitals but they were all dead.

Local police and rescuers are still searching for others possibly engulfed by the avalanche, according to the report.