Anna Hartz
Tourist in Italy Walked Into a Landslide Zone – His Rescue Wasn’t Free
Every summer, hikers from all over the world head to the Italian Dolomites for the views and fresh air.
But the mountains are dangerous, especially when the weather turns. This year has already seen dozens of deaths in the region, and now one hiker is facing the consequences of ignoring warnings.
Had to Be Rescued by Helicopter
A 60-year-old man from the UK had to be rescued by helicopter after getting stuck on a trail near Cortina d’Ampezzo, reports CNN.
He crossed barriers and walked past several warning signs that clearly said the path was closed.
Other hikers told him to turn around, but he kept going. He ended up right in the middle of a landslide zone.
When rocks began falling, he called for help. He couldn’t give his exact location. Rescue teams had to wait for the clouds to lift before they could find him.
He was eventually located at 2,400 meters (about 7,900 feet). It took two helicopters and more than a dozen rescuers to get him to safety.
The price for his poor judgment? A bill for €14,225 — around $16,400. Local officials say the cost reflects the scale of the rescue. The man also isn’t an EU citizen, which may be part of the reason the fee is so high.
Respect the Signs
The mountain rescue agency, CNSAS, says the signs were clear. They were posted in English, Italian, and German.
The trail had already been closed because of dangerous conditions caused by recent storms.
Rockfalls, sudden blizzards, and flooding have made 2025 one of the worst years in memory for Alpine hiking accidents.
Officials are now shutting down even more trails to prevent further incidents. They say people must stop treating emergency helicopters like taxis.
Those resources need to stay available for real emergencies — not for people who ignore warnings.
Locals hope that this story serves as a reminder. The mountains are beautiful, but they can be deadly. Pay attention, come prepared, and respect the signs.
