Three Climbers Rescued After Intense Overnight Operation on Italy’s Tofana di Rozes
Popular Stories
12 hours and two helicopter flights later, the group was safe.
After getting stuck partway up the Costantini-Apollonio route in the Italian Dolomites (2,800 meters), on Sunday night, three rock climbers from Milan called for rescue. A grueling and complex operation resulted, bleeding into early Sunday morning, when the trio was succesfully evacuated without injury.
The climbers, aged 29, 40, and 56, had been ascending the classic 550-meter (1,800-foot) route, known for its sustained exposure. Only a few pitches from the top, the group's lead climber fell. Though uninjured, the fall mangled their protection system, leaving them stuck in a steep chimney section unable to down-climb or ascend any further.
As the sun set, they strapped themselves to the rock face and called for help.
Rescue Begins in the Dark
Initial helicopter rescue attempts by Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico (CNSAS) Veneto and Guardia di Finanza were derailed by dense cloud cover and the overhanging nature of the wall. A second helicopter attempt around 9:00 p.m. deployed three alpine rescuers on the ridge above the climbers.
The rescuers then rappelled 80 meters (263 feet) down exposed rock to reach the stranded team, finally making contact in the dark with the lead climber. Over the next several hours, they slowly maneuvered the three alpinists upward.
A midnight helicopter attempt to extract the group failed due to poor visibility and proximity to the cliff face. With rain beginning to fall and thunder looming, the rescuers made the difficult decision to abandon any further airlift attempts and climb out instead.
By 4:30 a.m., the group of six had made it off the climb. Off-road vehicles later met the team and transported them to the Dibona Refuge.
Join Our Newsletter
A Reminder of What’s at Stake in the Mountains
While the Milan climbers were experienced and prepared, the incident underscores how quicky conditions change in the mountains. Despite the groups preperations, it was the skill and professionalism of the CNSAS that got them out of a perilous situation.
Rescue teams and internet commenters everywhere continue to remind experienced climbers and tourists alike: mountain rescue is not a taxi service. Going into high risk terrain, even on well worn or popular routes, demands preparation, gear, and a willingness to turn back when needed.
In the mountains, making the right call can be everything.
