Mountain rescue in Vinschgau: holidaymakers rescued in T-shirts and sneakers!
On June 28, 2025, a foreign vacationer got into an emergency in the high mountains of South Tyrol. Mountain rescuers rescued him after an extensive search.

Mountain rescue in Vinschgau: holidaymakers rescued in T-shirts and sneakers!
A life-threatening mountain rescue operation took place in the South Tyrolean high mountains on June 28, 2025. A foreign holidaymaker who went on a demanding tour at an altitude of 3,200 meters in shorts, a T-shirt and sneakers found himself in great distress.
The CNSAS Melag mountain rescue service was alerted at 10:15 p.m. The man's condition was critical: he was exhausted, hypothermic and his cell phone battery was empty. This scenario once again illustrates how quickly a trip to the mountains can become dangerous.
The rescue operation
The mountain rescuers reacted immediately. Nine highly trained mountain rescuers, supported by a drone group and a helicopter, set out to find the man. Shortly before 4 a.m., emergency services finally managed to locate and rescue him. After being picked up, the man was immediately taken to the hospital.
The mountain rescue was not only a heroic act, but also an important reminder of the risks in the mountains. Even in summer, snow and low temperatures can pose a significant threat to tours. The mountain rescuers warn urgently about the consequences of inadequate equipment and poor tour planning.
Mountain rescue service in focus
The mountain rescue service in South Tyrol, which was founded in 1948, consists of over 1,000 active mountain rescue men and women in 35 mountain rescue centers. Supported by over 40 avalanche dog handlers and their loyal companions, these rescuers are well positioned to intervene quickly and effectively in emergencies. Central coordination is carried out by the regional association of the mountain rescue service, which is also responsible for training and further education. Those interested can find further information at alpenverein.it.
Similar operations have been reported again and again in recent weeks. Many hikers underestimate the conditions in the mountains, which leads to more and more necessary rescue missions. What is particularly worrying is the clothing and equipment, which is often not suitable for the respective tour.
In a beautiful country like South Tyrol, a day in the mountains can be an unforgettable experience as long as you prepare well. Safety should always come first so that nature can be enjoyed in all its glory without putting your own life or that of others at risk.