British Tourist Fined Over €14,000 After Ignoring Safety Warnings in Italian Alps

Dolomites, Italy – August 5, 2025
A British hiker has been fined over €14,000 after requiring a helicopter rescue from a dangerous mountain trail in Italy’s Dolomites, despite multiple warnings that the route was closed due to rockfall hazards.

The 60-year-old tourist reportedly bypassed several clearly marked signs in multiple languages (Italian, English, and German) indicating that the Ferrata Berti via ferrata route was closed. He began his hike from Passo Tre Croci on July 31 and became stranded as rockfalls made the route impassable.

High-Risk Rescue Operation

Emergency services were called at approximately 3:30 PM when the hiker realized he could not continue safely. Due to poor weather conditions, the rescue was delayed. Once the skies cleared, a helicopter rescue was launched involving two aircraft and a team from CNSAS (Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico).

A technician was winched down 20 meters to reach the man, who was then airlifted to safety. The operation lasted over 90 minutes and was conducted in challenging alpine conditions.

Cost of Ignoring the Rules

Authorities have issued the hiker a bill of €14,225, with €11,160 attributed to helicopter usage alone. As a non-EU citizen, he is not eligible for any local subsidies or insurance coverage offered to EU nationals in similar situations.

Italian mountain rescue officials stressed that ignoring trail closures not only endangers the individual but also puts rescue teams at risk and drains public resources. A spokesperson for the CNSAS stated:

"Helicopters are not a taxi service. Rescue operations are for emergencies—not for those who disregard safety warnings."

Alpine Safety in the Spotlight

This incident comes during a particularly deadly summer season in the Alps, with over 80 reported fatalities since late June. Authorities have closed several trails across the Dolomites and other regions due to unstable terrain caused by ongoing rockfalls and rising temperatures linked to climate change.

A Warning to All Travellers

Tourists planning hikes in high-altitude areas are strongly urged to:

• Respect all safety notices and trail closures.

• Research routes in advance and check for official updates.

• Carry proper insurance, especially when travelling from outside the EU.

Ignoring these basic precautions can turn a holiday adventure into a costly and dangerous ordeal.