Two seasoned mountaineers from Villach, Austria, both experienced Alpine rescuers, were located deceased during their attempt to climb the Cima di Riofreddo peak in Italy’s Julian Alps.
The individuals were reported missing on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, when they did not return home as anticipated. The Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico Friuli Venezia Giulia, an emergency rescue service, shared on Facebook that the climbers were discovered the following morning, hanging from their climbing ropes at an approximate altitude of 6,600 feet.
Following the report of the missing climbers, emergency services immediately initiated a search and rescue mission. Confirmation of their intended climb was established upon finding their vehicle in a nearby parking area. The bodies were spotted during the first helicopter search mission, but recovery was not possible due to the hazardous terrain and unfavorable weather conditions. The bodies were successfully recovered by a second mission involving additional rescuers and a helicopter technician on Thursday morning.
The exact cause of the accident is under investigation, with authorities considering several potential factors, such as human error or a rockslide. Mountain conditions can fluctuate quickly, posing risks to even the most seasoned climbers. Cima di Riofreddo, with a height of 8,225 feet, steep walls, and sharp edges, lacks a defined path to the summit.
These fatalities add to a growing number of recent deaths in the Alps, underscoring the inherent danger of mountain climbing in this region. In June, a professional skier and his partner lost their lives while climbing in the Italian Alps. In January, two Italian hikers were killed in an avalanche near the Italy-Switzerland border. Also, in 2022, an avalanche resulted in at least nine fatalities when a large section of an Alpine glacier detached and fell down a mountainside in Italy.
On the day the bodies were recovered, the rescue service also attended to several other emergencies in the area. This included a hiker stranded on the Tenente Ferrante di Ruffano climbing route and another hiker who needed assistance due to equipment issues on a rock wall at the shoulder of Bila Pec mountain.
As authorities continue to scrutinize the accident’s circumstances, efforts are underway to enhance safety protocols and prevent similar tragedies in the future. The mountaineering community remains committed to respecting the unpredictable conditions of the Alps and stresses the need for caution and comprehensive preparation.
