Four stranded hikers rescued from a high-altitude mountaineering route on Montasio Pass were safely airlifted Saturday afternoon after getting stuck at 2,600 meters. The group, all from Udine and aged between 30 and 35, became exhausted near the top of the Findenegg gully, a steep and rocky route leading to the summit from the southwest face.
The hikers had started their ascent from the north side of Montasio in the morning via the Amalia route. Later, they decided to continue climbing through the Findenegg gully, a challenging path opened decades ago by one of the Julian Alps’ pioneering climbers. As they approached the final 150 meters, fatigue and loose rock made it impossible to proceed.
Authorities say the group contacted emergency services through the Nue 112 number after realizing they could no longer continue safely. The Cave del Predil station of Alpine Rescue, Guardia di Finanza, and the regional air rescue service responded immediately.
Fog complicates rescue operation
A helicopter from CNSAS, the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps, deployed a rescue technician after finding a small break in the cloud cover along the Montasio ridge. The technician, carrying full rescue equipment, hiked approximately 20 minutes along the ridge before descending to reach the hikers.
With weather conditions still unstable, the technician secured all four hikers with ropes and guided them back up to the summit. Meanwhile, the helicopter returned to pick up two additional rescuers to assist. In a coordinated operation, the aircraft completed two flights to extract both the hikers and the rescue team from the ridge and transport them safely to the Montasio plains.
Authorities confirmed that about ten more Alpine rescuers had been mobilized and positioned nearby, prepared to intervene if needed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Officials urge caution on high-altitude routes
The four stranded hikers rescued during the mission had faced a serious risk due to altitude, terrain, and sudden fatigue. Rescue officials emphasized the importance of carefully planning alpine routes and being aware of personal limits, especially on mixed terrain like the Findenegg gully.
