A British hiker exploring the Italian Dolomites has a hefty bill to pay after calling for a rescue. The hiker is fined $16,000 after becoming trapped on a closed trail.
The 60-year-old hiker, who has not been identified, was illegally on the trail. That’s according to multiple media reports. The hiker ended up calling for help due to dangerous rockfall. The recent rockfall and landslides in the area are what closed the trail in the first place. On his way up the route, the hiker passed multiple signs announcing the closure, but still continued on.
According to the Telegraph, the hiker was near San Vito di Cadore in the Belluno area of the Dolomites. That’s in the northern part of Italy, not far from the border with Austria.
To carry out the rescue, crews headed to the man’s location on foot and by helicopter.
Officials told the media that the expensive rescue included an extra fee because the hiker was not from a European Union country.
“If someone calls because they are tired or stuck because they find themselves in a place where they shouldn’t be, or if they are unharmed with no health issue, they have to pay,” a national rescue service spokesman told the Telegraph. “If you are from outside the EU without insurance, you have to pay more.”
Hiking Concerns
The hiker wasn’t the only person rescued in the area recently. Rescuers came to the aid of two other people recently. As a result, officials are closing more trails to keep people away from dangerous sections. Part of a recent Facebook post says the area is seeing “continuous collapse and material falling from above.”
⛔️ Ferrata Berti, bloccati i tre accessi
A seguito dei recenti interventi per recuperare tre persone bloccate dalle…
Posted by Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico Veneto – CNSAS on Sunday, August 3, 2025
The Facebook post also shows the signs and the barriers that are in place to help block others from entering the area.
Despite the fine, rescue crews say the hiker is lucky to be alive.