Italy’s mountains continue to witness a deadly summer in 2025, with near-daily fatalities pushing the toll toward 100 victims since late June. By July’s end, 83 deaths had already been recorded—averaging almost three fatalities daily since June 21. The grim pattern persisted through August, culminating in Sunday’s tragedy on Mont Blanc where 36-year-old Davide Migliorino of Treviglio plunged to his death at 4,030 meters. According to Valdostano Alpine Rescue, Migliorino—unroped while traversing Brouillard Ridge with two unharmed companions—fell when a handhold rock gave way. His body was recovered near Courmayeur, with financial police investigating.
The Ferragosto holiday weekend saw multiple high-altitude emergencies. On Saturday, Valdostano rescuers executed a complex operation on Mont Blanc’s Dente del Gigante after a roped climber was left dangling mid-air. Ground teams scaled the peak when helicopter approaches failed, ultimately escorting the stranded mountaineer to safety. Days earlier on August 14, two climbers perished on Monte Rosa’s Castore peak after reportedly getting lost in bad weather and falling hundreds of meters onto a glacier. Another double fatality occurred August 11 in Alto Adige when a father and son fell from an exposed trail near Moso in Passiria.
The National Alpine Rescue Corps (CNSAS) warns of alarming trends, noting interventions remain constant despite incomplete seasonal data. “Forty-four percent of our operations involve hikers suffering medical emergencies or falls,” stated CNSAS official Simone Alessandrini, “while 56% relate to other activities.” Alessandrini attributes the crisis to a tourism boom over the past five years, revealing nearly 90% of visitors lack Italian Alpine Club membership or preparation. “Many pursue Instagram photos without technical knowledge, proper routes, or even suitable clothing,” he emphasized, citing life-threatening choices like ascending in shorts, cotton shirts, sneakers, or without water.