A scenic mountain trail in Dolomiti resulted in dozens of rescue calls
The 7,260-meter-long E601 trail "Viel del Pan" connects the Passo Pordoi and Passo Fedaia passes at the foot of the Marmolada massif. According to official data from the Trentino province, there were 39 injuries and two deaths here between 2023 and 2025. The emergency helicopter from Trento made 22 flights, and the cost of the flight time alone exceeded 43,000 euros, at a rate of about 1,700 euros per hour.
The route is divided into four sections of varying difficulty, from simple hiking to categories designed for experienced hikers. The highest number of incidents occurs on the second section to Rifugio Viel del Pan due to treacherous rocks during the rain, as well as on the final sections to Rifugio Ettore Castiglioni, which require special equipment and physical training, which tourists often neglect.
Context
The Viel del Pan trail is over 120 years old. Due to the considerable age of the trail and the natural characteristics of the soil, the path is subject to rapid erosion, so every year during the summer season, local services carry out at least 12 scheduled repairs and inspections after heavy rains.