Overview
- A 36-person party made up of three family groups became stranded above 2,000 metres near Vent in Sölden and called for help after repeatedly leaving marked trails on Sunday.
- Bergrettung Sölden led the response and summoned the medical helicopter Martin 8 and police helicopter Libelle Tirol to the scene.
- Rescuers used rope techniques and helicopter hoists to airlift 14 people from steep, fall-prone terrain while the remaining 22 were guided or escorted down to Vent on foot or by vehicle.
- The group included infants and small children in strollers and appeared inexperienced, factors that complicated the operation because some people were spread up to about 200 vertical metres apart and several were close to cliff edges.
- Authorities said the rescue is complete with no injuries reported and they are now reviewing whether legal consequences or bills for the avoidable operation should be pursued, reflecting a wider rise in missions for inexperienced hikers.