Three mountaineers have been found dead on the north face of Gran Paradiso in Italy’s Aosta Valley after failing to return from a climb on one of the mountain’s most demanding routes.
The alarm was raised shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 12, when the climbers failed to return as scheduled to the Chabod Refuge in the Aosta Valley. Rescue teams immediately launched a search operation involving the Aosta Valley Alpine Rescue (CNSAS) and a Civil Protection helicopter.
During an aerial search of the route, rescuers located the bodies of the three climbers at an altitude of approximately 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) on the mountain’s north face. Recovery operations began shortly afterward and continued late into the evening. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims but confirmed that all three were Italian citizens.
Investigators are still working to determine what caused the fatal accident. At this stage, officials have not disclosed whether the climbers were involved in a fall or whether weather, snow, ice, or other mountain conditions played a role. The investigation and victim identification process are being handled by Italy’s alpine police unit, the SAGF of Entrèves.
The north face of Gran Paradiso is regarded as one of the most serious mountaineering objectives in the massif. Rising to 4,061 meters (13,323 feet), Gran Paradiso is the highest mountain located entirely within Italy and is one of the Alps’ most popular 4,000-meter peaks. While its normal route attracts thousands of climbers each year, the north face presents a significantly more technical challenge, featuring steep snow and ice terrain, exposure, and rapidly changing mountain conditions.
The tragedy occurred only a few hundred vertical meters below the summit in an area frequently visited by experienced alpinists attempting the mountain’s more difficult routes. The Chabod Refuge serves as a primary base for climbers ascending Gran Paradiso from the Aosta Valley side and is a common starting point for routes on the mountain’s north face.
Further details regarding the identities of the victims and the circumstances surrounding the accident are expected to be released as authorities continue their investigation.
