A 28-year-old Belgian tourist experienced a frightening ordeal on Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, earlier this week, sliding dozens of meters down a snow-covered slope. Whereas she avoided serious injury, the incident highlights the potential dangers of hiking the active volcano, even on well-trodden paths. The event occurred on Tuesday on the Schiena dell’Asino route, a popular trail on Etna.
Rescue services were quickly on the scene, having been in the vicinity at the time of the incident. The Sicilian Alpine and Speleological Rescue Team (CNSAS) secured the tourist to prevent further sliding and provided initial medical assessment before assisting her to a location accessible to an ambulance. According to reports, the woman’s footwear was unsuitable for the icy and snowy conditions, contributing to the loss of balance. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper preparation and appropriate gear when venturing onto Mount Etna.
Incident Details and Rescue Operation
The tourist lost her footing on the Schiena dell’Asino, a known route on the volcano, and slid a considerable distance over a surface of hard-packed snow and ice. Rescue workers were able to reach her within minutes, utilizing their proximity to the area to provide swift assistance. After a preliminary medical check, she was escorted to a waiting ambulance and medical personnel. The quick response of the CNSAS likely prevented a more serious outcome.
Local media outlets reported that the woman was wearing shoes that were not appropriate for the challenging winter conditions on Etna. This underscores the need for hikers to carefully consider the terrain and weather before embarking on a climb. Mount Etna, while a popular tourist destination, presents inherent risks, even on frequently used trails. The volcano’s conditions can change rapidly, and unexpected hazards can arise.
Etna’s Risks and Recent Safety Measures
The incident comes after local authorities implemented stricter regulations for visitors to Mount Etna in August 2025, aimed at curbing dangerous behavior. These measures were prompted by concerns over tourists approaching lava flows too closely to take selfies, a practice deemed “unresponsible” by the local government. The novel rules prohibit approaching lava within 50 meters, though access to the volcano itself remains open.
Previously, concerns about visitor safety led to temporary closures of parts of the volcano. Still, the current regulations focus on restricting access to the immediate vicinity of active lava flows while maintaining access to other areas with appropriate safety measures, such as requiring guided tours and proper equipment on higher elevations. The Etna volcano, standing at 3,300 meters, is highly active, experiencing frequent eruptions, though significant lava flows are less common.
A similar incident occurred in May 2024, though with a tragic outcome. A 57-year-old Belgian tourist died after falling over 100 meters from a cliff on Gran Canaria, highlighting the inherent risks associated with hiking in mountainous regions.
Looking Ahead
The recent incident on Mount Etna reinforces the importance of heeding safety warnings and preparing adequately before undertaking any hike, particularly on active volcanic terrain. Authorities will likely continue to monitor visitor behavior and enforce existing regulations to minimize risks. As Etna remains an active volcano, ongoing vigilance and responsible tourism practices are crucial for ensuring the safety of both visitors and the preservation of this unique natural environment.
What are your thoughts on the safety measures currently in place on Mount Etna? Share your comments below, and please share this article with anyone planning a trip to Sicily.
