In the heart of the breathtaking Dolomites, a region known for its jagged peaks and scenic beauty, Zen, a 5-year-old Border Collie, is on a mission — one that could save lives. Zen is not your typical dog. As part of a growing team of avalanche rescue dogs in Italy, Zen plays a pivotal role in locating people buried under snow, helping save lives in one of the world’s most avalanche-prone regions.

On a snowy day above the chic ski resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Zen demonstrates his skills to a group of 20 other dogs in training for avalanche rescue. The air is crisp, the mountains stand tall, and Zen’s swift movements around a snow mound signal to his handler that he’s picked up a scent — someone is buried deep below.

This isn’t just a training exercise; Zen, who has been a rescue dog for three years, is showing others how it’s done. His work is part of an essential effort to train rescue dogs in the Dolomites, an area where avalanches have been claiming more victims in recent years. The number of people caught in avalanches has increased by a staggering 50% over the past 25 years.

As climate change causes heavier, wetter snow to become more common, the risks of avalanches have grown. This kind of snow is especially dangerous for those who are trapped, as it compresses the air pockets that could otherwise allow a victim to breathe. In this environment, trained avalanche rescue dogs are often the first and best chance of survival.

According to Adriano Favre, who runs the canine training camps in Cortina, the ability of a trained dog’s nose to locate buried victims is more accurate than any transponder. They can find people trapped in snow in a way that human rescuers just can’t — making their role in life-saving operations absolutely critical.

Zen’s job is clear: after catching the scent, he finds the “victim,” a volunteer buried in the snow for the exercise. Zen pulls up a rope tug toy, signaling success. His handler, Paolo Sbisa, praises him with a well-earned pat. But this bond between dog and handler is more than just love — it’s vital for their work. As Sbisa says, “Our dogs need to have an intense relationship with the handler. If not, we can’t read what he is trying to tell us.” That connection is the foundation of their life-saving work.

However, not all of Zen’s missions are training exercises. Just days earlier, Zen was part of a real-life rescue on Giau Pass, where a deadly avalanche buried three backcountry skiers.

Zen’s role was vital in this actual rescue. While two of the victims were found using transponders, Zen’s sharp nose was key to locating the third skier, a woman buried 12 feet deep under snow. Unfortunately, despite the efforts, both she and another skier passed away. This tragic outcome underscores a critical truth in avalanche rescues: if a dog is called in, survival is often unlikely.

Rescuers like Sbisa emphasize the importance of having the right safety gear — transponders, probes, and shovels — as the first line of defense. In many cases, self-rescue by those who are with the victim can be the difference between life and death. Dogs, unfortunately, often locate bodies rather than survivors.

The rise in avalanche-related incidents in Italy is alarming. According to the AINEVA snow and avalanche monitoring service, avalanches requiring rescues have doubled since the year 2000, from about 30 to 60 incidents annually. The number of people caught in avalanches has also surged from 65 to 110 each year.

The first 15 minutes after being buried are critical for survival, according to Igor Chiambretti, technical chief of AINEVA. If a person isn’t found within 35 minutes, their chances of survival drop drastically. But rescue efforts are hampered by delays — it takes 15 to 20 minutes for rescuers to reach avalanche sites, and bad weather can stretch this window even further.

There’s hope, however. The introduction of avalanche dogs at ski areas could reduce this response time to just five minutes, potentially saving more lives.

What’s making matters worse is climate change. As warmer temperatures and moisture-laden air create conditions for heavier snowfalls, the risk of avalanches has intensified. Wet snow with higher water content, once a springtime phenomenon, is now common as early as December. This snow is denser and more dangerous, especially in areas like the Italian Alps, where avalanche survival is becoming increasingly difficult.

Gianni Marigo, a climatologist with AINEVA, points out that the Italian Alps are a “hot spot within a hot spot” for climate change, where warming is happening at an accelerated rate. The combination of less snow overall and more dangerous snow conditions has created a perilous situation for both hikers and rescuers.

In a rare and miraculous turn of events, Roberto Ferrino, a backcountry skier, was buried under an avalanche in the northwestern Piedmont Alps for over four hours. By the time he was found, he was well beyond the average survival window. Despite the odds, Ferrino survived, thanks to a lucky air pocket that allowed him to breathe.

While Ferrino doesn’t regret venturing out, he admits that his lack of caution, particularly in choosing a steep slope, was a mistake. His story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of backcountry skiing — and the vital importance of being prepared.

Zen the Border Collie, along with many other trained avalanche dogs, plays an irreplaceable role in saving lives in Italy’s avalanche-prone mountains. As climate change and more frequent avalanches pose increasing threats, these incredible animals are on the front lines, showing us that sometimes, the difference between life and death is a dog’s nose and a deep bond with its handler.

Source: AP News – Zen the Border collie teaches other dogs how to rescue people in Italy’s avalanche-prone Dolomites

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In the mountains, activities like skiing, climbing, cycling, and even mushroom-picking are becoming riskier—and so are the rescues that follow. As the effects of climate change intensify, these risks are evolving, and scientists are racing to develop new strategies to keep people safe.

At the Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine in Bolzano, Italy, emergency responders are training in an “extreme climate simulator.” This giant, high-tech chamber mimics the challenging conditions found in mountains, where temperature, air pressure, light, and snow can be adjusted to simulate real-world weather and altitude challenges. The aim is to provide a safe space for rescuers to hone their skills in dangerous conditions.

The simulator is especially valuable for training in complex rescues. For example, during a simulated rescue of trapped climbers, temperatures drop to -17°C (1°F) and rescuers must work through snow and darkness. The high-stakes scenario tests not only the technical skills needed to save lives but also the ability to provide medical care in extreme conditions.

In the past few years, there’s been a noticeable rise in the number of mountain rescues. Giacomo Strapazzon, head of the institute, explains that the surge in outdoor tourism, especially following the pandemic, has led to more inexperienced adventurers seeking the thrill of the mountains. This trend, unfortunately, increases the number of accidents—sometimes involving the rescuers themselves.

One of the most common challenges in mountain rescues involves the dangers of rockfall and falling climbers, especially in steep, high-altitude environments like Italy’s Monte Rosa, where rescue teams deal with crevasses, altitude sickness, and falls from cliffs. The specialized team, known as Italy’s Mountain and Cave Rescue Service, is called to more than 12,000 missions a year. And the risks aren’t just confined to extreme athletes—everyday people, including mushroom-pickers, are getting caught in the mountain’s harsh terrain, underestimating the danger of steep drops.

The Impact of Climate Change on Outdoor Safety

Climate change is making certain risks even worse. The European Alps, for instance, have warmed twice as fast as the global average. Thawing glaciers and permafrost are now causing more rockfalls, as previously stable rock formations become loose. Additionally, avalanches have become wetter and more dangerous due to rising temperatures. These “wet snow” avalanches pose new challenges for rescuers, as the snow is denser and more suffocating, reducing the critical survival window after being buried.

Research shows that rescuers are improving their techniques, with the survival rate for avalanche victims increasing by 10% over the past few decades. However, the window of time to rescue someone from an avalanche has shrunk—from 15 minutes to just 10 minutes—highlighting the urgent need for faster response times and more efficient methods.

Emerging Risks in Popular Activities

Beyond traditional mountain sports, newer outdoor activities are also bringing unexpected risks. With the rise of e-bikes, for example, mountain cyclists are increasingly getting into trouble, especially those without proper training. Many inexperienced riders struggle with descending steep, difficult terrain after reaching the summit easily with the assistance of their e-bikes.

Skiers and snowboarders face dangers, too. While safety gear like helmets has made a difference, risky behaviors such as skiing too fast, ignoring slope rules, and consuming alcohol remain serious threats. Strapazzon, who also enjoys skiing, advises against speeding, breaking safety rules, or skiing under the influence.

Innovations for Safer Rescues

As rescue operations become more frequent, the strain on emergency responders grows. In some places, such as the U.S., the increasing number of rescue calls has led to volunteer burnout. To address this, researchers like Marika Falla at Eurac Research are studying how altitude affects rescuers’ performance, particularly the cognitive effects of operating at high altitudes. Their work suggests that providing oxygen could improve rescuers’ attention and reaction times during critical missions.

In the future, technology may play a larger role in mountain rescues. Drones, for example, could replace helicopters in some situations, particularly when terrain or weather conditions make helicopter access difficult. Drones are faster and more accessible, and they could carry life-saving equipment such as defibrillators to the scene of an emergency.

Staying Safe and Enjoying the Outdoors

Strapazzon emphasizes that while the mountains come with risks, these should not discourage people from enjoying them. Being aware of the dangers—such as the unpredictable weather, avalanches, or even simple missteps—can help mitigate accidents. He believes that with proper training, equipment, and mindfulness, we can continue to enjoy the beauty and thrill of the mountains, while keeping safety a top priority.

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