Canadian woman dies in sudden snowstorm in Italy’s Dolomites

A tragic incident occurred in Italy's Dolomite mountains when a 56-year-old Canadian woman lost her life due to a sudden snowstorm. The woman and her male companion were climbing when they were caught off guard by the severe weather conditions. They were approximately two kilometers from a mountain refuge when they called for help on Thursday evening, suffering from exhaustion and hypothermia. Despite the efforts of the Alpine Rescue Corps, bad weather hindered two helicopter evacuation attempts, leading to the woman's deteriorating condition. Rescuers managed to reach the climbers but faced significant challenges due to the storm. The woman’s health continued to decline, and she ultimately died on the mountain. In the meantime, rescuers set up a tent to provide shelter for her male companion, who was also in distress. He remained there overnight until the storm subsided, allowing for a successful helicopter rescue the following morning. The male hiker was subsequently transported to a hospital in Bolzano, where he received treatment for severe hypothermia. This incident highlights the dangers of mountain climbing, particularly in unpredictable weather conditions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and awareness of weather forecasts when engaging in outdoor activities in mountainous regions. The loss of the Canadian woman is a somber reminder of the risks associated with climbing in adverse weather. The incident has drawn attention to the need for climbers to be vigilant and to have contingency plans in place when facing sudden changes in weather.