In the picturesque setting of the Italian Dolomites, Cortina D’Ampezzo plays host to an essential and life-saving exercise. Zen, a five-year-old border collie with three years of service as a rescue dog, busily sniffs around a snow mound, indicating to his handler that he has detected someone buried beneath the surface. On this occasion, Zen’s demonstration serves as a benchmark for twenty other dogs training for avalanche rescue operations in the region.
As the frequency of avalanche incidents in Italy rises—reportedly increasing by 50% over the last quarter-century—canine rescuers have become increasingly vital. Advances in climate change have caused frequent occurrences of dense, wet snow at mid-elevations of 1,500-2,500 meters, diminishing the likelihood of survival for those trapped by avalanches. A skilled avalanche dog has an unparalleled ability to locate individuals buried deep in the snow, surpassing the capabilities of electronic devices, according to Adriano Favre, who oversees the canine training camp situated in the high mountains above Cortina D’Ampezzo.
During one of the exercises, Zen retrieves a rope tug toy from the snow, representing a successful rescue in the training exercise, and receives ample praise from his handler, Paolo Sbisa. Such interactions highlight the profound bond necessary between the dogs and their handlers, as understanding and trust enhance the dogs’ eagerness to perform.
In real-life rescue operations, these skills are crucial. Not long ago, Zen engaged in a somber mission, searching for three skiers buried under an avalanche on the Giau Pass. Amidst the rescue efforts, Zen was key to discovering the third victim buried at an unusual depth. Tragically, both the second and third skiers succumbed to the incident, reinforcing a grim reality that when a dog is required to find trapped individuals, it may already be too late. The prompt use of transponders, along with proactive measures by companions, remains essential for survival.
Statistics from AINEVA, Italy’s snow and avalanche monitoring service, reflect a doubling of avalanche-related incidents since the turn of the century. Time remains the critical factor in survival, with the first ten to fifteen minutes post-avalanche being pivotal, as studies indicate a significant increase in asphyxiation deaths for those not rescued swiftly.
Due to this, having rescue dogs stationed at ski areas could dramatically improve rescue response times, currently under evaluation by authorities in Italy, where 80 avalanche dogs actively serve. The challenge is compounded by increasingly common and hazardous snow conditions brought on by climate change. These conditions have become a defining factor in the survival odds, as the Mediterranean basin experiences pronounced climate shifts.
Moreover, the overall snow depth across the Alps has shown a decreasing trend of nearly 5% per decade since the 1980s. This shift not only affects the frequency of avalanches but also the severity of outcomes, as noted in various studies.
In a rare case of survival, a backcountry skier named Roberto Ferrino survived an astonishing 4 hours and 40 minutes trapped in an avalanche, thanks to an air pocket that formed around him. Despite dire predictions regarding his odds, Ferrino attributes his survival to the air pocket, acknowledging the peril inherent in his adventurous decisions but remaining spirited about his experiences in the mountains.
This remarkable tale, coupled with the work of rescue teams and their canine companions, underscores the evolving challenges and crucial adaptations necessary to safeguard lives in the treacherous and ever-changing alpine environments.