Corno Grande climber sparks safety warnings after hiking in swimwear

A hiker has drawn intense criticism and official warnings after attempting to climb the Corno Grande in the Apennines wearing only swimwear and flip-flops. The individual was documented by other climbers on the ‘Direttissima’ route, which reaches an elevation of 2,912 meters.

The Corno Grande is the highest peak in the Abruzzo region and the entire Apennine mountain range. The route taken is classified as EE (for experienced hikers), featuring steep, rocky terrain and technically demanding, exposed sections that require proper equipment and preparation.

In response to viral images of the incident, the Abruzzo mountain and cave rescue service (CNSAS) issued an official warning. Authorities emphasized that the route is not a simple hiking path and requires specialized gear, noting a rising trend in unnecessary rescue missions caused by poor planning and inadequate equipment.