The winter holidays bring joy, carols, and mountain vacations for many Romanians, but for the nation’s mountain rescue teams—known as Salvamont—this period is one of their busiest and most challenging times of the year. As holidaymakers flock to Romania’s picturesque peaks, the risks of accidents, injuries, and emergencies on the trails increase sharply, putting rescuers on high alert.
Over the 24 hours leading up to December 29, 2025, Salvamont teams across the country were called into action repeatedly. According to the National Salvamont Dispatch Center, a total of 25 emergency calls were received, each one requesting urgent intervention for individuals in distress in the mountains. The bulk of these calls came from popular tourist areas, with Salvamont Lupeni handling seven cases, Brașov County four, Neamț three, and Cluj two. Other calls were spread across Alba, Bihor, Caraș-Severin – Semenic, Gorj, Maramureș, Mureș, Prahova, Petroșani, and Vâlcea, each registering at least one intervention.
In these 25 emergency missions, mountain rescuers managed to save 28 people. The majority of those rescued were tourists—many caught off guard by sudden changes in weather, difficult terrain, or simply the unpredictability of nature in winter. Some found themselves stranded in remote, inaccessible areas, while others faced medical emergencies that required swift action. The dedication and professionalism of the Salvamont teams meant that, for most, their mountain misadventure ended with a safe return.
However, the challenges didn’t stop at the rescue itself. Of the 28 people assisted, six required transport to hospital for further medical care. These individuals were handed over to ambulance services such as SAJ, SMURD, or transported directly by the mountain rescue teams themselves. Ensuring that the injured received timely and appropriate treatment was a top priority, as hypothermia, fractures, and other injuries can escalate rapidly in harsh mountain conditions.
“28 people were rescued from the mountains in the last 24 hours, and six of them were taken to hospital,” the National Salvamont Dispatch Center announced on Monday morning, according to Radiojurnal. The statement underscores just how quickly a holiday hike can turn into a life-threatening ordeal, especially when caution is thrown to the wind or weather conditions are underestimated.
The pattern of emergency calls highlights the pressure points in Romania’s mountain tourism infrastructure. Salvamont Lupeni, for instance, received the most requests for help—seven in a single day—reflecting the area’s popularity but also its hazards. Brașov County, another major tourist hub, saw four emergencies, while Neamț and Cluj registered three and two calls, respectively. The remaining interventions were spread across a wide geographical area, showing that no mountain region is immune from risk.
Beyond emergencies, the National Salvamont Dispatch Center was also a hub for information and reassurance. In the same 24-hour period, the center fielded 41 calls from hikers and tourists seeking advice on mountain trails, weather conditions, and the state of ski areas. These inquiries ranged from route recommendations to questions about safe hiking practices and up-to-date trail conditions. The high volume of informational calls is testament to both the growing popularity of mountain tourism and the public’s reliance on Salvamont’s expertise.
Representatives from Salvamont Romania took the opportunity to remind tourists of the importance of caution and responsibility when venturing into the mountains. They urged all visitors to be prudent, to check weather forecasts, and to equip themselves appropriately for winter conditions. In addition, Salvamont extended an invitation to join a national campaign aimed at reducing the number of mountain accidents, underlining the collective responsibility of both rescuers and tourists to keep Romania’s peaks safe and accessible.
The message is clear: while Salvamont teams are always ready to respond, prevention is the best form of rescue. “We remind tourists of the importance of caution and responsibility during mountain activities and invite them to join the national campaign to reduce accidents,” stated Salvamont Romania, as reported by multiple outlets including Ancheta Online and Info Huedin. This call for vigilance is especially relevant during the holiday season, when the mountains attract both seasoned hikers and casual visitors, some of whom may not fully appreciate the risks involved.
Despite the best efforts of rescuers, not every intervention ends happily. In the 24-hour period prior to December 30, 2025, Salvamont reported that one person died despite all attempts to save them. The victim was declared deceased and handed over to the Legal Medicine Service, a sobering reminder of the potential dangers lurking in Romania’s mountains, even for the most prepared.
The holiday period saw a slight increase in both the number of emergencies and the volume of calls for advice, compared to the usual daily averages reported by Salvamont. This uptick is consistent with trends observed in previous years, when festive seasons and school holidays bring a surge of visitors to ski resorts and hiking trails. The combination of unfamiliarity with the terrain, variable weather, and the allure of adventure can be a recipe for mishaps.
Salvamont’s work is not limited to dramatic rescues. Their teams also invest significant effort in education and prevention, offering guidance to tourists, maintaining signage on trails, and collaborating with local authorities to improve safety infrastructure. The 41 requests for information handled in a single day underscore the ongoing need for accessible, reliable advice for those planning mountain excursions.
Looking at the bigger picture, Romania’s Salvamont service stands as a model of dedication, professionalism, and public service. Their rapid response, even in the face of challenging weather and difficult terrain, has saved countless lives over the years. Yet, as this holiday season demonstrates, the mountains demand respect—and a little preparation can make all the difference between a memorable adventure and a rescue mission.
As the winter holidays continue, Salvamont’s message to tourists remains unchanged: plan ahead, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to seek advice before setting out. For those who heed this advice, the mountains will remain a source of wonder and joy. For those who don’t, the tireless teams of Salvamont will be ready—but they’d much rather spend their holidays giving advice than mounting rescues.
