A vintage party at the Reinswald ski area in South Tyrol escalated into chaos on March 22, 2025, resulting in a massive rescue operation when eleven partygoers were hospitalized due to alcohol-related issues. The ski resort, known for its modern facilities and hosting of Europacup races, charges 49.50 Euro for a day ticket and offers 22 kilometers of slopes. On this particular day, however, fun turned dangerous.
The blend of summer festivities and skiing likely attracted a large crowd, but as the party commenced, things rapidly spiraled out of control. By 4 PM, Karl Nussbaumer, the head of Bergrettung Sarntal, reported that numerous attendees were experiencing severe distress. "Betrunkene kennt man. Aber das ging meiner Ansicht nach tiefer. Die Leute waren nicht ansprechbar. Bei einigen haben wir daran gezweifelt, ob sie noch Puls haben, ob sie noch atmen," he stated, highlighting the severity of the situation that emergency responders faced.
Of the eleven hospitalized, two sustained physical injuries: one suffered a dislocated shoulder, while another endured a broken lower leg. The remaining nine individuals were treated primarily for severe intoxication. This drastic turn of events raised eyebrows, especially since just a few months prior, there had been complaints of mass poisoning at another South Tyrol hospitality venue.
Initial investigations revealed the scale of the event was far beyond what was permitted. The security plan proposed for the gathering was designed to accommodate a maximum of 500 guests, but estimates showed around 3,000 had attended. Unfortunately, some of these revelers needed urgent medical attention, prompting the Carabinieri to step in.
On the same day, various local rescue teams, including the White Cross and the Reinswald Volunteer Fire Department, worked tirelessly to manage the aftermath. A treatment tent was hastily set up to assist partygoers recovering from intoxication, with the Aiut Alpin helicopter deployed to ensure that medical assistance reached individuals in serious condition.
The party had been planned for dancing, not drinking. Josef Hochkofler, the host, expressed his disbelief at how the atmosphere turned adverse so quickly. "Es war als Feier zum Abtanzen und nicht zum Trinken geplant," Hochkofler emphasized. The event had been organized responsibly, with security personnel hired and wristbands to help distinguish between underage and adult partygoers. Yet he lamented that once guests brought their own alcohol, there was little that could be done. "Wenn sie den Alkohol selbst mitbringen, können wir nichts machen," he remarked.
This emphasizes the crucial issue of underage drinking and substance regulation. Reports indicated that attendees had smuggled in high-proof alcohol, hidden in mineral water bottles and backpacks, making it exceedingly difficult to enforce any regulations at the entry. Hochkofler admitted, "Die Liftgesellschaft macht das zwar – aber viele kamen ja zu Fuß," acknowledging the limitations faced by event organizers.
As chaos reigned at 4 PM, with five individuals collapsing at the venue, the decision was taken to halt festivities. Initially, the plan had been for celebrations to continue until 3 AM at the valley station, but this was abruptly canceled at 10:30 PM for reasons of public safety. The work of local law enforcement and medical teams highlighted a blend of festivity and recklessness that could not go unnoticed.
Investigations by the Carabinieri are still underway to determine whether adequate safety measures were enforced and whether guests were indeed served alcohol irresponsibly. Although initial reports suggested the presence of K.O. drops, authorities have yet to confirm these suspicions, leaning toward the conclusion that excessive partying was the root cause of the nighttime debacle.
The South Tyrol region is no stranger to ski festivities; however, the aftermath of this chaotic party raises pressing questions about event management and safety protocols as local authorities look to prevent similar incidents in the future. Following the incident, all hospitalized individuals were released from the hospital by March 23, but the ramifications of this event will likely linger.
This event underscores the delicate balance between enjoyment and safety in large social gatherings, particularly where alcohol is concerned. The outcome of the inquiries initiated by the Carabinieri will undoubtedly generate further discussion among event organizers, local businesses, and the community, prompting a significant shift in how future gatherings are managed in this picturesque alpine setting.
