Where the mountains meet human solidarity

About us

We are the mountain rescue team Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico Trentino (CNSAS), a volunteer organisation founded in 1952 and a key point of reference for technical and medical rescue operations in the mountains, in remote and inaccessible terrain, and in cave environments.


Our organisation is rooted in the values of the mountains.
Discover our history

We are recognised by law and form part of the operational structures of the Protezione Civile of the Autonomous Province of Trento, working in constant connection with the joint emergency centre Centrale Unica delle Emergenze. We belong to the Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico, active and operational in all Italian regions.


365
days a year
24
hours a day
800
volunteer rescuers
34
stations
~1300
rescue operations every year
Our mission

Every year in Trentino, we operate on rock faces and mountain paths, in forests and along via ferratas, in canyons and caves, on cableway systems, and on snow and ice. Whenever needed, we work alongside the other competent authorities.


In addition to rescue operations, we carry out awareness-raising and prevention initiatives. Our aim is to help people enjoy the mountains with prudence and awareness, reducing the risk of
accidents as much as possible.


Our 34 operational stations, located throughout the territory


Our strength lies in the expertise of the people who make up our team.
Helicopter rescue technicians
On board the Trentino Emergenza helicopter (two daytime shifts and one night shift). They check the conditions of the areas and coordinate operations.
Dog units
Trained dogs and handlers for the search of missing people in avalanches and on open terrain. In winter, they also fly by helicopter to reach the area more quickly.
Medical personnel
Doctors and nurses providing on-site medical assistance.
Mountain rescue technicians on active duty
Mountain rescue technicians on active duty during peak periods, enabling faster interventions where needed.
Canyon rescue operators
Canyon rescue operators specialised in operations in gorges and mountain streams.
Speleological rescue operators
Speleological rescue operators, experts in cave rescues.
Operational control room technicians
At Centrale Unica Emergenza (112), they handle emergency calls and dispatch teams.
Search coordinators and technicians
Responsible for planning and leading searches for missing people.
Instructors
Who continuously train and update volunteers.
Rescue teams on slopes in winter and bike park rescue operators
Providing first response on ski areas and equipped bike trails.
Targeted training behind every intervention

Every one of our operations is a team effort with two clear goals: helping you when you are in difficulty and protecting those who intervene. Achieving this requires technical preparation, teamwork, trust and strong risk-assessment skills.

This is why we invest in continuous and rigorous training for our volunteers, with technical and medical courses, regular training sessions, realistic exercises and mandatory refreshers across all operational scenarios.

Discover our training
Our structure

To provide an effective and continuous service, our organisation is built on two components that work in close synergy, both centrally and locally.
On one side, the organisational structure, responsible for political, administrative and management functions; on the other, the operational structure, which coordinates and carries out rescue activities across the territory.

Learn more

Voices from the heart of rescue

  • “Sono stata soccorsa da 4 vostri volontari che voglio ringraziare per la gentilezza, la simpatia e la disponibilità dimostrata”.

  • “Desidero ringraziare tutti per il soccorso prestato a me ed il mio compagno. Evidentemente nonostante gli anni di frequentazione di questi ambienti non si finisce mai di imparare. Grazie di cuore”.

  • “Un abbraccio agli operatori che ieri mi hanno soccorso con tanta gentilezza e cura”.

  • “La competenza e bravura del Soccorso Alpino sono rinomate, ma ho avuto l'occasione di testimoniarne il valore in prima persona”.

  • “Grazie per la professionalità dei soccorritori, per la loro umanità e simpatia. Ci hanno messo a nostro agio e hanno sdrammatizzato quella che per noi era diventata una situazione tragica, che senza il loro intervento non avremmo potuto risolvere”.

  • “Senza il vostro aiuto non sarei potuto rientrare”.

  • “Ringrazio ognuno di voi. Non ricordo i visi, non ricordo le voci, ma ho un bellissimo ricordo della vostra Amicizia. Vi porterò per sempre nel mio cuore”.

  • “Everyone who enjoys the mountains owe a debt to the men such as the team who assisted me, so again, thank you”.

  • “Sapevo che il Soccorso Alpino era efficiente ma il constatarlo di persona, credetemi, è stato magnifico”.

  • “Se da una parte vogliamo buttarci alle spalle questa brutta avventura, dall'altra non dimenticheremo mai quello che avete fatto per noi”.

Join us— together for our region and its mountains


Our work exists thanks to people who dedicate time, care and expertise to the community.
You too can contribute to this ongoing commitment: with a donation – for equipment and training sessions – or by choosing to begin the path that leads to becoming a rescuer.


Donate now Become a rescuer