Climbers attempting to reach the summit of Mont Blanc from a popular path in France now have to pay a hefty deposit.
The €15,000 sum - or NZ$24,000 to us - will cover costs in case they need to be rescued, or worse, die.
With the details, here’s our World News Editor Kate Gregan.
The highest mountain in Western Europe is situated along the border between France and Italy - but adventurers hoping to reach the summit of Mont Blanc might need to start saving.
Starting in Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains in south-eastern France, climbers can reach the peak by using the Goûter Route.
It's open to anyone with any ability. But in July, authorities were advising people to avoid the ascent following heavy rock falls.
The recent heatwave has made conditions even more dangerous, and local guides have stopped offering their services.
Dozens though have ignored the warnings.
The local mayor, Jean-Marc Peillex has blasted 'pseudo-mountaineers' who play 'Russian roulette' with their lives.
In a statement on Twitter, he said his patience has now run out, after seeing a group of visitors attempt the ascent 'wearing shorts, trainers and straw hats'.
"People want to climb with death in their backpacks so let's anticipate the cost of having to rescue them and for their burial because it's unacceptable that French taxpayers should foot the bill."
Of the €15,000 sum, €10,000 would cover the cost of a rescue and €5,000 would cover a funeral.
But the fears are very real, more than 100 people have died on the Goûter Route over the past 20 years.
The biggest causes of death were falls, being hit by a falling rock, and 'stranding' — where people get lost or caught in bad weather.
Not to despair though.
Climbers will still be able to attempt to reach the peak by taking the Ratti path from Courmayeur, on the Italian side of the mountain.
The town’s mayor says there are no plans to restrict access or charge for it.
He says the mountain is not a property, and the idea of asking for a deposit is surreal.
