Video prompts investigation after dispute with guide on Großglockner

A video showing a dispute on the Großglockner has prompted an investigation, ORF reports. It appears to show a Polish mountaineer being attacked by an Austrian mountain guide at a narrow, exposed section of the Mürztalersteig route.

The incident took place on the way to the Großglockner. The guide reportedly overtook the Polish mountaineers with his group in a risky manoeuvre before becoming physically aggressive during the ensuing argument.

Police in Matrei in East Tyrol opened an investigation following a complaint. Deputy station commander Anton Raffler confirmed that the case was being investigated as a suspected threat to physical safety.

Kals guide association ends cooperation

The Kals Mountain Guide Association expressed regret over the incident in an initial statement and described the behaviour as unacceptable.

The guide was not a member of the Kals Mountain Guide Association, but the tour had been arranged through its mountain guide office, which had commissioned the independent guide. The association said it had now ended its cooperation with him.

Disciplinary action possible

The Austrian Association of Mountain and Ski Guides also criticised the conduct. It said that faster rope teams overtaking other mountaineers was common practice, but clearly distanced itself from the guide’s behaviour and the way he communicated in the video.

The association said it was difficult to assess the incident based only on the video excerpts. It will examine the case in detail, and disciplinary measures against the guide are possible.