Bergwacht rescues three young climbers from snowy Hochstaufen

Mountain rescuers in the Berchtesgadener Land brought three young men from Hesse to safety after they became exhausted on the snow-covered Steinerne Jäger route on the Hochstaufen, BR reported. Fog, snow and a technical problem prevented a helicopter rescue.

The climbers, aged 17, 20 and 22, called for help on Sunday after the oldest became physically and mentally exhausted. The group was on a steep, exposed section of the route near Bad Reichenhall.

Unable to fly the men down, rescuers continued with them up the snowy trail towards the summit. The host of the Reichenhaller Haus, a mountain hut, took the three in for the night. The 21 rescuers descended and reached the valley after an eight-hour operation, during the night.

The 1,771-metre Hochstaufen is steep and rocky. The Steinerne Jäger route is considered physically and mentally demanding even in summer, without snow.