Snow traps climbers as Alpine rescuers face repeated callouts

Snowfall down to about 1,000 metres has left climbers in difficulty in the Berchtesgaden Alps and around the Zugspitze, prompting several lengthy rescue operations, BR reported on Tuesday.

On Saturday evening, a 29-year-old man from Munich and his 25-year-old companion from Lower Franconia became stuck on icy terrain at about 2,300 metres on the Hoher Göll. Mountain rescuers secured them with ropes and crampons and helped them descend several hundred metres, where a helicopter was able to pick them up.

On Sunday, a member of a three-person group ran out of physical and mental strength in fresh snow on the Hochstaufen. Rescuers brought all three to the Reichenhaller Haus, a hut below the summit that was supposed to be closed. Its landlord happened to be there and provided them with shelter overnight.

A 20-year-old from the Nuremberg area also got into trouble after starting a via ferrata on the Hochkönig, on the Austrian side of the Berchtesgaden Alps, too late and despite a poor weather forecast. He became stuck at 2,600 metres, and it took 14 hours to bring him back to the valley.

Mountain rescue teams in the Berchtesgaden region say the shift from mild autumn weather to the first snow is a hazardous time for climbers, who may not expect winter conditions during an ascent. Thin snow over ice-covered rock can make footing especially difficult, and the early darkness after the clock change can catch hikers off guard.

Rescuers advise hikers to carry a headlamp so their phone battery remains available to contact the mountain rescue service if needed. They also recommend packing a bivouac sack to help prevent hypothermia while waiting for rescuers.