Winter traps on autumn slopes - rescuers warn climbers in Nordalpen

Snow cover has established itself in Nordalpen and along Alpenhauptkamm, while the German Central Highlands remain completely dry. The level of snow cover varies considerably depending on the orientation of the slopes: while the southern ascent from Lermoos to Daniel at an altitude of 2,340 meters remained snow-free, about 10 centimeters of fresh snow fell on the northern side of the ridge, which reaches 1,600 meters in the shadow.

The eastern areas are experiencing real winter conditions. Rescuers carried out several difficult operations on the Hochkönig massif and in the Birkkar area, rescuing groups due to improper exit planning. Another climber was evacuated from the Stopselzieher-Klettersteig via ferrata in the Wetterstein massif when she was unable to overcome a snow-covered rocky section.

In the highlands, the thickness of the snow cover is gradually increasing: in particular, on the Hintertuxer Gletscherskigebiet glacier at 3200 meters, it has reached approximately 45 centimeters. Experts advise limiting yourself to southern routes up to 2000 meters and to be sure to have trekking boots with deep treads, poles and ice axes due to the formation of ice after daytime thaws and nighttime frosts.