Dramatic rescue in Tyrol: Two German climbers survived a freezing night in a snowstorm

At around 4:30 p.m., they called for help. Eight rescuers from the Gries im Sellraintal mountain rescue team and a mountain police officer set out toward the area, approaching it via the Amberger Hut.

Weather conditions prevented the use of a helicopter. As darkness fell and snowfall intensified, the search was suspended shortly before midnight, and the climbers were forced to spend the night in difficult conditions on the mountain.

The operation resumed at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday. About 50 minutes later, rescuers located the two climbers. They were evacuated by medical helicopter to the hospital in Zams suffering from severe hypothermia. No update on either of their conditions was provided.

Schrankogel is located in the Stubai Alps, east of Längenfeld, at the head of the Sellraintal Valley, which is a side valley of the Ötztal Valley. The mountain is considered one of the highest in the area and a challenging destination for experienced climbers. The Amberger Hut, at an altitude of approximately 2,135 meters, serves as a common starting point for ascent routes.

The route to the summit passes through high alpine terrain, and various routes may feature exposed ridges, loose rocks, snow, ice, and glacier terrain. Fog in such terrain can quickly make navigation difficult and turn a routine descent into an emergency.

The incident highlights the risk of rapidly deteriorating weather in autumn, when daylight hours grow shorter and the likelihood of snow increases. Heading into high mountainous areas requires checking the forecast, carrying suitable clothing and navigation equipment, and being prepared to change plans when conditions worsen.