SnowBuzz
17-year-old abandoned in a storm and rescued from the Zugspitze
A 17-year-old German hiker was rescued by helicopter from the Zugspitze on Sunday, November 1, after her 21-year-old climbing partner descended alone, leaving her on a snow-covered mountain trail.
The two set out from Ehrwald, Austria, at around 1:30 a.m., intending to climb the Stopselzieher route. When they reached an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters, the snow was already knee-deep and the weather had deteriorated, making it dangerous to continue the ascent.
At that point, the two separated. The young man, a resident of Bavaria, began descending toward the valley, while the girl, a resident of Baden-Württemberg, called emergency services and requested assistance. The reason for the decision not to continue together is unclear.
According to Robin Lotnig of the Ehrwald Mountain Rescue Service, it is unclear why the two chose to separate. He emphasized that in dangerous conditions, it is important for hikers to stay together, especially when an emergency situation develops.
The weather initially prevented an aerial evacuation. Seven rescuers therefore set out from the mountain station of the Zugspitze Railway and made their way toward the girl who had remained on the route.
The rescuers reached her and provided initial treatment after hypothermia was suspected. Later, evacuation by a police helicopter became possible, and she was taken to a hospital in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. After an initial examination, the girl was discharged, and the Tyrol police reported that she had not been injured.
The incident prompted local rescue officials to warn against attempting demanding alpine routes in winter without appropriate experience and preparation. Lotnig said that the two lacked sufficient experience to make the ascent, and pointed to a trend of inexperienced hikers attempting such routes specifically during the cold season.
According to him, winter climbing requires greater experience, suitable equipment, and a high level of physical fitness. Secured climbing routes are particularly dangerous when covered with snow and ice, and even experienced climbers should avoid them in such conditions. The recommendation is to continuously monitor the weather and physical condition, turn back in time, and not separate from the group in an emergency.
Want to keep reading?
The rest of this story is available in the SnowBuzz app. Open the app or install it to continue from the exact point where you stopped.