tourism
Already many deaths in the mountains: “sad record”
A demonstration in the Bavarian town of Oberaudorf on avalanche danger and alpine safety. In view of an unusually high number of fatal accidents, mountain rescue services and the police are concerned. Photo: Peter Kneffel/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
Already in 2021 there were more mountain deaths and a higher number of accidents in the Bavarian Alps than in previous years. Now the trend is continuing – the police and mountain rescue service are looking at the Easter days with concern.
In view of an unusually high number of fatal accidents in the mountains, the mountain rescue service and the police in Bavaria are warning of winter conditions in the mountains at Easter.
Especially on the north side there is often still snow, says Stefan Sonntag, press spokesman for the police headquarters in Upper Bavaria South. It snowed again recently. “The weather conditions at higher altitudes are still wintry.”
The police headquarters in Upper Bavaria South has counted 16 fatal accidents in the area from Berchtesgaden to the Zugspitze this year. In the whole of last year there were 55 – “a sad historical record,” says Sunday. On average, police mountain guides counted 30 to 40 deaths a year. “Even at 16, unfortunately, we’re back to a number that’s far too high.”
reasons unclear
The mountain rescue service also registers high winter conditions above 1500 meters, especially on the northern flanks – “with hard snow fields and icy passages”. “This must be taken into account in particular with regard to the equipment when planning the tour,” the organization explained on request. “Even on hikes, you may quickly need togs, crampons or an ice ax and practiced handling of them.”
It is not entirely clear why the number of mountain deaths has recently reached new highs. It could be a coincidence, but it could also be due to the urge many people have to get into nature, which has grown during the pandemic. Especially because of Corona, more and more people have discovered nature and hiking as a hobby. “That was what was still possible despite Corona. The more people are out in nature, the more happens.” However, it is unclear whether this is the explanation for the many accidents. “Maybe it’s just a sad coincidence.”