The Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain at an altitude of 2,962 meters, has always had a very special attraction for mountaineers. A great incentive for many outdoor enthusiasts who are guests in the Zugspitze Arena Bavaria-Tyrol is to climb the summit of Germany's highest mountain under their own steam.
Theoretically, anyone who knows their way around and is well equipped could do this, but the question is whether everyone should. The Zugspitze is not only beautiful, but also very dangerous. One almost unpredictable component around Germany's highest mountain is the weather. Guests who are unfamiliar with rapid changes in the weather from their own country are often surprised by them, get into difficulties in the mountains and are dependent on the mountain rescue service.
Particularly important: the weather check
Good preparation for a mountain tour in the high mountains includes finding out about the weather in advance. Nowadays, weather reports, websites, apps and webcams are freely accessible and should be used by mountaineers. This way, no one puts themselves in danger unnecessarily and requires the mountain rescue service. If in doubt, there is always the option of asking at the guesthouse, hotel or tourist information office. After all, the locals still know their way around best. And a tip from the mountain rescue service for the Zugspitze ascent: “If you make your way to the summit through the Höllental valley, you can also visit the Höllentalangerhütte website directly. The hut operator publishes the current weather conditions there on an ongoing basis.”
This belongs in your luggage
What always belongs on a mountain tour is long and warm clothing, at least as a back-up in your rucksack. Even in June, snow can still fall in the mountains and, more importantly, stay there. If it ices over overnight, it can be really dangerous. You also need sturdy shoes, enough to drink (including a thermos flask of tea) and snacks. A cell phone with a full battery is also essential. However, the small devices cannot be relied on one hundred percent, as there is not always sufficient reception.
It is particularly advisable to have a bivouac sack and a rescue blanket with you. Because if an emergency call has been made, this does not mean that the mountain rescue team will be there within the next 15 minutes. Climbers may have to spend the night on site if the rescue team cannot leave immediately due to weather conditions and safety measures.
How the rescuers get to the mountain
As soon as the control center receives the emergency call, it alerts the duty incident commander, who calls the teams together. The worse the accident, the more teams are deployed. At the same time, the incident commander decides immediately whether or not to call a helicopter, as it can take a while for one to arrive.
In the meantime, the team gathers at the depot, packs everything for the operation and meets to discuss the situation. Then it's off: if the weather permits, the team flies or drives off immediately and, if necessary, climbs the last stretch on foot.
A helicopter cannot fly in bad weather, even if it is an emergency. A mission that the mountain rescue team could complete in a few hours can be postponed for hours or days in bad weather.
An appeal from the mountain rescuers
Mountain rescuers emphasize that mountaineers should have the courage to simply turn back once in a while. Understandably, this annoys visitors who have come from further afield and have planned the tour for a long time. However, you should broaden your tunnel vision with the summit as your goal and put your own safety first. This includes returning in good time at dusk to avoid putting yourself in danger.
Before setting off on a hike, mountaineers should be in good shape and well trained. Experience has shown that many people run out of breath after 2,400 meters of altitude due to the physical exertion and the thin mountain air.
Another piece of advice is not always to choose the most difficult route, as there are various ways to reach the summit and have a great tour at the same time. However, children should not be taken along on such an undertaking.
So if you want your ascent of the Zugspitze to go smoothly, it is very important to listen to all the advice given by the mountain rescuers. After all, the mountain rescue team has a lot of experience and is not celebrating its 110th birthday this year for nothing.
However, if something does happen, it is important to stay calm and contact the mountain rescue team.
