Ignored Warnings, German Family Still Vacations in the Alps
German Family From Baden-Württemberg Rescued After Ignoring Warnings in Austrian Tennen Mountains
A family of five from the German region of Baden-Württemberg near Heidelberg found themselves in a precarious situation in the Austrian Tennen Mountains on Friday. Despite warnings from a local mountain hut keeper, they set out on a challenging seven-hour hike, ultimately necessitating a rescue mission.
The family, including children aged 8, 10, and 14, began their trek from Ellmau hut in Werfenweng at 8:30 a.m. Their objective was to cross the Tennen Mountains and reach the Solden hut via the Hochthron ladder, situated approximately 2,500 meters above sea level.
Despite the hut keeper's advisement against the tour due to their inadequate equipment and old snowfields, the family persisted. As night fell, the father called the keeper repeatedly, announcing a delayed arrival. At 11:00 p.m., he finally contacted the emergency number, indicating they were stranded in the area of the Tauern saddle (2,100 meters) and unable to proceed.
Eleven mountain rescuers from the Werfen local station responded to the call, navigating the old snowfields to reach the stranded Germans. They safely brought the family, secured with ropes, to the Ellmau hut by 3:15 a.m., where they arrived unscathed.
Stefan Koller, operation leader for the rescue, stated that the family was cold and provided them with warm clothing during the rescue. The hikers were found to lack rain gear, headlamps, and bivouac bags, essential items for a mountain expedition.
Koller emphasized the importance of planning a mountain tour carefully, paying attention to the weather conditions and snow situation. The Tennen Mountains, though scenic, can pose challenges for travelers unfamiliar with the terrain.
The refusal to heed warnings from the local mountain hut keeper contributed to the family's predicament. Their ill-suited footwear—hiking shoes for the adults and running shoes for the children—further complicated their ordeal.
Sources: ntv.de, jpe/dpa
- Austria
- Hiking
The family's lifestyle, prioritizing outdoor-living and adventure, led them to disregard warnings about the challenging hiking conditions in the Tennen Mountains of Austria. This hike, part of their foreign policy, aimed at exploring the picturesque home-and-garden of the mountain ranges, unfortunately resulted in a travel mishap, requiring rescuers. The incident underscores the significance of proper preparation, including suitable equipment, before embarking on such sporting excursions, especially in unfamiliar terrain.
