Mountain Mishaps: Czech Climbers Rescued from Zugspitze, Croatian Climbers Lost in Avalanche
Ehrwald, Tyrol – October 6, 2024 – A sudden and severe snowstorm triggered two separate mountain rescue operations in the Alps this weekend, resulting in the safe recovery of five Czech climbers and the tragic loss of three croatian climbers. The incidents underscore the rapidly changing and dangerous conditions present in the mountains during the early autumn season.
On Sunday, October 5th, four men and one woman from the Czech Republic began an ascent of Zugspitze via the Stopselzieher route, despite unfavorable weather forecasts. While rain fell in the valley, higher altitudes experienced icy conditions. “It was raining down in the valley at that time. Ice was formed in higher altitudes. In such conditions it is not recommended to walk to the mountains,” stated mountain rescuer Robin Lutnig.
As the weather deteriorated, with wind speeds reaching up to 80 km/h and temperatures dropping to -7 degrees Celsius, the group was forced to halt their climb just below the summit around 14:00 and request assistance.Rescuers reached the stranded climbers at 15:30, utilizing cable cars to access the challenging terrain.
“Tourists did not wear optimal clothes in such weather,” Lutnig added. “When we arrived at them, they were all slightly hypothermic. At times they warmed up in the transitional thermal tents we took with us. We had two stops.” All five Czech climbers were safely transported to the valley via cable car.
Meanwhile, a separate tragedy unfolded in the Slovenian Alps. Three Croatian climbers were caught in an avalanche on Sunday morning, October 5th, while ascending in the Viel Polje and Studorský rolled area. The group of seven had been warned of deteriorating conditions at a mountain cottage but chose to continue their ascent.
A large-scale search operation involving over 45 rescuers from four stations and handlers was launched, initially hampered by unfavorable weather. The first missing climber was located in a narrow gorge at a depth of 150m, buried 1.5m under the snow.Despite the challenging terrain and strong winds, rescuers continued their efforts, and ultimately recovered the bodies of the two remaining climbers. Sadly, no signs of life were found.The climbers reportedly hailed from Split and its surrounding areas.
