Avalanche danger in Zillertal climbing areas

The Austrian Zillertal Alps are famous not only for their rock climbing and hiking, but above all for their fantastic skiing opportunities. It comes as no surprise therefore that, due to the abundant snowfall this winter, local "gatekeeper" Gerhard Hörhager has now raised the following alarm concerning climbing conditions in the enchanting Zillertal. Climbers wishing to visit the area in the next couple of weeks please take heed.


Avalanche danger in the Zillertal
by Gerhard Hörhager
At present there is so much snow on the peaks above the valley that the danger of avalanches in some areas (and along their approaches) is a serious problem. Climbers planning on spending Easter in the Zillertal must heed road and path closures under all circumstances. 

The following areas are at risk: Maruschkas Gartl, Bachhexe, Wig / Wam (routes facing the mountain), Tulfer,  Gschlössel and Roßhaag Wasserfall, as well as the bouldering areas Sundergrund, Zemmschlucht, Klausenalm and Kaserler (boulders facing the stream). The car park next to the bridge is exposed to avalanches as well. Furthermore, the multi-pitch areas Jaunkopf / Taufenkopf,  Freien Sprünge and Rabenwand are at risk. Please do not visit these areas in the next few days and during Easter. Beware also at the Oberen Bergstation, there's still lots of ice on the wall which cannot be seen from below (though this should improve during the week). Some rockfall may occur due to the thaw.

As soon as the snow has melted the situation will improve of course, but this will certainly take at least 3 weeks in the above mentioned areas! At present the situation is deceiving, down in the valley you can climb with shorts in a green field, but please don't be mislead. The Zillertal is far bigger than just the valley bottom and there are still masses of snow on the mountains!

Thankfully by now there are so many other areas in the Zillertal that you'll surely not get bored at those crags which aren't at risk of avalanches...