Zillertal climbing threat and quarry protest

Climbing in two areas of the Austria's idyllic Zillertal, the Zillergrundwald and Ginzling Taufenkopf is at risk as local quarry companies have their sights set on 200,000 square meters of rock to be mined in the next 24 years. Although official permission has not yet been granted, works have already begun in earnest and climbers are no longer allowed to trespass these areas.

Last week Tyrol's climbing elite including World Cup winner Anna Stöhr and European Champion David Lama gathered infront of national TV in an attempt to raise public awareness and the local StoneMonkey climbing association headed by Gerhard Hörhager has now launched an protest petition for climbers to voice their opions. Although chances of saving some of the best bouldering in Europe are deemed remote, please heed their call and sign the online petition.

- Watch the Austrian ORF news report here