Ski areas in the Miesbach district are threatened by a rush of ski tourers - this is what lift operators and environmentalists fear.
Florian Bossert gives tips for gentle winter sports.
Ski areas in the Miesbach district are threatened by a rush of ski tourers
Winter sports could seriously harm protected animals in the Mangfall Mountains
In an interview, Florian Bossert gives tips for environmentally friendly touring
County -
already suspected Antonia Asenstorfer from the Alps plus ski areas in early November (as reported): "The trend of the ski touring in the ski areas could this winter
intensify
." The closure or delayed opening of the ski runs the risk, the already
To further promote the
booming trend sport
- also because some people want to avoid the crowds at the lift stations.
This development would also have consequences for the sensitive
mountain
ecosystem
.
In an interview with our newspaper, Florian Bossert (36), area manager for the Mangfall Mountains at the Miesbach District Office, explains the effects of touring and how to minimize them.
Mr. Bossert, does nature generally suffer from ski tourers?
Bossert:
Ski tourers are often out and about in open terrain - and this is exactly where the wild animals have their living room and bedroom.
In any case, every winter is a great challenge for the native species due to the external conditions.
If there are also repeated and persistent disturbances, it becomes very tight for our wild animals.
... and this year even closer than usual?
Bossert:
Yes, the expected increase in ski tourers and snowshoe hikers is problematic.
Both sports have become increasingly popular in recent years.
This year, ski areas either don't open at all or only open later.
However, distances are best kept outside.
I therefore reckon with a sharp rise again - with consequences for the animals.
When one species becomes extinct, the ecosystem becomes imbalanced as others depend on it.
A chain reaction occurs.
We humans are also part of it and feel the effects on our own bodies.
Species protection should therefore also concern us out of our own interest.
Which animals are particularly threatened?
Bossert:
Black grouse and capercaillie are particularly affected, but red deer and chamois can also be disturbed.
The black grouse has its last larger refuge in Bavaria in the upper, open mountain pine area and on alpine pastures such as in the Mangfall Mountains - in the lowlands it is already extinct.
The wooded lower part is home to the capercaillie, and snowshoeers are more frequent here.
Both bird species are critically endangered and strictly protected.
The habitats overlap - due to the relatively low mountains and the forest borders near the peaks - with the range of action of ski mountaineers.
In the twilight and night times - especially in winter - the disruptive effect is enormous.
The same applies to the courtship, breeding and rearing season from the beginning of April to August.
What happens with such a disorder?
Bossert:
Black grouse usually fly downhill when scared and then have to laboriously climb back up on foot.
In winter in particular, they often only find enough food on the mountain ridges and ridge areas that have been blown away.
That is why it is so important that the twilight times in the morning and evening remain undisturbed and that the wild animals have sanctuaries and protected areas.
How can athletes avoid these effects?
Bossert:
The German Alpine Association already designated forest and game sanctuaries 25 years ago that should not be entered in winter.
This voluntary regulation is dependent on the cooperation and consideration of all winter sports enthusiasts.
The sensitive areas are shown on DAV maps.
The zones are also stored on the Internet and, for example, in the “alpenvereinaktiv” app from Outdooractive.
In addition, green signs mark the nature-friendly ascent routes in the mountains, while mostly yellow signs point to the closed areas.
+
These signs indicate the forest and game sanctuaries.
The regulation is based on voluntariness.
© Private
Is there anything else to consider?
Bossert:
Please refrain from the after-work ski tour with a headlamp and the ascent to sunrise.
The wild animals use the morning and evening hours to eat.
Skipping a nice powder slope if it's in the sanctuary.
And don't blindly follow a trail, but first consider whether it is compatible with nature.
The mountains are just not a gym.
What can you do as an area supervisor?
Bossert:
I'm trying to optimize the signage so that everyone can find the nature-friendly route in the area without being on site.
Nevertheless, I appeal to find out more about the closed areas in advance.
In addition, I am on site on busy days and try to sensitize winter sports enthusiasts to the topic.
During the talks, I hope that you will understand and show consideration for our wildlife.
Since my area of work covers the entire Mangfall Mountains and there are several hotspots, I am very happy that I am getting support from tourist rangers this winter.
The Tegernsee Schliersee Alpine Region (ATS) organizes and finances this.
I would like to express my thanks for that.
What options are there to deal with stupid athletes?
Bossert:
Unfortunately, the regulation of the forest and game sanctuary in the Spitzing / Rotwand area has not worked in recent years.
This was documented many times and compliance was pointed out again and again - also with speeches in the field.
After several round tables, the assessment has grown that the voluntary regulation unfortunately does not lead to the desired result in this area.
Therefore, the designation of game reserves in particularly heavily polluted areas is currently in progress.
A draft about it was recently publicly available in the district office.
Now it is time to examine all objections.
A possible consequence of the designation as a wildlife sanctuary would be a seasonal entry ban - but the decision is still pending.
The interview was conducted by:
Jonas Napiletzki.
Bergwacht looks calmly towards the ski mountaineers
The
Schliersee mountain rescue service
has
not
prepared
separately
for the possible onslaught of ski tourers.
Lorenz Haberle, deputy on-call manager, says: "That is also not necessary." In principle, the mountain rescue service does not hold any extra reserves for ski mountaineers.
"Even if there will be more this year - we are equipped and prepared for everything like every year
,
" emphasizes Haberle.
Many years ago there was a "
gypsum hut
" set up for break injuries of winter sports enthusiasts.
“But those days are over,” says the householder.
Also, special medical orientations for ski tourers are not necessary.
After all, these athletes have exactly the
same injuries
as all other skiers: "The lower legs and knees are the most common ones."
If there is a rush of ski mountaineers, snowshoe hikers and other winter sports enthusiasts, the mountain rescue service is prepared.
"And when there is no snow at all, people stay at home anyway," says Haberle pragmatically.
nap