Mountaineers on the Zugspitze: The right equipment is also important
Photo:
DPA
Mountain rescue and police in Bavaria are concerned about an unusually high number of fatal accidents in the mountains.
At Easter they therefore warn against still wintry conditions.
Especially on the north side of the mountains there is often still snow, said Stefan Sonntag, press spokesman for the police headquarters in Upper Bavaria South.
"The weather conditions at higher altitudes are still wintry," Sunday said.
It snowed again recently.
From 1500 meters it can still be icy
The police headquarters in Upper Bavaria South has already counted 16 fatal accidents in the area from Berchtesgaden to the Zugspitze this year.
In the whole of last year there were 55 - "a sad historical record," says Sunday.
On average, police mountain guides counted 30 to 40 deaths a year.
»Unfortunately, at 16 we are already back at a number that is far too high.«
The mountain rescue service also draws attention to the sometimes still high winter conditions in the mountains.
Above all on the northern flanks, “hard snow fields and icy passages” can be expected from altitudes of 1500 meters.
"This must be taken into account in particular with regard to the equipment when planning the tour," said the organization.
»Even on hikes, you may quickly need toe shoes, crampons or an ice ax as well as practiced handling of them.«
accumulation just a sad coincidence?
It is not entirely clear why the number of mountain deaths has recently reached new highs.
It could be a coincidence, but it could also be due to the urge many people have to get into nature, which has grown during the pandemic.
Especially because of Corona, more and more people have discovered nature and hiking as a hobby.
»That was what was still possible despite Corona.
The more people are out and about in nature, the more happens,” says Sonntag.
However, it is unclear whether this is the explanation for the many accidents.
"Perhaps it is nothing but sad coincidence."
apr/dpa