Nocturnal descents on the slopes, ascents through protected areas: there are tourers who absolutely do not follow the rules.
A conservation ranger has a clear opinion on this.
District
– It wouldn't be the case that ski tourers wouldn't have a place in the mountains in the district of Miesbach.
On the contrary: Signposted ascent routes in the ski areas and the new signposted night ski tour on the Taubenstein also give newcomers plenty of opportunities to enjoy winter sports close to nature, largely without risk.
And yet the anger at tourers who absolutely do not follow the rules does not abate.
Above all, the mountain railway operators regularly report on unreasonable winter sports enthusiasts who are out and about in the danger area while the slopes are being prepared.
But why is that?
And what can you do about it?
We asked Alexander Römer, nature conservation ranger at the Miesbach District Office, in an interview.
Mr. Römer, what do you hear when you point out misconduct to ski tourers?
Alexander Römer:
First of all, it has to be said that as nature conservation rangers, we are primarily responsible for monitoring the rules surrounding the protected areas.
We don't usually go on groomed slopes.
Still, there are some parallels here.
Also read: New route for night ski tours on the Taubenstein
In what way?
Alexander Römer:
Believe it or not, most people do not knowingly behave incorrectly, but out of ignorance.
They have no idea what they can do to nature when they enter a protected area.
And just as little can they imagine that they are in absolute mortal danger if they ski down the ski slopes during the grooming times.
It sounds crazy, but unfortunately it's the reality.
Why do you think that is?
Alexander Römer:
I like to use the term “lack of alpine socialization” here.
30 years ago, as a beginner, experienced acquaintances gently introduced you to mountain sports and you were happy to take a whole week for an avalanche course.
Today you buy a complete set of equipment and expect the salesperson to explain the avalanche transceiver (LVS) to one in five minutes.
The problem is that people have the money to do different sports at the same time.
However, the time to deal more intensively with a topic is becoming less and less.
So what do you suggest? A passed exam as a prerequisite for the purchase? More bans?
Alexander Römer:
None of that.
Even if it's exhausting, there's really only one thing that helps: sensitize and educate, over and over again.
This is the only way to reach people and make a difference.
If they have taken this food for thought and can understand the problem of their misconduct, they really take the rules to heart.
Especially since there are enough offers in our mountains.
Also interesting: District Office introduces nature conservation rangers
Are they also used?
Alexander Römer:
Yes, but not enough.
Here, too, we have to go further into communication.
Our big problem here are some well-known smartphone apps.
Why?
Alexander Römer:
Because they neither include protected areas nor topographical features for assessing avalanche slopes in their maps.
We always have winter sports enthusiasts who follow a navigation route that is only advertised and accessible as a summer route.
Unfortunately, our appeals to the operators of the portals have not been fruitful.
Is there an app that you can recommend with a clear conscience?
Alexander Römer:
The application "Alpenverein aktiv".
It contains all the data that is necessary for reliable tour planning.
Nevertheless, the same applies here: sound personal knowledge, especially of the avalanche situation, is essential.
And if you don't feel safe in the open country, you should go on a designated piste ski tour.
But please only outside of the preparation times!
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