Biathlon icon Dahlmeier storms the highest mountain in the Alps: "A real adventure"

Created: 06/03/2022, 12:20 p.m

By: Thomas Jensen

Rock and ice dominate the south face of Mont Blanc.

Laura Dahlmeier fought her way through.

©adidas terrex

Laura Dahlmeier has experienced a real adventure.

In an interview, she reports on her ascent of Mont Blanc.

Munich – Summits instead of podiums: Since Laura Dahlmeier ended her biathlon career in 2019, the native of Garmisch-Partenkirchen has been able to pursue her passion for mountains.

She was on Mont Blanc with the extreme climbers Thomas (55) and Alexander Huber (53), which they climbed via the notorious Bonington Route.

There is a film about the adventure: "United by Summits, from biathlon to extreme climbing", which is being shown in cinemas as part of the Bavarian Outdoor Film Festival.

In an interview with our newspaper, the 28-year-old winter sports icon talks about the background to the adventure and her student life.

Ms. Dahlmeier knows that you are active in the mountains - but how did the rope team with the Huber boys come about?

I've actually known both of them for a long time.

Alexander, since he held a laudatory speech for me at the athlete of the year and Thomas because of sponsor appointments.

A friendship developed from this.

When I was climbing in Berchtesgaden, I called Thomas and was spontaneously invited to a barbecue party, where I was warmly welcomed.

Good friends: Laura Dahlmeier with Thomas Huber.

© Screenshot Instagram

And then the idea came up to do something together?

Exactly.

However, I said at the beginning: what do you like about me, go with the good people instead - and I wasn't so sure myself.

But the two said: No, that will be great, Laura.

I was allowed to climb a tour with Thomas in Berchtesgaden.

It was a lot more difficult than the things I usually climb.

But I tried to do well and not sell short.

He then said that it was good for him that I was there with will and determination.

You've been to the Himalayas and the Andes.

Where do you classify this venture in your mountaineering career?

It really was a real adventure.

The difficulty is probably between eight and seven and that in combination with an almost unknown route without topo (graphic representation of a climbing route) - I've never done anything like that.

I've often moved into unfamiliar territory, but not at this level.

also read

German Olympic silver medalist marries: He is celebrated by teammates - but one is missing

Love carousel in the biathlon team: four professionals swap partners - now the coach talks about the relationship

"I've never done anything like this": Laura Dahlmeier still had fun.

©adidas terrex

So really something special...

Yes, also because it is on the south side of Mont Blanc.

It is difficult to access, not so crowded with tourists and even wilder - for me the playground par excellence in the Alps.

How do you choose the next peaks, how do you let yourself be guided?

I'm enthusiastic about old tours and have a book: "Im extremen Fels" by Walter Pause.

There are about 100 well-known and lesser-known routes, which is a real inspiration for me.

Many have been climbed for a long time, but are difficult and often inaccessible, and all have something special about them.

Otherwise, I naturally enjoy discovering new things at home.

Do you see yourself primarily as a mountaineer?

Or rather a biathlon expert or a sports student?

That always depends on who is asking (laughs).

I like being the student on the subway in Munich and in winter I like slipping into the role of the ZDF expert.

The theory that I'm currently learning in my sports studies is also very useful for me, that's the good thing: The areas in which I'm working aren't entirely contrary and can be combined.

Especially since you have time for mountain excursions in student life?

(laughs) Yes, everyone always says that.

But my studies aren't completely 0815 either, I have a few appointments on the side.

But it's probably the same as with every student: There is a phase when you should be sitting at your desk more, but you don't do it yet.

After that comes the exam phase, when things get serious and you don't have time, and during the semester breaks it's possible to make dreams come true.

Do you already know what will happen after you graduate?

Not really concrete yet, but something with mountains or mountain sports will come up, I hope.