Climbing routes safety check

Every year in the Easter time, even before the climbing season starts in Ötztal, Alexander and Ewald head for the very first safety checks in the valley’s climbing gardens and via ferratas. Mainly because frost and thaw can loosen rocks over the winter months, Alexander explains.

Due to the huge number of routes a detailed plan is required in order to examine all official climbing areas in different intervals. It is of utmost importance that all routes are checked and maintained on a regular basis to guarantee a maximum of safety.

The maintenance works also strongly depend on how much frequented the climbing and via ferrata routes are. Standard routes of certain difficulty levels and high climbing frequency must be checked yearly and in certain intervals while other, less frequented routes with long ascents and high difficulty are checked not that often.

Making safety checks of all climbing routes is not the only duty during a long climbing season. Therefore Ötztal Tourismus employs two local, certified mountain guides and ski instructors who have developed an entire concept. Among the great advantages is their long experience in the industrial climbing sector.

Following a certain scheme, all climbing hot spots – like the much frequented Stuibenfall Via Ferrata – are examined and marked if necessary. Hazards, loose rocks, damaged hooks are taken down in the minutes and reported to Ötztal Tourismus. Afterwards Alex and Ewald are ready to solve the problems. A note is made of every activity, like drilling new hooks etc.

According to the danger level, maintenance works are completed on the spot and immediately or within a maximum of 2 days. Of course, also climbers and guests in Ötztal can contact Ötztal Tourismus if they notice loose footholds or handholds. The tourist office will pass on the information to our experts Alex and Ewald who will check the spot.

This pre-defined cycle of work also guarantees a very high level of safety. And it has been working very well over the last years, Alex states. If climbers actively contact the tourist board it is very important to explain the problem and to describe its location exactly. Which route is it? After how many pitch lengths did you notice the problem? Where is the loose hook: is it the second, fourth or sixth one? The more detailed the information is the better – and the quicker – we can solve the problem.

When it comes to activity and motion, Benni pricks up his ears! He is a passionate snowboarder, mountain biker, climber & hiker and he knows no better playground for outdoor sports than the Ötztal.

He is not the type to sit still - therefore Benni can be often found on the valley's most exciting bike trails and pristine powder snow slopes.