Mountaineer loses way on Hochkönig and is rescued overnight

In the rescuers' assessment, the incident is reminiscent of a series of similar cases in the Hochkönig massif, in which hikers without adequate equipment or alpine experience set out into high-altitude terrain. The region around Werfen and Bischofshofen is a popular destination for day hikes, but at higher elevations quickly features pathless and steep terrain, where losing one's way can quickly become dangerous.

Mountain rescue warns of lacking insurance coverage

Gerhard Kremser, spokesman for the Pongau mountain rescue association, also sees a recurring problem in such operations: while medical care for the injured is assured, the costs of overnight recoveries often have to be borne by those affected themselves if they do not have appropriate insurance. Kremser, verbatim: "Leider fällt uns auf, dass immer noch viele Menschen, nicht nur Urlaubsgäste, sondern auch Einheimische, ohne entsprechenden Versicherungsschutz für Bergungen im alpinen Gelände unterwegs sind."

The mountain rescue service therefore recommends that, especially for tours off marked trails, hikers realistically assess their personal equipment, the weather and their own fitness. An alpine emergency insurance or membership in a mountain rescue organisation generally covers the costs of an overnight recovery in full and spares the rescuers bureaucratic effort.

Rescuers' tips for tours on the Hochkönig

During the current summer season, the mountain rescue service in the Pongau expects the number of operations to remain high. Experience shows that most cases of losing one's way and emergencies occur in the late afternoon and evening hours, when tours have to be aborted because of the weather or flagging fitness. The rescuers therefore advise starting tours early and turning back in good time if in doubt.

At around 2,941 metres, the Hochkönig is the highest massif of the Berchtesgaden Alps on the Austrian side and a year-round destination for mountaineers. According to the information provided, the mountaineer now rescued had no alpine emergency equipment with him and, according to the rescuers, was dependent on the help of the mountain rescue service to get back to the valley safely.

After the operation ended, the emergency teams returned to their bases in Werfen and Bischofshofen during the night. The Werfen mountain rescue service announced that it would use the incident as an opportunity to step up information in the coming weeks about the importance of insurance coverage and alpine preparation. No further press conference is currently planned.