Two Alpinists Fall Into Glacier Crevasse on the Hoher Dachstein

Since the terrain at this altitude cannot be reached directly by vehicles, a helicopter was used. The rescue teams used an intermediate landing site to coordinate the medical care and onward transfer.

Rescue Operation and Recovery

Both alpinists were airlifted by helicopter to a hospital after being recovered. No further details were initially known about the exact nature and severity of the injuries sustained by the two Germans.

Alpine police officers, who are specialized in operations in high-alpine terrain and carried out the recovery together with the mountain rescuers, took part in the rescue operation.

Investigations into the Cause of the Accident

The exact cause of the accident has not yet been conclusively determined. Investigations to clarify the circumstances of the fall are underway, with the authorities examining whether the crevasse on the ice field was visible to the two mountaineers.

With its summit region rising over 2,900 meters, the Hoher Dachstein is one of the best-known and most demanding mountain destinations in the Eastern Alps. The area around the Hallstätter Glacier and the Dachstein South Wall Cable Car in particular is popular with ski tourers, but due to glacier crevasses and changing ice conditions, it harbors significant risks.

Risks on the Hallstätter Glacier

Glacier crevasses form through the movement of the ice and can be hidden beneath snow or freshly formed ice. They pose one of the greatest dangers to mountaineers in high mountain terrain and require appropriate equipment as well as experience.

This case is part of a series of mountain accidents reported in recent weeks from the alpine regions of Upper Austria and Styria. The responsible authorities regularly point to the need for careful tour planning and up-to-date glacier information.