Avalanche Strikes German Climber at Zugspitze, Sending Him 500 Meters Down

Ehrwald, Austria - A terrifying incident unfolded over the weekend for two young climbers at Zugspitze, as an avalanche unexpectedly struck one of them, dragging him down the mountain. The climbers, aged 23 and 18, both hailing from Bavaria, had successfully navigated the Stopselzieher climbing route and were in the process of descending when disaster struck.

At approximately 5:50 PM, a loud crack echoed through the area, marking the onset of chaos. The younger climber, Nevio, recounted that both he and his friend tried to move aside to escape the impending danger. Despite his efforts to hold on to his companion, it was too late. The avalanche swept the 23-year-old, identified as Timo, away and sent him tumbling approximately 500 meters down the rocky terrain.

Timo later described the harrowing experience, stating he was pulled down the cliff face and repeatedly struck his head and body against the rocks. He sustained a broken ankle along with multiple lacerations and bruises. Fortunately, he managed to avoid being completely buried under the snow, as the avalanche passed by him.

The avalanche occurred at an elevation of about 2,700 meters in the Ehrwald region. Despite the severe injuries from the fall, Timo remained on the surface of the snow. Remarkably, Nevio was able to alert emergency services before making his way down to assist his friend.

Emergency response teams quickly mobilized, with a rescue helicopter transporting Timo to the Murnau Clinic for treatment of his injuries, while Nevio was also airlifted to safety. Authorities suspect that the warm temperatures throughout the day may have contributed to the destabilization of the snow pack, leading to the avalanche.

The Zugspitze, famed for its stunning vistas and challenging climbing routes, continues to attract adventurers, but climbers are reminded of the inherent risks associated with high-altitude activities, especially in changing weather conditions.