A touring skier in the Salzkammergut on the Hallstätter Glacier on the Dachstein had a super guardian angel: he fell twelve meters into a crevasse, but remained unharmed and was watched by mountain companions who immediately organized the rescue.
A 40-year-old from the Murtal district climbed the edge of the rift on the Hohe Dachstein with touring skis on Sunday. At about 11.30 a.m. he climbed the via ferrata again and drove his touring skis over the glacier from the ski depot at the Randkluft. A little ahead, a 64-year-old mountain guide and his seven guests drove over the glacier. This stopped at the Eisstein and, after inspection, did not dare to continue down the eastern slope due to the conditions. He instructed his group to cross as high as possible to the fortified Radrak track.
50 centimeter wide column
Shortly afterwards, the 40-year-old also stopped at the said point and also decided to cross the slope near the Eisstein. Before that, however, he drove a short distance and fell about twelve meters deep into a crevasse that was only about 50cm wide at the top. A soft snow bridge cushioned the ski tourer’s impact. The previously open crevasses are currently partially covered by freshly fallen snow and are very difficult to see. The mountain guide and the course participants observed the crevasse and immediately set the rescue chain in motion.
Responsive but hypothermic
The 64-year-old also notified four of his comrades from the mountain rescue service who happened to be on the Dachstein. Together they began rescuing the 40-year-old, who was responsive but complained of shortness of breath and hypothermia. In the meantime, the Libelle Salzburg police helicopter brought more mountain rescuers and an alpine policeman to the Dachstein so that they can support the terrestrial rescue. There was sometimes very gusty wind on site. An emergency doctor and a flight rescuer were also blown up by the flight police.
Rescued after more than an hour
Together, the 40-year-old was rescued from the crevice after over an hour. After being examined by the emergency doctor, he declined further treatment or hospitalization.