Schrocken - that is the name of this mountain.
I climbed the summit (you see - very small - the summit cross at the top) in summer. You have to go along the jagged ridge. Now in winter it is impossible to reach the summit. You can see how far on the plateau my snowshoe-tracks reach. At the edge I turned around.
Some young (crazy) snowboarder would love to leap off that edge and go for the ride of his life. Glad you turned back and instead took a picture. Excellent photo.
@scotthouston Scott - The tour to the summit in the summer was nice. However, there are exposed sections - you have to be free from giddiness and sure-footed. At that time, however, a sharp foehn wind blew. At the top, the gusts were so rough that I had to be careful not to be pushed over the ridge. Therefore I stayed very short on the summit and soon started my way back.
@skipt07 Skip - Yes, the summit of this mountain is no good idea for a winter tour. It is good to turn back when the reason orders.The way to the plateau is very nice and also a certain challenge when you are on your way with snowshoes. More is not necessary for a fulfilling day.
@lyndemc Denise - I am not young, probably too little crazy and no snowboarder. :)
I'm not an extreme sportsman. We know the spectacle pictures of snowboarders and skiers who ride in extremely steep terrain. This is not my access - neither physically nor technically I could do it. I am only traveling with my legs, maximum on via ferratas with lower difficulty. It is about feeling the whole body and at the same time having room for the beauties of the mountains, even for the seemingly small things at the edge of the trail.
And I think everyone should be able to assess where the personal limits are. To be negligently in danger is irresponsible towards oneself and also to the people of the rescue. In Austria there is a well developed network of experienced people in the mountain rescue. But it should not be that they have to risk their own lives for someone who is in need because of negligent behavior on the mountain.
It is not a sign of weakness when you break off a tour because it becomes too dangerous. It is reasonable and responsible. Several times I ended a tour prematurely.
On this tour to the Schrocken I knew in advance that I never go to the summit with snowshoes. I already knew the way from a tour in the summer. You have to be careful. On this winter tour I just wanted to get as far as it is possible - no more and no less. This winter tour was completely o.k. for me.
This fab image has a real sense of timelessness about it. but there is a mystery to it too. Who/what/when made the tracks? Yes we now they are your's but who will know when you are gone? Love the drama you have so elegantly portrayed.
The mountains are definitely in you Jerome. I am loving learning about your Austrian landscape. And what you say about knowing your limits in the mountains I absolutely agree with. We don't have peaks to rival yours but even our hills can be killers if you don't respect them. never try to fight a mountain - there will only be one winner.
@cruiser Yes, this is not a hiking trail for inexperienced people. And the risk increases when you are alone in the mountains.
Thank you for your nice comment, Chris!
@chillen Thank you for nice comment, Chillen!
I fully agree with you: The amount of risk on a tour does not necessarily depend on the altitude of the mountain. As you say right, a hill can also be a killer if you do not get right on the situation.
And I never go to a mountain to "conquer" him. I feel richly gifted when he allows me access.
Thank you all for your so nice comments!
I'm not an extreme sportsman. We know the spectacle pictures of snowboarders and skiers who ride in extremely steep terrain. This is not my access - neither physically nor technically I could do it. I am only traveling with my legs, maximum on via ferratas with lower difficulty. It is about feeling the whole body and at the same time having room for the beauties of the mountains, even for the seemingly small things at the edge of the trail.
And I think everyone should be able to assess where the personal limits are. To be negligently in danger is irresponsible towards oneself and also to the people of the rescue. In Austria there is a well developed network of experienced people in the mountain rescue. But it should not be that they have to risk their own lives for someone who is in need because of negligent behavior on the mountain.
It is not a sign of weakness when you break off a tour because it becomes too dangerous. It is reasonable and responsible. Several times I ended a tour prematurely.
On this tour to the Schrocken I knew in advance that I never go to the summit with snowshoes. I already knew the way from a tour in the summer. You have to be careful. On this winter tour I just wanted to get as far as it is possible - no more and no less. This winter tour was completely o.k. for me.
Thank you for your nice comment, Chris!
I fully agree with you: The amount of risk on a tour does not necessarily depend on the altitude of the mountain. As you say right, a hill can also be a killer if you do not get right on the situation.
And I never go to a mountain to "conquer" him. I feel richly gifted when he allows me access.