Failure risk in the Alps: How to protect yourself properly!

Failure risk in the Alps: How to protect yourself properly!

Mittagspitze, Tirol, Österreich - On June 16, 2025, the Tyrolean mountain region came to a tragic lightning stroke story that urges the dangers of thunderstorms for mountain hikers. Three climbers, including two 60-year-olds and a 62-year-old, lost their lives on the descent from the midday tip at 2,270 meters. Such weather extremes are a serious risk in the Alpine region during the summer season, as the Austrian Alpine Club emphasizes. These incidents are not isolated, but are in the context of an increasingly changing climate.

violent thunderstorms are not only threatening, they also occur more often due to the climate crisis. According to a study by a research team from Innsbruck, the number of flashes in the high -lying regions of the European Eastern Alps have doubled in the past 40 years. The analysis clearly shows that rising temperatures and higher humidity in the atmosphere contribute to the increase in these extreme weather phenomena. These events are not only dangerous for climbers, but also reflect the general effects of climate change on the weather conditions in Europe.

safety measures for thunderstorms

For weather warnings granted, it is advisable to adapt the planned route and to reverse in good time in case of doubt or to look for protection in a mountain hut. Extensive tours and exposed routes should also be avoided on strong weather -label days. Warning signs for an approaching thunderstorm include tower -high, anvil -shaped storm clouds, gently refreshing wind and audible electrical discharges.

behavior during a thunderstorm

In the event of a thunderstorm, mountaineers should leave exposed ridges and peaks and search for larger rock caves for protection. It is also advisable to keep distance from the rock face and to wait for insulating materials such as the backpack in a crop position. When climbing climbing climbing, safety should be taken into account with a via ferrata set. It is also important to ensure protection against moisture and cooling through suitable clothing and bivouac bags. Heavy rain can quickly lead to falling floods and stone chips, which increases the risk of hypothermia due to the soaking.

In addition to the practical security measures, increasing lightning activity is part of a major problem that is related to climate change. Reports from the world climate dare refer to the fact that global temperatures rise faster than ever. These changes lead to an increase in extreme weather events that affect not only mountain hikers, but also the general population. Coastal floods that once occurred in 100 years can be experienced annually in the future.

In this context, it is crucial to take measures to combat climate change. The promotion of renewable energies and a faster reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are essential to limit the heat to a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

For more information on the right behavior during thunderstorms on the mountain, the Alpine Club has created a video in cooperation with the state of Tyrol, which can be viewed here video tip. Further materials and information are available on the [website of the Alpine Club] (https://www.ots.at/presseausendung/ots_20250616_ots0140/nach-blitzschlag-tragoedie-alpenverein-giBt-zur-risk-risk.