In reality, there was very little left to the goal. A warm hut in the mountains of Tyrol was already in front of them. However, the continuous snowfall made the hike more and more dangerous. In the end, it had to be interrupted. Eleven children and two adults from the Augsburg district were rescued by the Austrian mountain service. In the rescuers’ report, it is indicated that this action even for experienced employees was not a standard challenge. The organizers of the hike, on the contrary, emphasized: We at any time knew where we were. How then did it come to a call for help in the snow-covered mountains?
Why did the group from the Augsburg district need help?
The organizers of the tour were Wunja Zürn and Lukas Wagner. Students aged 20 and 21 founded a startup under the name Under the Stars. It offers outdoor tours for children and youth. One of such adventures began last Monday. It was called Traces of Winter, and eleven children signed up for it. Ten of them were aged 11 to 15, one child was eight years old, the organizers reported to our editorial office. They accented attention on the following: We know all these children. Similar hikes they had offered already many times. The planned route they had passed twice at this same time of year. However, this time everything went not according to plan.
Both companions are professionals in the sphere of active recreation. In a conversation, they noted their experience and preparation. Lukas Wagner — an emergency paramedic, a pedagogue for work in extreme conditions, he passed various training in the Alpine Union. He and his partner together have traveled already half the world. They love to sleep under the stars. Despite this experience, on Monday the group got into a situation in which outside help was required.
Deep snow? Companions describe the hike in Tyrol
According to the records of the two leaders, the group started about midday in the area of Raut in Tyrol. This happened later than planned. The reason: Departure was delayed because of a spontaneous break of the bus driver, — reported Wagner. Because of this, the schedule shifted a little. With light snowfall, the group went for about four hours to the Ehenbichler Raaz Alm pasture, which is located at a height of about 1,700 meters. Unlike reports of other media, this pasture was never the goal of the hike, both organizers emphasized. It in any case was closed when the group made a halt there to plan further advancement. The real goal was the Reuttener Hütte hut. But as the snow went more and more strongly, the first doubts appeared. Is the snow not too deep for children?
The host of the hut recommended to us to go further. Lukas Wagner, one of the companions.
The host of the hut recommended to us to continue the way, — reported Wagner. This should have taken only about twenty minutes. In reality, this turned out to be an erroneous assessment. Wagner: With hindsight everyone is strong. After all, already after a short time, he established that the continuous snowfall began to represent a threat. The group leaders in the end jointly decided to return to the pasture and dial the number of the rescue service.
Rescue in the mountains of Tyrol: how dramatic was the situation?
At approximately 18:00 on Monday evening, the mountain rescue service was raised by alarm. In the rescuers’ report, it is indicated: A look out the window immediately showed how serious the situation was. Immediately eleven rescuers from the Reutte district on ski equipment set out. They contacted the host of the hut and drove to the pasture on two snowmobiles. The host also arrived and opened his premises. In the rescuers’ report, it is noted: Having arrived on the spot, we immediately provided the children and companions with rescue and warming blankets. The group, according to these data, was strongly soaked and already visibly hypothermic. Those responsible for the hike represent this differently. No one got soaked and no one got hypothermic, — assured Lukas Wagner. He and his partner checked all the children to be convinced of this. Both are upset that the situation, from their point of view, in some media reports is depicted more dramatically than it was in reality.
The following has been established: simultaneously with the rescue operation on the mountain, a signal was given to the Red Cross. In the shortest periods, eleven employees arrived and equipped in the municipal hall of Berwang a temporary shelter with folding beds, blankets, and hygiene items. There eleven children and their companions were in the end delivered on snowmobiles. In the conclusion of the mountain rescuers, it is said: This operation once more shows how quickly winter conditions can be underestimated — especially with groups of children.
Wunja Zürn and Lukas Wagner emphasized: The emergency call was made for the prevention of danger. During the hike, it clarified that the snow is deeper than was assumed. Such can happen, — believes Wagner. In the mountains there is always uncertainty. Not one of the children was in danger. On the contrary. We sang cheerfully when we were waiting for rescue, — reported Wagner and hummed: From above a good mood, from below a good mood. And 15-year-old Felix, who was a participant of the hike, told our editorial office that at any moment he felt himself in safety.
The group was able to continue its program
In the final result, the group was able to continue the program in the valley. They stayed overnight for yet a second night in the municipal hall. The work of the rescuers passed extremely professionally, quickly, and organizedly, — added Wagner. The parents of the children were informed about every step. Wunja Zürn showed messages in WhatsApp from parents which should confirm this. In them, one can read that many parents thank for the actions and professional work of the companions. Their further program Wunja Zürn and Lukas Wagner with their startup Under the Stars continue according to plan.
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