Youngster women power on ice

GOI what is that?

Girls* on Ice Austria (GOI) is a unique project that offers young women the chance to combine nature experiences, science and adventure in an extraordinary environment. Every year, the association organises a special expedition designed to get girls and young women interested in science and the mountains. The aim is to offer them a safe and inspiring space in an otherwise often male-dominated discipline.

This year's expedition took the group to the breathtaking Ötztal Alps. For ten days, the participants had the opportunity to immerse themselves completely in nature away from civilisation, without mobile phones, social media or the internet. Instead of the usual hustle and bustle of everyday life, an exciting camp day, many new friendships and an impressive mountain landscape awaited them.

What makes this expedition special is the fact that it is organised and carried out exclusively by women for women. A diverse team of female scientists, artists and mountain guides accompany the participants and share not only their professional expertise, but also their passion for the mountains and exploring.

A Girls* Expedition - Why?

One of the main aims of the expedition is to awaken the young women's curiosity for science and nature. By working closely with the natural scientists, the participants learn about the geology and ecology of the Alpine region in a practical way. This not only teaches scientific content, but also fosters a deep appreciation for nature and its interrelationships.
At the same time, the aim is to get the participants excited about mountaineering - a sport that requires physical endurance, mental strength and teamwork. Another important aspect of the expedition is the targeted promotion of people of marginalised genders in areas such as science, art and outdoor activities. In a supportive and encouraging environment, confidence in their own abilities is fostered as participants learn to overcome challenges while celebrating personal and community successes. This encourages them to take their place in previously male-dominated fields and realise their full potential.

GOI also aims to create a strong and active community of female scientists and climate activists. The participants have the opportunity to make valuable contacts who can accompany and support them on their further educational and professional path. This network should not only continue during the expedition, but also afterwards, inspiring and supporting the participants on their way to new career opportunities.
All in all, Girls* on Ice Austria is more than just an expedition - it is a platform to open doors for young women to new paths in science, art and outdoor sports, to discover their potential and to support each other on their way.

An expedition - how does it work?

After arriving in Ötztal for the first time, preparations began for the ten-day expedition organised by Girls* on Ice Austria. The first priority for the participants was to get to know each other. In addition, the extensive equipment for the upcoming days had to be inspected and the participants' gear had to be supplemented with rental equipment. Once all the rucksacks were packed, the evening was spent relaxing in the valley.

The next morning, despite the stormy weather, we climbed up to the base camp, which was set up in the immediate vicinity of a glacier. Even on the way, there was plenty for the participants to discover and learn. The group was supported by the so-called "Gear Fairies", a volunteer group that helped to transport the heavy equipment and set up the camp in the alpine landscape. As a result, the first evening at the camp was spent cooking on the gas cooker immediately after the ascent.

From here on, the only contact with the outside world was a daily call via the satellite phone for an up-to-date weather forecast. But there was plenty to discover on the expedition and around the camp anyway.

Over the course of the expedition, daily tours on/near the glacier were on the programme, accompanied by exciting scientific and artistic activities. The participants had the unique opportunity not only to explore the impressive alpine landscape, but also to capture it artistically. Drawings and watercolour paintings of the glacier landscape, the glacier stream, the surrounding plants and the camp were created over the course of the days. This creative dialogue with nature helped them to understand the landscape and created unique mementos of their time together.

Despite the challenges posed by the weather in the first half of the week - including heavy rain and thunderstorms - the programme was varied. Units on knot tying and crevasse rescue, the safe use of crampons and ice axes as well as basic mountaineering techniques were important components of the practical training. These skills were not only crucial for the upcoming glacier tours, but also strengthened the participants' self-confidence and teamwork.

In addition to the physical challenges, the focus was on scientific work.  On the first few days, accompanied by the instructors, a lot was discovered around the glacier.

On day six, the participants then carried out their own small research projects: Participant Isabella enthusiastically reported on one of her experiments: "For example, we measured the water level at the glacial lake. And then we realised that there was more and more water in the lake over the course of the day."
Another group measured the air temperature, the albedo - the reflectivity of the ice, snow and rocks - and the humidity.
Another group investigated the spread of vegetation in areas from which the glacier had disappeared some time ago. In this way, the participants explored the complex relationships between climate and landscape for themselves.

One of the most memorable activities for many was swimming in the ice-cold glacial lake. Although the temperatures were anything but inviting, all the participants ventured into the water. "My favourite part was when we went swimming in the lake, even though it was extremely cold," enthused 16-year-old Paula. "Somehow we all motivated each other so that in the end we were all in, did a quick swim and got out again."
This experience emphasised the importance of mutual support within the group and how the expedition was not only a scientific but also an emotionally formative experience for the young women.

The expedition is over and now?

The 2024 expedition has come to a successful end and now it's time to start planning for next year. Girls* on Ice Austria is a completely voluntary organisation. An expedition like this year's, which is free of charge for the participants, is only possible thanks to material support, donations and funding. This year's sponsors included the University of Innsbruck and the European Space Agency.
Participants pay nothing for the expedition apart from travelling and are lent equipment that is not available by the association. This means that for GOI volunteers, after the expedition is before the next expedition.

Off to the glacier - I want to go too

Next year, young women* between the ages of 15 and 17 will once again be immersed in alpine landscapes. Once the funding is in place, the application phase will start in December. All FLINTA* are welcome. The term stands for women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, trans and agender people.
Participants do not need any previous experience, apart from a bit of basic fitness for the tours. The aim is to offer this special opportunity to people who would otherwise have few opportunities for such tours. The application phase will probably be between November and February.

Expeditions worldwide - GOI Backgrounds

Girls* on Ice Austria is also part of a worldwide network of expeditions that encourages young women to discover science and mountain sports. The origins of this project lie in the USA: In 1999, Dr. Erin Pettit initiated the first expedition in the North Cascades National Park: During her doctoral thesis, Pettit realised how few women were present in scientific research. To change this and offer young women a platform that combines science and outdoor adventure, she launched Girls* on Ice.

With the exception of the Covid years, when there were few expeditions apart from the Swiss replacement programme Expeditions@Home, the Inspiring Girls Expedition network has grown considerably.
There are now expeditions in Canada, Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, New Zealand, Switzerland and, since 2020, also in Austria. The president of the association in Austria, Dr. Lindsey Nicholson, is a glaciologist and climate researcher at the University of Innsbruck and an expert in science communication. Her commitment is to further develop the project in Austria and to give young women the opportunity not only to learn about scientific methods and natural phenomena, but also to strengthen their self-confidence and teamwork skills through challenging experiences in nature.