Gear of the Week | Bergsilvester

As every year draws to a close, many of us make resolutions to get the new year off to a great start. For example, spending more time on the mountain, procrastinating less or getting more involved in climate protection. After all, our winters are also linked to what we love so much: snow-covered peaks, fresh powder and tranquil descents. But why wait until the new year begins?

The last resolution can be implemented beforehand - public fireworks displays are perfect for this.

To mark the occasion, I would like to introduce you to the Mountain New Year's Eve on the Nordkette today. Since its introduction in 1994, it has developed into a permanent event. Instead of private fireworks being set off all over the city, there is an organized fireworks display on Innsbruck's local mountain, which takes place high above the rooftops of the city. At least that's the idea. If you have a spare coin, you can even celebrate the New Year directly on the Seegrube, the place where the fireworks are set off.

You need a gondola ticket for this. Alternatively, you can take on the approx. 1000 meters in altitude and hike to the Seegrube, depending on the snow conditions. However, you should keep the way back in mind. The big advantage of the communal fireworks display is that you can enjoy an impressive display of lights without having to buy rockets yourself. At the same time, a central fireworks display helps to concentrate noise and fine dust instead of dispersing them in every backyard and parking lot.

The Patscherkofel, for example, is a suitable alpine alternative. The approach is from Innsbruck via Igls to the ski area parking lot. If you arrive early enough, you can take the gondola up to the mountain station.

From there, it's only about 250 meters up to the Patscherkofel summit. However, if you don't want to wait in the cold until midnight, you can take the piste from the valley station up to the mountain station and cover the remaining meters in altitude to the summit from there. ATTENTION, even on New Year's Eve there may still be snow groomers here, so only use marked pistes and inform yourself in advance. Information on tour evenings in Tyrol can be found here. If in doubt, it is best to call the respective mountain railroads.

From the Patscherkofel summit you have a 180° view of the Inn Valley, a clear view of the Stubai Valley and a good view of the Nordkette. On a clear day, you can marvel at the fireworks on the Nordkette as well as in the rest of the Inn Valley, a panorama that almost no other city can offer. Of course, warm gloves and clothing, mulled wine, a headlamp and experience of skiing at night are essential.

Of course, public fireworks displays also cause emissions, particulate matter and noise. Many cities are therefore discussing alternatives. In Munich, for example, there will be a "New Year's Eve mile" with music and laser shows for the first time this year as a more environmentally friendly alternative to private fireworks displays. The trend is clearly moving towards joint, organized events instead of many small private fireworks displays. Innsbruck's mountain New Year's Eve is already a good example of how this can work, even if emissions are not completely absent.