ExperienceReport | Alpine Professionals with risk'n'fun

Level 4 - ALPINE PROFESSIONALS

Level 4 was where things got really exciting for me. As I had developed a small preference for steep descents and excursions into the high mountains, I was particularly excited about all the alpine expertise, some of which I was going to deepen and most of which I was going to learn for the first time. We travelled to the Dachstein, where we had our base at the Simonyhütte.

This time, our own initiative began with the preparations. Mountain guide Eva asked us in an email in advance to think about what we were interested in. We were also asked to pick out possible tour destinations with the appropriate maps.

Determine the content: WE!

The content of level 4 was almost entirely determined by us participants. We spent the first day in the whiteout with an introduction to rope techniques and knot tying, which was then directly applied in a crevasse rescue exercise. From the second day onwards, we formed two groups and decided within these groups which tour we wanted to do the next day, what we wanted to cover and who we would like to have with us as a mountain guide. In the evening, we then reported to each other on what we had done, what had gone well and what hadn't gone so well. My group was somehow never quite able to keep up with the adrenaline-fuelled adventures of the others, but we also managed to fit in more exercises and content.

My highlight was the ascent of the Hoher Dachstein, the perfect combination of a challenging tour, a breathtaking summit experience and lots and lots of lessons learnt. On the ascent, we practised working in teams of two or three on mixed terrain and placing belays on snow and rock. On the descent, the programme included abseiling as well as placing and walking on a fixed rope.

safety reports

presented by

risk'n'fun means: learning differently

Once again, what I appreciate so much about risk'n'fun was confirmed. During an alpine tour course last winter, we participants were taught how to rescue crevasses strictly according to the doctrine of the German Alpine Club, which really caused more confusion than clarity. In contrast, our mountain guide Eva focussed on each individual. She explained to us how we could realise the best variation for us with the aids we already had. Suddenly, even this highly complex topic was quite logic and simple. And I was even able to pass on what I had learnt myself afterwards. Whereas in the winter before I had a knot in my head every time I had to undertake a crevasse rescue, in the summer mountaineering season I sat in the snow with my girls several times and explained to them what to do in an emergency.

On the first day on the Dachstein, I announced during the introductory round that I was a lover of steep gullies, but on our last day, when it came to riding a beautiful but demanding and exposed gully, I unfortunately had to pass. After almost 3 weeks without a rest day, both my legs and my head were no longer up for the challenge. You don't have endless reserves of strength after all. And so, with a heavy heart, I had to send the boys off on their expedition alone.

Growing from uncertainties and weaknesses

One of the most important lessons that I personally learnt at risk'n'fun is that we all have different requirements and that we can and should admit our weaknesses, fears and insecurities. This is the only way we can overcome them, surpass ourselves and avoid misunderstandings in the group. Before, I often tried not to let my insecurities, my latent fear of heights or my doubts be shown. Also because I was often the only woman in the group and didn't want to conform to the supposed stereotype.

It's always about the three factors ME - GROUP - ENVIRONMENT. And all three are equally important. It's no good if I can read and assess the environment perfectly but don't understand what influences me or my group in the decision-making process.

With a wealth of experience under our belts, a new great adventure begins this winter. Greece, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are waiting to be explored with splitboards and climbing boots. And not even four levels of memorable "lectures" on time management, preparation and punctuality could prevent the text from being typed up on the beach in Greece...