Sudden weather with consequences: Hiking autumn starts with snow

Even though the thermometer is currently breaking the 20-degree mark again, conditions on the mountain are more like those in early winter after last week’s heavy snowfall.

Daniel Peyerl from the Reichenhaller Haus in the Chiemgau Alps had to shovel up to three meters of snow from the terrace at the beginning of the week. His hut is located at 1750 meters on the summit of the Hochstaufen. “There is still a lot of snow on the roof, it hasn’t come down yet. There is an avalanche slope directly in front of the hut, which hasn’t come down yet either. That’s why it’s relatively dangerous right now,” says Peyerl. At the moment he advises against visiting him, but will keep the hut open until mid-October.

Snow up to 1,500 meters: Hiking at higher altitudes is tricky

At high altitudes in the Berchtesgaden Alps, the avalanche warning center’s measuring stations at 1,700 meters currently show more than half a meter of snow. Peyerl’s colleagues in the Berchtesgaden Alps have therefore already closed most of their huts.

Avalanches are not the only danger in normal conditions, snow-covered approaches can be impassable for hikers and many paths are currently impassable. The DAV Berchtesgaden section points out on its website (external link) that snow breaks must be expected on all paths.

Thomas Feistl from the Bavarian Avalanche Warning Service warns of an increased risk of avalanches: “As the weather warms, there are more wet avalanches, including loose snow avalanches. At higher altitudes, these avalanches can also affect hiking trails.” He therefore advises hikers who are unprepared to turn back. It is even better at the moment to plan tours where you stay below 1,500 meters in altitude.

Important: Get informed and plan tours well

There is also a lot of snow in the other mountain regions of Bavaria at the moment. Jeremias Linke from the Oberstdorf Alpine School has just had to re-plan a multi-day tour in the Ammergau Alps. The originally planned ascent to the August Schuster House on the Pürschling is not possible due to the snow. The group is now taking a different route, although winter equipment is currently required there too: “We have organised snowshoes for the ascent to the Kenzen Hut so that the guests do not sink too much. According to the hut, there is snow up to waist height.”

Anyone who is out and about without a mountain guide should be particularly well informed before the tour. Thomas Feistl from the Bavarian Avalanche Warning Service advises: “Use the webcams to see what the situation is like on site. Do some research on the homepages of the Alpine Club sections or even call the hut owner directly. There are many ways to find out about the current snow depth.”

In addition, the ARD Mediathek offers panoramic images from Bavaria and Austria in a daily live stream from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.