Perilous winter ascent on Mt. Babel westface

Every avid mountain climber faces various hazards when exposed to Alpine conditions with due respect. Mountaineering in the winter is known to be particularly perilous. Often enough, the most serene weather can rapidly turn into a ferocious blizzard. There are countless eye-witness reports of experienced alpinists who claim that, in adverse weather, climbing even the tamest hill may equal the ascent of a demanding Himalayan peak.
We consider ourselves therefore particularly lucky that we had impeccable weather during our first winter expedition in Babelsberg park (the first this winter, that is)! Our team decided to climb the awe-inspiring west face of Mt. Babel (Babelsberg). This ascent already poses several natural obstacles during a summer ascent: no footpaths, mixed terrain (lush forest and meadows) and molehills need to be overcome. A winter ascent such as we planned it, was only feasible utilising a sledge. We are of course still equipped with our fantastic Gasser Rodel (proudly made in Tirol, where else).
The first picture shows two climbers of our party starting their ascent of the west face of Mt. Babel. Arctic temperatures (-10C) and treacherous passages through snow-covered molehills require strong team sprit.

To add to the thrill, our fearless adventurers decided to also descend by sledge! Here we see them happily returning back to the base camp, having miraculously circumnavigated all perils.


Here is another photograph taken from a safe spot by a member of our base camp team. Note the ferocious quadruped beast in the background, greedily aiming at our adventurers. But it proved to be far too lame to pose a real danger to them.

Here we are happily reunited with our base camp team, ready to start the journey back home to reinvigorate ourselves with hot tea and self-made cookies. What a successful December afternoon!