In June 2024, the "Climbing with Respect" action day took place at various locations in Tyrol. At Martinswand, the popular climbing area in the Inn Valley near Zirl, the focus was on multi-pitch techniques and nature conservation in the Karwendel Nature Park. In addition to the well-known Kaiser-Max via ferrata, there are several sport climbing gardens of varying degrees of difficulty as well as easy, well-secured multi-pitch tours or alpine climbs in the upper part of the wall. Due to its historical significance, its proximity to the Innsbruck conurbation and its easy accessibility, Martinswand is one of the most popular climbing areas in Tyrol.
Mountain guide Robert explains the equipment for multi-pitch climbing. Photo: Hanna Hörmann
Right on time at 9:30 a.m., we organized our climbing equipment into teams and set off for the "Jungle Book" sport climbing area. Mountain guide Robert (organized by SAAC) had the new teaching updates on multi-pitch climbing with him. From material science to abseiling techniques, rope handling and various belaying techniques, he brought us up to speed over the course of the morning.
After the climbing session, it was time to fortify ourselves with a delicious snack from Bio vom Berg! Looking into the snack bag makes your mouth water: Thanks to fresh yoghurt, mountain cheese, apples, Schüttelbrot bread and sparkling apple juice, we were full of energy for the afternoon program, which was dedicated to the Karwendel Nature Park and its animal inhabitants.
Up there! In Acion on the Martinswand. Photo: Hanna Hörmann
First, Iris, digital ranger of the Karwendel Nature Park, invited us to observe the inhabitants of the air. We watched alpine swifts, jackdaws and even two eagles through huge binoculars. But one particular sighting drew our attention from the skies to the wall: a baby chamois!
Climbing with Respect action day 2024 on the Martinswand. Photo: Hanna Hörmann
Afterwards, we wanted to make an active contribution to keeping the Martinswand clean. Armed with bin bags and tongs, we marched along the base of the wall and came across lots of garbage: cigarette butts, toilet paper, plastic waste, ... Almost shameful for our species, as all these items not only take a very long time to decompose, but also pollute the water or can poison the animals. TheClimbing with Respect guidelines set out all the rules of conduct for environmentally friendly behavior on the rock.
Thanks to SAAC for organizing mountain guide Robert, who not only impressed with his expertise and good humour, but also surprised all participants with his excellent knowledge of foreign languages.
Delicious food: Snack from BIO am BERG Photo: Hanna Hörmann
As a participant, I was not only able to renew my knowledge of stand construction, but also learn a lot about the life of alpine animals in the Karwendel Nature Park and their symbiosis with the densely populated Inn Valley. And finally, a day like this is a very special reminder that we are only guests in nature and that "leave nothing but memories" should be our mantra.
--
Report by Hanna Hörmann
