The aim of Exercise Alpine Challenge 5 was to introduce 8 fairly inexperienced cadets to Alpine Climbing with the view of tackling three of highest and most interesting peaks in the Austrian Otztaler. This is one of the many mountain ranges in the Tyrol District and whilst it is not the highest area in the Alps there is little doubt that these impressive peaks did provide a demanding challenge for all our cadets.
We were based at Camping Solden with pre training planned on the Rattenbach Glacier. This however had to be cancelled because of the heavy snowfall which made the steep mountain road impassable. But the next day on the Niederjoch Glacier we did manage to introduce the team to glacier and ice work. All were given the opportunity to become familiar with their crampons, ice axes, and glacier travel and rope systems. The cadets were now ready for our three climbing challenges.
The Similaun
The Hochwilde
The Wilds
This was a very fit and well-motivated group of cadets who all gained a great deal of experience and personal achievement in this rugged yet extremely beautiful (not so beautiful on the Wildspitz!) area of the Austrian Alps
Paul Rothwell