Sharp increase

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(Bild: Bergrettung Kals)

Salzburg Mountain Rescue recorded a sharp increase in its deployment figures last year. In total, the mountain rescuers in the province had to be called out 788 times. This was 58 missions more than in 2022. The trend in the number of rescue hours was similar: They rose from 10,675 in 2022 to 12,151 hours. 

"Mountain rescue is more in demand than ever," said Provincial Director Balthasar Laireiter in light of the statistics: "More and more people want to spend their free time in the mountains, which is why there have been more missions." The number one cause of accidents in alpine terrain is falls while hiking, followed by getting lost.

Alpine rescuers rescued 726 people in Salzburg last year, 338 of whom suffered injuries. Help came too late for 35 people, who had to be rescued dead. It is pleasing that there were no fatal avalanche accidents in the 2023/24 winter season, according to the mountain rescue service's press release. The 2023 deployment statistics are led by Pongau with 313, followed by Pinzgau with 238 and Flachgau with 106. Lungau is in fourth place with 51 and Tennengau in fifth place with 50. The mountain rescue dog team was deployed 27 times across the country, and there were two deployments for the canyoning team.

"Some accidents are perhaps unavoidable. But in principle, many accidents are due to a lack of tour planning and preparation," said Laireiter, who also warns against over-exertion due to overconfidence and a fully comprehensive mentality. It is striking that the number of lost mountain hikers is increasing. "In general, many mountain rescue missions are becoming more challenging due to the more difficult conditions," emphasized the regional director.

In March 2024, Salzburg Mountain Rescue had a total of 2,104 members, 1,962 men and 142 women. The work of the mountain rescuers is significantly supported by 17,313 sponsors.