Dangers and deadly perils associated with mountain climbing, as detailed by Reinhold Messner
Mountaineer Reinhold Messner Reflects on the Dangers of Wilderness Climbing Following Laura Dahlmeier's Tragedy
Reinhold Messner, the renowned mountaineer and explorer, recently spoke about the inherent risks associated with wilderness climbing in a television show. His comments come in the wake of the tragic death of Laura Dahlmeier, a former extreme mountaineer who perished in a rockfall accident in Pakistan's Karakorum mountains.
Messner, now 80 years old, has experienced severe dangers throughout his illustrious career, including the loss of his brother Günther during a climb of Nanga Parbat and the amputation of seven toes due to frostbite. He emphasizes that mountaineering in the wilderness requires deep respect for the mountains, a high level of skill, and careful decision-making under extreme conditions.
Messner's approach to mountaineering is one of purity and self-reliance, as evidenced by his ascent of Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen. He believes that not perishing is the essence of mountaineering, but only if one knows they could perish. This understanding stems from his recognition that rockfall, such as the one that claimed Dahlmeier's life, is unpredictable.
While Messner has not publicly commented on the specifics of Dahlmeier's incident, he acknowledges the residual risk that climbers and their environment face. He finds the idea of corpses in the mountains unpleasant, but understands Dahlmeier's wish not to be rescued in case of death.
The accident occurred at an altitude of 5,700 meters, and Dahlmeier was traveling in alpine style with her rope partner when the tragedy struck around midday (local time) at the end of July. The rescue was initially difficult due to the extreme altitude, remoteness of the area, and inclement weather conditions. Dahlmeier's companion immediately sent a distress call following the accident.
Messner, who has long advocated for recognizing and respecting the hazards of mountaineering, wants to promote the revival of traditional alpinism through the Reinhold Messner House in the Dolomites. He encourages confrontation with nature, not the competitive spirit of the mountain.
Despite the dangers, Messner describes mountaineers as egotists towards their relatives due to their passion for the sport. This passion, however, should not overshadow the importance of respecting the risks and making prudent decisions. For Messner, those who do not want to take the risk of perishing should not climb.
[1] Reinhold Messner's Mountaineering Philosophy [2] Understanding and Managing Risks in Mountaineering [3] Laura Dahlmeier: A Tribute to a Brave Mountaineer [4] The Dangers of Wilderness Climbing: A Cautionary Tale
[1] "Reinhold Messner, an exponent of NHL-level skill and determination, applies his sportsmanship to the world of mountaineering, emphasizing the importance of respecting the wilderness during climbs."
[2] "Messner's hockey-like strategy in the wilderness includes a focus on self-reliance, prudent decision-making, and a deep understanding that sports like hockey and mountaineering share unpredictable dangers."
