Brave lifesaver

“One day I will stand on the summit again”

A stroke of fate suddenly changes the life of a mountain rescuer. A wave of helpfulness comes from his comrades: They organized a charity ski tour, which will take place on Saturday, 16 March. 

It should have been a nice climbing trip with friends. But on June 14, 2023, Gilbert Kohlhuber's life changed abruptly. "We were climbing in Malta with a friend's child," explains the passionate chef. "The boy didn't dare to go any further, he was scared and completely beside himself. I rushed to help, tried to calm him down and abseil down," recalls the 31-year-old.

Then the tragic accident happened
"We fell eight meters into the depths." Gilbert's thoughts were entirely with the child. "I did everything I could to prevent him from hitting the hard, rocky ground," says the man from Liesertal, who became a lifesaver at that moment. 

Gilbert is a fighter. He will always have a place with us, no matter what happens!

Matthias Baier, Bergrettung Lieser- Maltatal

While the little boy escaped with minor injuries, the mountain rescuer in training had to pay dearly for his willingness to help. "I couldn't move, I couldn't breathe. I couldn't see for a short time either." After months in hospital and several operations, life seemed to be over for Gilbert, who is confined to a wheelchair. "I just didn't see any point anymore and gave up," the restaurateur recalls his mental low.

"I don't give up, I keep fighting"
However, his comrades from the mountain rescue team in the Lieser-Malta Valley and his family kept encouraging him. "They were the ones who gave me back the will to live." Kohlhuber now has a big goal: "I will fight, one day I want to stand on the summit and in the kitchen again!"

Info

• The start number distribution is from 9 am.
• Entry fee: 25 euros (catering included).
• The run was also co-organized by the Aschbacher family (Almstüberl) and Guido Schiffer (Schiffer Sports School, Innerkrems).
• Ascent altitude is about 500 meters.
• Event with prizes and award ceremony

Ski touring race for a good cause
The mountain rescuers want to collect donations for their comrades with a ski touring run on Saturday, March 16, on the Schilchernock (start at 10.15 am at the Almstüberl in Schönfeld). "It's all about a good cause - for our Gilbert, who, no matter what happens, will always have a place with the mountain rescue team!" says Matthias Baier on behalf of everyone.