Storm damage

Dozens of paths closed to hikers

Symbolic image(Bild: Uwe Grinzinger)

In Zell am See alone, 15 routes are currently being renovated. Several hiking trails are also affected in the rest of the province. According to the Alpine Association, maintenance is costing more and more money. 

The forces of nature are spoiling the fun for tourists and mountain lovers. In Zell am See alone, 15 hiking trails are closed after the storms at the weekend. "30 out of a total of 120 kilometers of hiking trails here in Zell are currently closed due to the storm damage," says Mayor Andreas Wimmreuter. And he emphasizes: "The hard-working employees from the maintenance depot, who are currently working non-stop anyway, will repair these paths as quickly as possible."

More storms, more costs

As Austria's largest trail maintenance organization, the Alpine Association is all too familiar with the problems caused by storm damage in the mountain regions: "Trail maintenance requires more and more financial resources. Increasing extreme weather events, landslides or the thawing of permafrost are leaving their mark - also on the Alpine Association's budget," it says when asked. The investment costs have doubled within ten years.

Around 25 Alpine Club trails in the province are currently under construction or closed.