Climb was closed

One hour of mountain rescue costs man (63) 500 euros

The 63-year-old was rescued unharmed by the police helicopter.(Bild: Bergrettung Mondseeland)

What recklessness: A 63-year-old alpinist from Salzburg was on the Drachenwand on Sunday despite the winter closure. He ran into problems on the descent and the mountain rescue team and a helicopter had to be called out. The operation will be expensive for the sportsman.

The Drachenwand is officially closed until May 1st and is practically closed for the winter. However, a 63-year-old alpinist from Salzburg probably didn't care. At around 11.30 a.m. on Sunday, he climbed to the summit of the Drachenwand via the via ferrata. On the descent, the man wanted to abseil down using a rope he had brought with him, but it seems to have got caught above him - and he was unable to continue.

The police helicopter in action.(Bild: Bergrettung Mondseeland)

Rescue with a rope
Shortly before 3 p.m., he finally alerted the emergency services himself. "He is an experienced man who knows the via ferrata inside out. But that shouldn't be an excuse for ignoring the barrier. When he couldn't get any further, he reacted exactly right. We climbed up with four people," says head of operations Andreas Widlroither, who explicitly praises the good cooperation with the alpine rescue team. The 63-year-old was rescued unharmed by the air police using a rope.

Andreas Widlroither from the Mondseeland mountain rescue team(Bild: Bergrettung Mondsee)

The bill will come
However, he will probably remember the excursion for a long time to come, as he will receive a hefty bill. "Basically, every mountain rescue operation is charged for," says Widlroither. The hourly rate is around 500 euros, regardless of how many helpers were involved. The operation on Sunday lasted just over two hours, so at least 1000 euros will be charged.

And that doesn't even include the possible costs for the helicopter flight. "The cost of a simple helicopter rescue lasting around 30 minutes is now calculated at around 1500 euros. Depending on the duration, conditions and difficulty, this amount can rise significantly," says the aviation police.

Insurance recommended
Widlroither recommends rescue cost insurance: "This only costs 36 euros for a calendar year for the whole family." Otherwise, it depends on the private insurance whether costs are reimbursed.