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Exploring the Ötztal Alps – Day 6: On Local Perspectives and Rock Stars

Field Trip Diary of the CLEWS Master’s Program on Climate Change and Sustainability

  • A group of people in alpine region having a break. They seem to be exhausted but happy.
    Photo: Bianca Pinto
    Research Center of University of Innsbruck.
  • A person climbing at a mountain cliff.
    Photo: Bianca Pinto
    Via Ferrata.
  • A group photo. People are waving and giving the peace sign.
    Photo: CLEWS
    Via Ferrata.

Our day started where the second last generation enjoyed a fuuun snow fight. Instead of snow, this year the weather offered us the brightest sun, in which we could enjoy beautiful views in the mountains around Obergurgl and the unique group dynamics of the biggest generation ever.

Soon after, the scientist of the University of Innsbruck - Research Center welcomed us warmer as the temperature rise in the Alps and provided us with groundbreaking insights about natural hazards in the Ötztal. The personal experiences and perspectives of a local member of the avalanche committee echoed a long time within us and caused a cascade of questions. After the fruitful discussion at the Research Center, the program of the day was nicely completed with insightful presentations on avalanches and multi hazard protection measures.

After the end of the official program, the afternoon could be planned freely. While some searched for relaxation in the Aqua Dome and others got refreshed under a waterfall, another big group searched for life-changing experiences at the VIA FERRATA.

In the evening, the cooking team didn't spare any effort and served a delicious farmers pot and Apfelstrudel just in time for the performance of the greatest rockstar of the Yolocene. A cheerful collective moment where our hearts melted faster than the Geißbergferner and "wir sind alle crashout gegangen". We all had very very much fun!

Overall conclusion: peak entertainment.