Austrian Woman Left to Freeze in Mountain 50 Metres from Summit

The 33-year-old woman who froze to death on Austria’s highest mountain has been identified as Kerstin Gurtner, from Salzburg. Prosecutors say that during a winter climb on Grossglockner, she became exhausted and hypothermic just 50 metres below the summit cross.

Her partner and climbing companion — the more experienced mountaineer — allegedly left her “unprotected, exhausted, hypothermic and disoriented” early on January 19.

What Happened — The Fatal Climb on Grossglockner

Investigators claim that after around 2:00 a.m., the man descended alone to seek help, without sheltering or using emergency gear available on site. He reportedly failed to call rescue services immediately and did not respond to initial contact attempts.

When rescue teams finally reached the area the next morning — hindered by winter winds and dangerous conditions — Gurtner was found dead.

Extreme Cold, High Altitude, and Dangerous Mistakes at the Mountain

That night on Grossglockner, weather conditions were brutal. Cold temperatures dipped as low as –20 °C (–4 °F), with hurricane-force winds.

Authorities say that, despite those harsh conditions, the couple began their climb two hours later than planned. This put them behind schedule and forced parts of the climb and eventual descent in darkness.

Gurtner, described as a “winter child” and “mountain person” on social media, reportedly lacked high-altitude winter climbing experience. Prosecutors note that gear and preparation were inadequate. She was wearing soft snowboard-style boots, and the pair lacked proper emergency supplies, including bivouac sacks or thermal protection for alpine conditions.

According to the public prosecutor’s office, as the planned guide and experienced partner, her boyfriend was responsible for her safety — a responsibility he failed to uphold.

Legal Action — Manslaughter Charges and What’s Next

The man, identified as Thomas Plamberger, 39, has been formally charged with negligent manslaughter (gross negligence) by the public prosecutor in Innsbruck. The charge stems from alleged failures, including poor planning, delayed rescue calls, inadequate equipment, and abandoning the partner under life-threatening conditions.

If convicted, he faces up to three years in prison. The regional court has scheduled the hearing for 19 February 2026.

Mourning, Outrage & Public Reaction — Tributes Flood In

News of Gurtner’s death and the alleged circumstances triggered a wave of shock and sorrow. Friends, family, and strangers created an online memorial page filled with tributes remembering her as a “mountain lover,” a “free spirit,” and a “winter child.”

Among mountaineers and outdoor community voices, there is anger and debate. Many call the tragedy a stark reminder of the dangers of high-altitude winter climbs. This is especially for when one partner lacks experience — and caution. Some argue it underlines a shared responsibility: “If you lead, you must ensure safety.”

What This Case Highlights — Risk, Responsibility & Mountain Climbing Reality

• High-altitude winter climbs are unforgiving. Even experienced climbers can underestimate how fast weather, cold, and exposure can turn lethal — especially if plans shift or delays occur.
• Guide responsibility matters. When a climb is organized or led by a more experienced partner, the safety and preparedness of all participants become a critical legal and moral concern.
• Gear, timing, and weather awareness save lives. Experts warn that inadequate boots, lack of emergency equipment, late start times, or ignoring conditions dramatically increase fatality risks.
• Tragedy sparks important conversations. Gurtner’s death may renew scrutiny over regulations, training, and accountability for guided climbs — and how climbers assess risk vs. ambition.

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