Mountaineering in Austria

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being able to function at its full potential. Alpine hazards such as rapid changes in the weather and rock falls should not be underestimated.

In case of emergency, despite having taken adequate precautions, help can be summoned by the Alpine distress signal. This consists of a series of six signals given at regular intervals over a minute by whatever means are available (blasts on a whistle, shouts, flashing a torch or a mirror, waving some easily visible article), followed by a minute's pause. The rescuer acknowledges by three signals at regular intervals over a minute and followed by a minute's pause and a repetition of the signals.

Many of the climbs suggested require an expert guide. Guides are available at all the mountain resorts and climbing areas. At many places there are climbing schools offering mountaineering courses.

Founded in 1862 the Austrian Alpine Club (Österreichischer Alpenverein, ÖAV) has been instrumental in the opening up of the Eastern Alps. It maintains various Alpine refuge huts which are also open to non-members. The German Alpine Club also has many huts in Austria (DAV; head office: Praterinsel 5, D-8000 Munich 22).

The Austrian Alpine Club maintains sections in many resorts. The Alpine Club in Innsbruck houses a museum containing pictures and models of mountains and climbers.