Keyword: Pitztal

Jonathan Hilborn is a certified mountain guide and active climber. Since January 2026, he has also held the role of General Manager Europe at Black Diamond Equipment. We spoke with him about his fascination with ice climbing and gathered some important tips for beginners as well as advanced climbers.

From rock to steep ice lines: For many sport climbers, getting started on ice can be quite intimidating. Different techniques, different equipment, completely new conditions. But with the right setup and some know-how, getting started is surprisingly straightforward. At the "Eis Total" festival in the Pitztal Valley, we from the LACRUX editorial team, together with Black Diamond, tested how the transition from rock to ice works and what really matters. Our editor Gwen shares her impressions with you.

The expansion plans for additional slopes and lifts in the Pitztal Glacier ski area must undergo an environmental impact assessment (EIA). The Austrian Alpine Club welcomes the ruling, in which the Supreme Court explicitly emphasizes the protection of glaciers and high-alpine regions.

Austria's Alpine Protection Associations call for a stop to the planned construction of untouched Tyrolean glaciers for mass tourism.