What was planning to be an exciting and social media worthy event turned to tragedy when a 42-year-old British tourist fell 300 feet to his death after climbing the aerial ladder found in the Dachstein Mountains near Salzburg, Austria. According to police, the man was alone on the ladder and any third party negligence has been ruled out as a cause.
This incident serves as a reminder of why we must always be mindful of our safety when partaking in adventurous activities like these.
The Grosser Donnerkogel mountain, which is 6,739 feet tall with an elevation of about 4,000 feet above sea level, is home to a 120-foot long ladder known as the Via Ferrata.
The Via Ferrata is described on a Dachstein tourism website as being “the ultimate adrenaline kick” and “the highlight of every climbing tour.”
These ladders are popular among climbers due to their offering of an adrenaline rush with stunning views.
It’s also noted as being 40 metres long, allowing climbers to traverse between cliff faces without needing much mountaineering experience or physical agility.
The ladders can be found all over Europe and North America.
This type of adventure excursion can take up to an hour depending on how experienced the climber is.
It offers stunning views of the Dachstein Glacier and Gosau Valley from its high vantage point, which makes it attractive for adventurers looking for thrills–as well as those seeking breathtaking views.
In 2020, gymnast Stefanie Millinger posted a video online of her hanging onto the ladder with just one hand while performing for her Instagram account ‘extreme athlete’ – showcasing just how daring this activity can be for thrill seekers.
Though it may seem like an exciting challenge at first glance, it’s important to remember that safety should always be your top priority when engaging in any kind of extreme sports or activities such as sky ladders.
Make sure you do your research beforehand and adhere to relevant safety protocols before attempting something so daring – no matter how many likes it might get you.
