Even for regular Silvapark visitors, such as Bernd Zangerl, the Silvretta Alps still offers dozens of opportunities for new lines.
Bernd Zangerl is a legend in the world of climbing. The Tirolean has left his mark all over the world – on countless journeys, in countless bouldering areas and on countless routes, he has given free rein to his creativity on the rock. But it doesn’t always have to be far, far away for the Tirolean, as one of his favourite areas is his former home turf: the Silvapark in Galtür in thePaznaun – Ischgl region.
Every summer, an international crowd gathers here once again, no doubt thanks not only to the superb boulders – which, naturally, as one might expect, are largely down to Bernd – but also to the idyllic Alpine panorama and the excellent facilities that have been created here for climbers.
And for the odd sadist – let’s not leave that out – the sharp rock is certainly another reason. After all, it’s easy to climb until your fingers are raw here.
Yet none of this is any longer the primary motivation for our protagonist Bernd to return to the Silvretta Alps on a regular basis. Rather, it is the sheer inexhaustible potential for first ascents of boulders that Silvapark offers which ensures his passion never runs dry.
And so, on this summer’s day, we – Martina, Melissa and photographer Michael Meisl – set off with Bernd towards Lake Vallülasee. Bend after bend, the path winds its way through the picturesque Alpine landscape, and it feels as though, after every new bend, one of the countless rocky ridges meandering down into the valley lies ahead of us, just waiting to be explored for Bouldering.
The finishing point: a spot by the lake, so unique and breathtakingly beautiful that it takes your breath away. At the sight of this idyll, you just want to pause and linger – were it not for the thought that overshadows everything, at least for die-hard boulders: ‘Come on, let’s go bouldering!’
Before we know it, the mats are already laid out along the first potential routes. “Let’s have a go at some Bouldering!” and in no time we’re hanging on the first boulder. And Bouldering back down again.
First, we have to grab the wire brush, because, naturally, the holds are covered in lichen and grime, and the rock is partly brittle and crumbly. Before we get started, the motto is: ‘A job well prepared is half done!’
On the first easy warm-up boulder – or so we think – a quick clean of the surface is enough. But our confidence wanes the more it crunches under our fingers.
Bernd’s gaze quickly wanders in search of a kingline. He soon finds a rough diamond and the Tirolean gives it its first polish. Bernd dances along the lines as if he’d been planning them for ages. He sketches out a solution in his mind’s eye and then executes it with pinpoint precision on the rock. It’s not just him who’s delighted; we girls, too, quickly find a few routes we want to climb, following his example. By the end of the day, we’ve amassed a fine collection of Bouldering that we can add to our imaginary topography.
It’s clear it won’t be long before the next routes are completed here. We’ve gathered too many impressions today to simply forget them again. But it’s best if you come and see for yourselves.
All climbing opportunities in the Paznaun–Ischgl region
In this issue, we have devoted ourselves entirely to alpine climbing in Tirol. Across 136 pages, we showcase Tirol’s impressive vertical diversity, with fascinating stories from 15 climbing spots that offer a deep insight into the history of alpine climbing in Tirol.
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