Fourteen people are stuck at the Berliner Hut in the Zillertal Alps in Tyrol. The official path to the hut, which is located at 2,072 meters, is closed, Nikolaus Eitelberger reported on Friday evening. The 25-year-old had been working at the hut since mid-July.
Next Sunday would be his last day at work. It is currently more than uncertain whether Eitelberger will actually be able to descend into the valley. “It has snowed more than half a meter. There is drifting snow and snow drifts. Even more snow is forecast for tomorrow. It is not expected to get better until Sunday. Until then, it is expected to snow continuously,” he said. However, the mood among the 13 employees and one remaining guest is good: “We have enough to eat and drink.”
Photo gallery: In September: Winter arrives in Austria
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For the hosts who run the popular hut with around 140 overnight places, the extent of the current winter weather is “outside the norm,” said Eitelberger: “It’s nothing unusual for it to snow in mid-September. But after one or two days the snow is gone again. This time it’s different.” Nevertheless, there is no gloom at the Berliner Hütte for the time being: “We built a snow bar yesterday and enjoyed the first mulled wine.”
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Stranded in the Alps: 14 People Stuck at Berliner Hut due to Heavy Snowfall
The Zillertal Alps in Tyrol, Austria, are known for their breathtaking beauty, but this week, the region has turned into a winter wonderland, leaving 14 people stranded at the Berliner Hut. The hut, situated at an altitude of 2,072 meters, is currently inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, with more than half a meter of snow already fallen and drifting snow making it impossible to descend into the valley.
Nikolaus Eitelberger, a 25-year-old who has been working at the hut since mid-July, reported that the official path to the hut is closed, and it is uncertain whether he will be able to leave on his scheduled last day of work on Sunday. “It has snowed more than half a meter. There is drifting snow and snow drifts. Even more snow is forecast for tomorrow. It is not expected to get better until Sunday. Until then, it is expected to snow continuously,” he explained.
Despite the challenging situation, the mood among the 13 employees and one remaining guest is good, with Eitelberger stating, “We have enough to eat and drink.” The group is well-stocked and prepared to wait out the storm, but it’s clear that their adventure has taken an unexpected turn.
Winter Arrives Early in Austria
This unexpected snowfall is not an isolated incident, as Austria has been experiencing a sudden onset of winter weather in recent days. The country is bracing itself for more snow and cold temperatures, with many regions already seeing significant snowfall.
The situation at the Berliner Hut serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of mountain weather and the importance of being prepared for any situation when venturing into the great outdoors. As the snow continues to fall, the stranded group will have to wait patiently for the weather to clear, hoping that the forecast improves and they can safely make their way down from the mountain.
In the meantime, the rest of Austria is bracing itself for the winter weather, with many residents stocking up on supplies and preparing for the cold days ahead.
Photo Gallery: Winter Arrives in Austria
Check out our photo gallery showcasing the early winter weather in Austria, featuring stunning images of snow-covered landscapes and winter wonderlands.
Keywords: Berliner Hut, Zillertal Alps, Tyrol, Austria, snowfall, winter weather, stranded, mountain rescue, winter adventure, Alpine weather.
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