The first week of November the IFMGA held its General Assembly in Baden bei Wien (Austria). It was a week full of great discussions and productive work for the association. A panel discussion on the crucial topic of climate change and the transformation of the mountains was held with the presence of representatives from from the biggest alpine clubs, mountain guide association and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism.
The changes in alpine regions affect not only the valleys but also all stakeholders in the mountains, whether as mountaineers, in leadership roles, or as operators and maintainers of infrastructure. Prof. Dr. Jan Beutel (IFMGA guide) gave a keynote address followed by a discussion.
In 2021, Austrian mountain and ski guides were inscribed on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage under the title "Mountaineering Knowledge and Skills of Mountain & Ski Guides."
The gala evening – the highlight of our 60th anniversary celebrations of the IFMGA and the Austrian Mountain Guide Assocciation – took place in the ballroom of the Casino Baden near Vienna.
During the gala evening, the soundscape of the mountains, "The Mountains – My Life," was presented for the first time worldwide. The Kals am Großglockner brass band, under the direction of Martin Gratz, performed live music from various periods and genres, accompanied by film sequences, together with musicians Gabriel Forcher (electric guitar), Peter Girstmair (saxophone), and Christian Oberdofer (piano). Historical figures such as Johann Stüdl, Margrave Alfred von Pallavicini, and Hermann Buhl are featured, as well as Simon Gietl, Kriemhilde Buhl, Lisi Steurer, Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, and Steve House.
The music evoked emotions and touched the heart and soul of the 250 guides and partners in the ballroom, the narration provided information, and the films offered great impressions.
