An interview with Christian “Chrissi” Hölzl – the youngest mountain and ski guide in Austria and SPORT 2000 retailer
THE YOUNGEST ON THE MOUNTAIN

Mountaineering is not only my job, but my great passion! Physical and mental fitness are of course necessary for mountain guide training.  As the training is very difficult, you should be above the required level in the disciplines of ski touring, freeriding, mountaineering, ice climbing and climbing. I have always prepared very well and feel very comfortable under pressure and during tests, so I was able to complete the training with Distinction.  The training is preparation for later working life and therefore particularly challenging, because ultimately people’s lives are at stake.  Mistakes are simply not an option!

Since my grandfather was also a mountain and ski guide, I was able to gain a lot of mountain experience as a little kid.  When I was six years old, I was already frequently going on high-altitude tours, for example on the Großvenediger.  I was also often allowed to accompany him on climbing trips in the Dolomites.  Even then the mountain world fascinated me.  I spent a lot of time alone in the mountains as a teenager during all seasons.  I have also experienced accidents, falls and disorientation myself in the process.  One time my grandfather had to rescue me.  From these experiences, you learn to be independent and to fully prepare for every tour.

The fact that my grandfather was a mountain and ski guide has been a great asset for me.  He shared a lot of old and new knowledge about mountaineering and climbing with me.  For me, a good mountain guide is a safe mountain guide.  That means only taking risks when it is absolutely necessary.  Getting home safely is a top priority for me on every tour, particularly when I have guests with me in the mountains.

While I was doing my apprenticeship training to be a cable car technician, I was allowed to work for the piste rescue service during the winter seasons.  During one winter season, we had to rescue approximately 600 people on and off the slopes, from those with minor injuries to those seriously injured. Unfortunately you also have to deal with death. Even when it sometimes makes me sad how irresponsible some people can be in the mountains, I find mountain rescue operations a lot of fun!

In an emergency situation in the mountains, there is not always only one right way. The most important thing is to stay calm and keep the danger for yourself as low as possible. Common mistakes usually begin with the tour planning.  For example, overestimating your own abilities, poor equipment, or simply ignorance.

I like that these companies show an interest in athletes and their opinions and also accept when a product can be improved even more.  And I find that you can sense that when you’re on the mountain with the equipment from these brands.

In the Winter I’m definitely on the terrain more than in the shop. Ski slopes are rather uninteresting for me because I want to offer my guests experiences that don’t have anything to do with mass tourism.  It is difficult for me to put my fascination for mountaineering into words, because mountain climbing is simply so much more than a job. Every day and every tour are different, have different emotions and trigger different feelings of happiness. In winter, what excites me a lot are steep descents and climbing difficult walls and ice walls.  For me it is just important to have a good time.  Which can even happen at -30° with bad weather.

“I notice the glacier retreat and the changes in the weather almost daily. However, you can’t always view everything negatively, otherwise I would have to be sad in my job every day when a peak falls down somewhere, like at my local mountain, the Gabler.”

My field of work is largely affected by climate change. I notice the glacier retreat and the changes in the weather almost daily. However, you can’t always view everything negatively, otherwise I would have to be sad in my job every day when a peak falls down somewhere, like at my local mountain, the Gabler.” Through many rockfall events, like in the Zillertal in Ginzling, where a boulder destroyed the street, a new bouldering area arose with unbelievably beautiful lines.  There will always be winter sport in Austria, even when it is warmer.  However, I would like it to be a little bit calmer. In principal, I don’t see anything bad about the winter sports and mountaineering trend and I hope that lots more people continue going into the mountains. I just find it a shame that many people don’t have any respect for nature.

The Großvenediger has its own unique fascination for me.  Large glaciers, an almost fully white summit and also the fact that my grandfather was up there over 600 times.  It is always a wonderful experience to go to the summit and share the beautiful moments with my guests.

Unfortunately, my partner injured his ankle in a fall three weeks before the start.  After that, I then still wanted to do it with friends.  However, when one of my best friends, who I would have done many of the tours with, suffered an injury during the preparation, I had to accept that the project was no longer feasible this year.

The most important things are having the right partner and a thorough tour plan. You also shouldn’t overestimate yourself, and don't immediately start with the most extreme.

In January 2023 I am travelling to Patagonia with two friends to go mountain climbing.  The wish list is big, but on a trip like this you also need a lot of luck to reach your goals.  Conditions and weather, for example.

Thank you very much for the interview!