About me. Life in Kastelruth

Having grown up in Kastelruth I, Helmut Kostner, remained faithful to my hometown. Here, under the Schlern, I live together with my girlfriend and work full-time as a mountain guide. Therefore, I know my way around the Alpe di Siusi, the Val Gardena and the Rosengarten.

My childhood and my youth at Kastelruth in the Dolomites

In my youth campfire nights and sleeping in self-made tends were a big adventure. Far away from our parents control but closed to the hometown Kastelruth I learned quickly to get aware of any risks and to take responsibility for myself and the others around me.

I was literally raised with skies on my feet. At three years of age I skied down the ski run Sass Long with my parents. When I was older me and my friends met to find new routes beneath the slopes every day. Quickly we learned to avoid dangerous snowfields and to find the best slope through the woods.

I can remember very well my first ice axe. A friend of mine, today an alpine guide as well, lend it from bis father. Successfully we managed our first tour at the “Krinnerhof”.

My first steps into the real alpinism

I discovered the alpinism in all its facets thanks to a friend. We did a lot of alpine climbing tours starting from Kastelruth to the  “Ciavazes”area, in the “Rosengarten” and in the “Schlernmassiv” as well as in the Western Alps.

As important as the hiking and climbing in summer was the skiing and ski-touring in winter. During these first years of alpine experience we learned a lot through failing and succeeding.

First ascents and other alpine routes

• Schlernwaechter Ice
• Flight Mode – Alpine Climbing

In Nepal I climbed Chulu West (6400m hight) and Thapa Peak (6000m hight acclimatization).

• At the moment (2017-2018) I am operating again in the north face of the Santner. The difficulties of the climbing route will reach the 7. ° of the UIAA. The climbing will be additionally secured with drill hooks due to the lack of securing possibilities.
• A further first ascent in the north face of Santner was cancelled on the sixth pitch in June 2017.
• Collaboration and provision of photo material for the book “Ice climbing guide Südtirol – Dolomites” for the section “Western Dolomites”.

Flight rescuer with the “Aiut alpin Dolomites”, Moutain rescuer and ski patrol

I volunteer as a mountain rescuer. With my team, I have approximately 100 missions a year in the area of Kastelruth and the Seiser Alm.

In addition, the mountain rescue team “Seis am Schlern” provides voluntary flight rescuers for the “Aiut Alpin Dolomites” 40 days a year.

Also, we are responsible for the ski patrol on the Seiser Alm. Every winter season approx. 700 operations are carried out.

Thanks to my training as a guide and rescuer, my tour book gets longer every week.