M AG I C P E A KS
The Enchanting Crown Prince
T
he view over his homeland in Zillertal gives Leonhard Stock a special feeling of happiness every time he goes hiking. If everything goes smoothly and he feels safe, he likes to take a peak with him, but he doesn't necessarily have to reach it. Turning back isn't a big deal for him. Because to achieve that absolute elation at the top, everything has to be just right. The 1980 downhill Olympic champion has only been to the third highest mountain in the Zillertal Alps once before, but he still vividly remembers his first face-to-face encounter with the exalted Crown Prince Olperer. As a young boy he stood on the summit together with his siblings Hans, Josef and Maria. Leo's enthusiasm for this striking landmark in the Tuxertal and Valsertal valleys has remained unbroken since he was at least 13 years old. The imposing ridge of gneiss and granite has impressed him since his training on the Hintertux Glacier. "It's beautiful on all sides. Even if it's just a panoramic picture on TV." For the people of Finkenberg, the mighty mountain, whose geographical dominance makes it a perfect vantage point, has never lost any of its fascination.
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"Most people often underestimate the Olperer. My admiration goes out to those who are able to reach the edges or even go beyond and successfully reach the summit. Especially if they opt for the more difficult Nordgrat ridge. But regardless of the route, absolute concentration is always needed. The more respect you climb the mountain with, the greater the emotion." Leonhard Stock is determined to conquer the mighty Olperer a second time.
PHOTOS: TOM KLOCKER, PICTUREDESK.COM/FRANZ NEUMAYR
It is not the highest mountain in the Zillertal Alps. But it is very distinctive. Its pyramid-like structure makes the 3,476-metre high Olperer a truly fascinating sight and a real challenge for alpinists.
