Dangerous Alpine crossings - The shepherds unafraid to take risks | DW Documentary

Key Concepts

• Transhumance: The seasonal migration of livestock, especially sheep, between summer and winter pastures.
• Ötztaler Alm: The alpine pasture in Austria where the sheep spend the summer.
• UNESCO World Heritage: Recognition of the South Tyrolean sheep drive as a tradition of outstanding universal value.
• Alpine Farming: The practice of raising livestock in mountainous regions.
• Predator Attacks: Threats to livestock from wolves and bears, impacting the viability of traditional farming.
• Salt Supplementation: Providing salt to sheep as an essential part of their diet on alpine pastures.
• Glacier Crossing: A particularly challenging and unique aspect of this specific sheep drive.
• National Border Crossing: The sheep drive traverses the border between Italy and Austria.

The South Tyrolean Sheep Drive: A Journey of Tradition and Resilience

This video details a unique and challenging sheep drive undertaken by South Tyrolean shepherds, a tradition with thousands of years of history and recognized by UNESCO. The drive involves moving approximately 1400 sheep from Italy to the Ötztaler Alm in Austria, a journey fraught with peril including significant elevation gain (over 3000 meters), raging rivers, scree, snow, ice, and the crossing of a glacier and a national border.

The Shepherds and Their Motivation

The shepherds, like Markus and Thomas, are driven by a deep sense of tradition and a commitment to preserving alpine farming, even though it is no longer a primary source of income for most. Thomas, a plumber by profession, participates out of a sense of tradition, as do the other herders. Markus, a young shepherd, will spend several months alone on the Ötztaler Alm, a role previously held by his grandfather. He acknowledges the difficulty and danger of the job, stating, "the mountain always takes something. Not all of them make it." Despite the financial challenges, with wool prices low and meat sales barely breaking even, the herders emphasize the importance of their role in maintaining the ecological balance of the alpine environment, preventing overgrowth. Johann, Markus's brother, highlights the importance of heritage: "Those who come after us should also have something. We try to make sure others can follow after us. That’s our contribution."

The Journey: Challenges and Dangers

The drive is characterized by its arduous nature and unpredictable conditions.

• Initial Stages: The sheep begin their journey at 800 meters above sea level in Italy. The herders, including Thomas and his colleagues, spend days rounding up the animals. The route is described as challenging and adventurous, with past incidents of sheep falling from the trail.
• Weather Volatility: The timing of the drive is dictated by weather. In one instance, the drive was postponed due to excessive snow, even in June. The weather can change rapidly, with wind and snow making the ascent difficult. A past incident in the late 1970s saw 70 sheep perish during a snowstorm.
• Elevation and Terrain: The shepherds reach a significant milestone at the summit cross of Taschenjöchl, at 2800 meters. The descent is noted as being almost as strenuous as the ascent.
• River Crossings: A critical hurdle is crossing mountain streams. The herders must ensure the herd moves quickly and without panic to prevent them from drifting apart. The Rofenache on the Hochjoch presents a final dangerous spot with a narrow suspension bridge, requiring careful management to avoid animals falling into the water.
• Glacier and Border Crossing: The drive uniquely includes crossing a glacier and a national border, setting it apart from other transhumance routes.
• Predator Threats: The presence of an estimated 80 wolves in South Tyrol poses a significant threat, with the state paying nearly 100,000 euros in compensation for livestock damage in 2023. Bears are also appearing. Johann and his colleagues have been fortunate to avoid losses so far.

The Role of Young Shepherds and Future Prospects

There is a strong sense of continuity, with a "fairly young team" and "plenty of young talent coming through." Elias, Thomas's twelve-year-old son, actively participates and looks forward to the next season. Despite the challenges, the herders are committed to continuing the tradition. Karl, one of the oldest team members at 72, embodies this spirit: "You do it because that’s what you do, you were born that way." However, the future is not without concerns, particularly regarding the impact of predators.

Life on the Alm

Markus's life on the Ötztaler Alm is one of solitude and dedication.

• Living Conditions: His cabin is basic, equipped with a gas stove, running water, and electricity. He finds solace in the solitude, stating, "I always like to be alone in the morning, so no one gets on my nerves."
• Daily Routine: His days involve checking on the 1400 sheep and a few goats, ensuring they have enough salt, which is transported by helicopter at the start of the season (around 1500 kg). He monitors an area of approximately 1000 hectares, taking different routes daily.
• Passion for Animals: Markus, who trained as a bricklayer, finds his true passion in observing the animals' growth and well-being throughout the season.

The Return Journey

By September, the sheep are gathered for the descent back to South Tyrol.

• Gathering the Herd: Over several days, Markus and his helpers round up the dispersed animals.
• Challenges of the Descent: The journey back is also tense, with Markus again responsible for its smooth execution. Lambs too small to walk the long route are gathered by Johann.
• Weather and Urgency: The descent is often hurried due to impending bad weather, with the sheep moving faster, sensing the change. The final march can be eight hours long.
• Safe Arrival: Despite the arduous journey and challenging weather, the sheep and herders arrive back home safely, with only two animals lost during the entire season and none injured during the drive down.

Conclusion and Synthesis

The South Tyrolean sheep drive is more than just a logistical operation; it is a living testament to a millennia-old tradition, a demonstration of human resilience against natural challenges, and a commitment to preserving a vital part of the alpine ecosystem and cultural heritage. The herders, driven by passion and a deep connection to the land, navigate extreme conditions and modern threats to ensure this unique practice continues for future generations. The success of the drive, marked by the safe return of the flock, underscores the skill, dedication, and enduring spirit of these shepherds.