Stefan Stadler: A head for heights and sure-footedness - climbing the needles of the world

It was actually through climbing in the mountains with the armed forces in Bad Reichenhall. I just sort of stumbled into it. I was 22 at the time but didn't get really involved until I was 30, which made me a bit late to the game, but it doesn't really matter, as I'm still having fun. 

As for the needles and towers, that was really just by chance. We were in Chamonix in September 10 years ago and had planned some trips way up in the mountains. But then it suddenly snowed so much that these became impossible and so we had to opt for lower climbing areas and went to the Aiguillette de Argentiere. That was great! In terms of style, it felt a bit climbing-gym-like, but the sensation of being on those sharp needles and standing on top of them all exposed was awesome. The pictures also looked really cool. So, that's really how it all started and since then, I've always been on the lookout for new towers to climb. It's really satisfying to stand on something that only has a single point of access and the solitude you find on these pointed needles is completely different to standing at a summit cross in a crowd of 50 other people. From Finale Ligure to the Tres Frati I can enjoy great rock, great vistas, great weather, and great company - plus it's just really good fun.

I'm actually pretty hardened in that respect. When I'm lead climbing my head is usually just empty. It's just me and the rock and the line - everything else is just gone. You're only focusing on the movements and the next step, the next hold, and the next belay. When I'm that focused, I really don't care about the exposure - I'm relatively relaxed. Of course, every now and then you think to yourself, "Woah! What am I doing!" and 'That's quite a drop!' like, for example, on the Steinernen Jäger at Hochstaufen, but generally I'm fine and not scared.  

Well, I generally stick to one area and prefer not to venture out of the Eastern Alps, at least as far as my climbing is concerned. Doing this also makes the weekend less hectic and having Berchtesgaden as my base is of course really convenient! But Sächsische Schweiz is also really cool. You have to know exactly what you're doing from a technical perspective and you also have to lower your climbing grade a lot. If you don't have a problem with any of this, then you can have a lot of fun. The Schusterweg on Falkenstein is great, for example.

As far as ski touring goes, I am actually keen to venture further and discover new areas in Europe for myself. It's always awesome to group up with like-minded people for a 10-day stretch and to get out in really remote backcountry - where everything is as pure as it gets - is what it's all about for me right now: just being away. There's none of the dull everyday stuff to deal with - it's just us on our skis in the wilds. This is my idea of a good way to spend your free time. 

There's also an environmental aspect to all of this.  There should be a compelling reason to make a trip away from home. In this regard, I now focus more on traveling for ski tours while doing my climbing at home where I have the Eastern Alps on my doorstep. 

Yes, but this makes Corsica an exciting destination, as there's not much information and so you have to plan well and be prepared for eventualities while you're out.  I mean, is it ever possible to really know what the snow situation will be? Conditions this winter were actually really good and we had the chance to go up Monte Rotondo which was great. You are worried when you first start out that the whole thing won't go to plan... and then it does. Those are the best moments. 

So, yes, I plan everything meticulously, but because you don't have a network of webcams and you only discover what conditions are like on the day, it does make things a bit more of an adventure. But Corsica is a beautiful island and what a great experience we had!