This article appeared in the "Trattnerhof Tratsch", a periodical from a Language School here in Vienna. To visit the school's website, click here.

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"CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN"

Let's admit it; many people's first association with Austria is the film The Sound of Music. Who cannot recall the opening scene of Julie Andrews spinning gleefully about in an Alpine Meadow with snowy peaks blurred in the background? I am sad to admit that many of my acquaintances think that the song, Edelweiss, is Austria's national anthem. That is ok, in some ways. Austria is filled with breathtaking mountains, neck-breaking cliffs and never-ending paths. Someone who comes here naturally has the urge to head for the mountains.

The United Nations General Assembly has declared the year 2002 as the International Year of Mountains. There are hopes that the issues surrounding the mountains of the world will be addressed, that more people will discover and enjoy the mountains of the world and that protection of the natural beauty will become more important to the masses. The Austrian Alpine Club, Österreiches Alpenverein (OEAV), which was founded in 1862, has just these criteria in mind. It hopes to encourage mountain sports, enchant the youth with the spell of the mountains and protect the natural environment.

Tim Lang has found a way to open Austria's mountains to those who may have had hesitations due to their poor German skills. Tim, who grew up in the very flat state of Kansas, USA, moved to Austria around 6 years ago He, with the support of his wife, Monika, and the Austrian Alpine Club, has created the English Group Vienna, an English Speaking Branch of the OEAV. I have been fortunate enough to have contact with Tim over the last few months. He has provided me with lots of exciting information which I will now share with you.

Why are you doing this?

The group started in September of 1999 with the idea that English-speaking individuals that would like to become more involved in Austrian life needed a way to do so. On the other end there are many Austrians that would like an opportunity to speak English. If both these groups enjoyed hiking, then you have a natural connection for Austrians to practice their English, and non-Austrians to enjoy Austria. Our little troop is also an entryway into the OEAV. We would like people to get used to the OEAV through our group and eventually take advantage of the trips that are organized by the OEAV section. I see us as kind of an intermediary between newcomers to Austria and the organized hikes in the OEAV.

Do I really have to speak English?

Yes. We are an English Speaking group of about 50 or so members. However, many of our members are from Austria and other non-native English speaking countries. I would say we are about 50% Austrian, 50% Non-Austrian. We also have people who show up and will be here only for a short time. Of the 50% that are non-Austrian, it is really difficult to pin it down because we have had people from Iran, Brazil, Australia, US, Canada, UK, Germany, New Zealand, and many other countries. We are all pretty relaxed about it, and if you really want to practice your German, just ask the group to speak to you in German or join a OEAV event. To add to the experience, we have had others slip their conversation into other languages as well. Why not?

Do you only offer hikes?

We don't only do hikes. Sometimes we just get together to have fun. For example, to attend the monthly meetings no membership in the OEAV Required for the first few visits. We also have members interested in other, English Language activities. We have some light activities, with two or three hour hikes falling into this category. If you are a hiker who loves to go up down and up again, you might be interested in our more serious activities. We are trying to get involved in cross country, mountain climbing, and light backcountry tours as well. We even have ice skating lined up for 2002. Since volunteers organize all events, it is pretty relaxed and flexible.

A person should start out socially with a meeting to see if this is the kind of group you are looking for. Then you will progresses to a light hike, and eventually join the OEAV and head for a three-day event or one of the many activities offered by the OEAV. We have done some rock climbing, however due to the technical nature and the requirements to do this safely we take a conservative approach.

Is the group family oriented or for adults only?

The difficult hikes are for Adults only, only due to difficulty. I learned that the hard way by carrying my sleeping son up Rax. We often will do events where children could be involved also, note that my kids are ages five and four. Since most of the events are at the suggestion of the members themselves, there is a great amount of flexibility in what we do. The most I have ever done is a five-day hike in Southern Austria (The Karnische Hoehenweg), which was brilliant. The most enjoyable hike is any day at Hohewand with my kids, for as long as they (and I) hold out.

Is the group corporately sponsored or how are things financed?

We are a group of volunteers supported by Section Austria of the OEAV, although I think there could be great interest in the right organization sponsoring us. Sometimes our reliance on volunteers limits what we can do, but it always reminds us why we do this to start with. The effort of all these people (who do it for each other) really motivates me to put my best effort into it as well. How can one contact you with questions? The best way is through the website, http://members.chello.at/monika.lang. Be sure to check out the photos!