Switzerland's Magic Wood at risk

Bernd Zangerl invites all to respect the Magic Wood bouldering area close to Ausserferrera, Switzerland

May 2004

An appeal has reached us that, unfortunately, we know all too well: against the threatened closure of a crag or bouldering area. The cause, as almost always: unacceptable behaviour on behalf of us climbers. Disrespectful parking, wild camping, rubbish thoughtlessly left behind… the list is a long one, and obvioulsy all at the landowner’s expense.

This time the appeal comes from the immensely strong boulderer Bernd Zangerl, whose cry of alarm concerns Magic Wood, the beautiful bouldering area high in the Swiss Alps. Here too it seems as if the camel’s back has almost been broken. But, as you can gather from the text below, the final verdict has not yet been taken, the last straw (thankfully) has not yet been placed. Please, let’s do all possible to guarantee that this won’t happen.

Bouldering in Magic Wood – Avers Valley
Because of so many visitors last season, we got into some “trouble” with the Ausserferrera village locals. Too many people were parking on the street and were camping in different places, knowing full well that it is forbidden to camp wild in Switzerland. For a moment it seemed as if the Magic Wood would be closed for bouldering.

After some discussions with the locals, we found a “solution”. The village of Ausserferrera built a camping area (with fireplace and toilets) and established a big parking area, just before the Boulder area. Now it’s up to us to use these places.

- No parking on the streets!
- All cars must park in front of the camping area.
- Camping is only allowed in the camping area.
- Please use the toilets, before you go bouldering… to keep the wood clean (if possible ;-).
- More information can be found on the campsite info-bulletin

Please bear in mind that this is only a test. The locals of Ausserferrera will vote in fall whether to tolerate the bouldering area in future, too.

If everybody respects these “rules” and we don’t get into trouble this summer, we stand a good chance that this great place will not be closed in future. Thanks.

Respect

Bernd Zangerl

Bernd Zangerl, this time not at Magic Wood but at Cresciano, another fantastic Swiss bouldering area. Here he is carrying out the first repeat of Fred Nicole's Dreamtime 8c.
Photo Beat Kammerlander