Werner Munter
Encyclopedia
Werner Munter was born in 1941 in Lohnstorf, Switzerland
and is a mountain guide, author and safety-expert for Alpine climbing
.
, introduced the 'Halbmastwurf' as a belay knot
for climbing. English-speaking climbers know this knot as the Munter hitch
.
Munter became especially well known during the 1990s by his books on avalanches. These led to a shift of paradigm in the practical assessment of avalanches.
The so-called '3 × 3 Filter- und Reduktionsmethode' is a probabilistic strategy of decision for winter mountaineers (especially skiing mountaineers) for the assessment of avalanche
risks in unprotected alpine areas.
Munter's works triggered intensive discussions among mountaineers and mountain guides. Meanwhile his 'Reduktionsmethode' (method of reduction) or similar decision strategies (Engler, DAV: Snowcard, Larcher/OeAV: Stop or Go) are now routinely taught by the Alpine Clubs (Alpenvereine).
, Munter is employed at the 'Eidgenössisches Institut für Schnee- und Lawinenforschung' (Swiss institute for research on snow and avalanches) in Davos
'.
In 1995, he was proclaimed 'Ehrenbergführer' (honorary mountain guide) by the Swiss association of mountain guides for his merits.
In 1997, he received the 'Eybl-Sicherheitspreis'.
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
and is a mountain guide, author and safety-expert for Alpine climbing
Climbing
Climbing is the activity of using one's hands and feet to ascend a steep object. It is done both for recreation and professionally, as part of activities such as maintenance of a structure, or military operations.Climbing activities include:* Bouldering: Ascending boulders or small...
.
Life
Munter, who lives in Vernamiège near Sion, SwitzerlandSion, Switzerland
Sion is the capital of the Swiss canton of Valais. it had a population of .Landmarks include the Basilique de Valère and Château de Tourbillon. Sion has an airfield for civilian and military use, which, because of its location in a valley, causes a reasonable amount of noise pollution. FC Sion...
, introduced the 'Halbmastwurf' as a belay knot
Knot
A knot is a method of fastening or securing linear material such as rope by tying or interweaving. It may consist of a length of one or several segments of rope, string, webbing, twine, strap, or even chain interwoven such that the line can bind to itself or to some other object—the "load"...
for climbing. English-speaking climbers know this knot as the Munter hitch
Munter hitch
The Munter hitch, also known as the Italian hitch, is a simple knot, commonly used by climbers and cavers as part of a life-lining or belay system. To climbers, this knot is also known as HMS, the abbreviation for the German term Halbmastwurfsicherung, meaning half clove hitch belay...
.
Munter became especially well known during the 1990s by his books on avalanches. These led to a shift of paradigm in the practical assessment of avalanches.
The so-called '3 × 3 Filter- und Reduktionsmethode' is a probabilistic strategy of decision for winter mountaineers (especially skiing mountaineers) for the assessment of avalanche
Avalanche
An avalanche is a sudden rapid flow of snow down a slope, occurring when either natural triggers or human activity causes a critical escalating transition from the slow equilibrium evolution of the snow pack. Typically occurring in mountainous terrain, an avalanche can mix air and water with the...
risks in unprotected alpine areas.
Munter's works triggered intensive discussions among mountaineers and mountain guides. Meanwhile his 'Reduktionsmethode' (method of reduction) or similar decision strategies (Engler, DAV: Snowcard, Larcher/OeAV: Stop or Go) are now routinely taught by the Alpine Clubs (Alpenvereine).
, Munter is employed at the 'Eidgenössisches Institut für Schnee- und Lawinenforschung' (Swiss institute for research on snow and avalanches) in Davos
Davos
Davos is a municipality in the district of Prättigau/Davos in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. It has a permanent population of 11,248 . Davos is located on the Landwasser River, in the Swiss Alps, between the Plessur and Albula Range...
'.
In 1995, he was proclaimed 'Ehrenbergführer' (honorary mountain guide) by the Swiss association of mountain guides for his merits.
In 1997, he received the 'Eybl-Sicherheitspreis'.
Published works (in German)
- 3×3 Lawinen - ISBN 3-7633-2060-1
- Berner Alpen - ISBN 3-7633-2415-1
- Bergsteigen I Bergwandern und Felsklettern - ISBN 3-444-50161-7
- Bergsteigen II Hochgebirgsklettern und Tourenskilauf - ISBN 3-444-50167-6
Literature (in German)
- Beiträge zur strategischen Lawinenkunde: Berg&Steigen 4/2001 (Hrsg: OeAV)