Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner Reusch Athlete

What or who pushed you to become a professional mountaineer and what continues to fascinate you in mountaineering?
After my ascent of Nanga Parbat in 2003 I received first inquiries for media coverage and presentations. During that time I put more and more effort into making mountaineering the centre of my life. Also Ralf, my ex husband, supported me on my way to become a professional mountaineer and so in 2004 I tried to make a living exclusively out of that discipline. For me the fascination for mountaineering arises from this wonderful mixture between strong nature experiences, magnificent views up and down the mountains and challenging, adventurous expeditions.    

What do you consider the most challenging part in mountaineering?
Nature gave us a great responsibility for our health and our survival. Protect this health and get back safely to the base camp after every climb is, in my opinion, the most challenging and most important part in mountaineering.

How do you keep up or even improve your skills?
My early decision to focus exclusively on mountaineering and, of course, also the support from my sponsors such as Reusch, allow me to put all my efforts and concentration into my daily training. Besides my extensive and diverse training at home I can always go on rock, ice or skitours in the Alps.

As a professional mountaineer it is of great importance to constantly keep yourself updated and your body in peak form. What are you doing for your mental and physical fitness?
Both the physical training and the mental preparation is of great importance. I especially train my muscular endurance. In summer I do a lot of mountain bike, I also do mountain running or rock climbing. In winter I focus on ski touring, cross country skiing or ice climbing. As important as the training is the regeneration. I do not have a strict training schedule. I rather listen to my body that tells me exactly when and what to train. Meditation is my daily companion. I meditate every day for around 15-20 minutes. 

What comes to your mind when you hear these words:

Nature: We have to treat it with utmost respect and caution. Out in the free nature of the mountains is where I experience the most impressive and beautiful moments.

Mountains: They are the center of my life. Mountains give me shelter, peace and tranquillity. They are the place where I have spent some of the most intense hours and days of my life.   

Reusch: Back in the days as a young ski racer, I’ve always dreamed of wearing a pair of Reusch gloves. They have always been – and still are today – gloves that represent attributes such as warmth, top-quality and durability. I’m really happy about the good and intense collaboration with Reusch.

Mountaineering gloves: They could always be a bit warmer, a little lighter but still with the right grip. It is a real challenge to find ideal solutions. I’m looking forward to work on this project together with Reusch.

You have a huge experience. There is almost nothing you haven’t done. So where are your limits?
Most of all the limits are in our heads. As long as we are driven by our dreams, we can exceed them. From a certain age on it takes more time to overcome them, but the dreams still remain and give us the power we need.

Is there any difference between men and women approaching the peak of a mountain?
Men sometimes look more for numbers and achievements. Sometimes they forget to feel the power and the beauty of the mountains. For me mountaineering has someway always been about inhaling the beauty of the creation, connecting with the mountain and the nature and through this freeing my mind for an ascent.