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                27.07.2016 
                  For the fourth time, exceptional mountaineers are awarded in Selva Val Gardena - The event takes place at the Culture house – 9 p.m.  
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                                  The event is  supported by:  | 
                                 
                                
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                                  ADMISSION FEE   | 
                                 
                                
                                  Info: +39 0471 777900 
                                      
or
 
Booking of the tickets in the three Tourist Office of Val Gardena and at the  Online Shop on  www.valgardena.it.
  
Entry:  entry with voluntary donation
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                                  A special thanks to all who have contributed to this page especially: 
-        Markus Rabanser and Luca Prinoth   Internetservice                                 – free website  
-         Gloria Insam – website elaboration  | 
                                 
                              | 
                          
                              The extreme mountaineer Karl Unterkircher died on the 15th July 2008 during an expedition on Nanga Parbat.  
In honour to keep his name alive in the   world of mountaineering, his family and friends have decided to create   an award. As biennial event it will be granted to mountaineers who have   demonstrated great climbing skills or carried out extreme expeditions in   alpine style during the years 2014 – 2015.  
The members of the work group will select 3   mountaineers or teams of mountaineers from all over Europe.  
 
Their achievements will be presented during this evening with video recordings and/or slide shows.  
 
An international group of judges will make   their final and incontestable decision for the prize winner.  
All alpinists receive a plaque made of dolomite and prize money. 
                            
                               
                            
                              
                                The climbing guild Catores and The Gardena Mountain Guide  
Association nominate the following three climbers/groups:  | 
                               
                             
                             
                               
                              • Link Sar West (Karakoram) and the first winter ascent of Jon Griffith (FR) and Andy Houseman (UK) 
                              Executed in July 2015
                                 
                                 
                            
                             
                               
                               
                              • Trollveggen Troll Wall (Norway), the polish guys Marek Raganowicz (PL) and Marcin Tomaszewski (PL) opened Katharsis in the winter 
                              On 9 February 2015
                            
                            
                             
                              • Civetta of the Dolomites - „Via degli studenti“ 
                              In August 2015 Giorgio  Travaglia, Alex Walpoth, Martin Dejori and Titus Prinoth (Italy) completed an  important new rock climb on the north-west face of the Civetta. The alpinists  made a first attempt with Marta Mozzati in September 2014. 
                            
                            
                            
                              
                              
                              
                           
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               23.07.2014 
                  Simon Anthamatten, Matthias Auer and Hansjörg Auer win 
                  the “3rd Karl Unterkircher Award 2014” 
                    
                     
                     	
                
                     
                       Matthias Auer, Simon Anthamatten, Hansjörg Auer
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                         
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                           Val  Gardena, July 24th, 2014: Last night at the Culture House "Oswald von  Wolkenstein" in Selva Gardena the three climbing groups presented their  projects on the stage of the hall in front of a large audience. 
                                
The  nominees for the 2014 Award Karl Unterkircher were:  
- The first  ascent of the east face of Kunyuang Chhish (Karakorum  / Pakistan) by Simon Anthamatten (SUI), Matthias Auer (AUT), Hansjörg Auer (AUT) July 18th,  2013  
 
- "Legrima"  North Sassolungo done by  Adam Holzknecht  and Hubert Moroder January 7th and 8th 2013  
 
- First  ascent of Torre Egger west wall -  “Notti Magiche” March 2nd 2013 by M.  Bordella & L. Schiera (28 Feb.  and 1,2,3 March 2013) to the top of  Torre Egger  
 
 
The jury of  the 3rd edition of "Karl Unterkircher Award" composed by Wolfgang  Nairz, (chairman), Hanspeter Eisendle, Simon Kehrer, David Demetz and Carlo  Caccia was held today, July 23rd 2014 to decide who gets the recognition.  
 
 
The choice  proved to be extremely difficult for the high level of the climbing groups  representing different aspects of contemporary alpinism and the decision proved  extremely difficult due the quality of the nominated ascents, stated the Jury,  adding “they all represent different aspects of modern alpinism and are  difficult to compare. In awarding the “Karl Unterkircher Award” we do not want  to place one ascent above the other, but simply bring it to the forefront in  particular with regards to the spirit of Karl who conquered the mountains.  
 
 
The jury  has decided to award the third edition Karl Unterkircher Award to the brothers  Hansjörg Auer and Matthias and Simon Anthamatten, who have reached the Kunyuang  Chhish on the east wall for the following reasons:  
 
 "The  highest current level achieved in mixed climbing in the Alps has been reported  in the walls of the Himalaya. Extremely  difficult conditions, such as loneliness, high altitude, weather conditions  have made the climbing even more difficult. The choice of an alpine-style minimalist,  genius planning and a brief window of good weather, have made it possible to  reach the top” 
The jury  was particularly impressed by the fantasy and also the implementation of the  route “Legrima” on the Sassolungo and the courageous efforts of the climbing  group on the way to the “Notti Magiche” Torre Egger. 
 
The winners  received a cash prize of € 2,000; the second and the third € 1,500.  | 
                          
                        
                       
                         
                        Matthias Auer, Hubert Moroder, Simon Anthamatten, Adam Holzknecht, Hansjörg Auer, Matteo Della Bordella, Luca Schiera | 
               
                      
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                23.07.2014 
                  for the third time, exceptional mountaineers are awarded in Selva Val Gardena - The event takes place at the Culture house – 9 p.m.  
                    
                      
                        
                          
                              
                                
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                                  The event is  supported by:  | 
                                 
                                
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                                  ADMISSION FEE   | 
                                 
                                
                                  Info: +39 0471 777900 
                                          
                                    or
                                     
                                    Booking of the tickets in the three Tourist Office of Val Gardena and at the  Online Shop on  www.valgardena.it.
                                      
                                      Entry:  10,00 Euro
                                   | 
                                 
                                
                                  |   | 
                                 
                                
                                  A special thanks to all who have contributed to this page especially: 
                                    -        Markus Rabanser and Luca Prinoth   Internetservice                                 – free website  
                                    -         Marsica Kasslatter – website elaboration  | 
                                 
                              | 
                          
                                  The extreme mountaineer Karl Unterkircher died on the 15th July 2008 during an expedition on Nanga Parbat.  
                                    In honour to keep his name alive in the   world of mountaineering, his family and friends have decided to create   an award. As biennial event it will be granted to mountaineers who have   demonstrated great climbing skills or carried out extreme expeditions in   alpine style during the years 2012 – 2013.  
                                    The members of the work group will select 3   mountaineers or teams of mountaineers from all over Europe.  
                                     
                                    Their achievements will be presented during this evening with video recordings and/or slide shows.  
                                     
                                    An international group of judges will make   their final and incontestable decision for the prize winner.  
                                    All alpinists receive a plaque made of dolomite and prize money. 
                            
                            On this evening there will also be the presentation of the 1st  event “ Climbing MOVE"
                            
                               
                             
                              
                                The climbing guild Catores and The Gardena Mountain Guide  
                                  Association nominate the following three climbers/groups:  | 
                               
                             
                             
                               
                              • Hirstoric  first ascent of Kunyang Chhisch East, Karakorum ( Pakistan) 
                              Carried  out in alpine style in July 2013 by 
                              Hansjörg  Auer (AT), Matthias Auer (AT) and Simon Anthamatten (CH) 
                                 
                                 
                            
                             
                               
                               
                              • Torre  Egger West Face, first ascent “magical nights”, 
                              made in January 2013 by 
                              Matteo Della Bordella and Luca Schiera (ITA)
                            
                            
                            
            
            
            •  Successful  first ascent of the icefall on Sassolungo North Face „teardrop”
                              Carried  out between 7th and 8th January 2013 by
                               Adam Holzknecht and Hubert Moroder
                              
                             
                            
                            
                            
                              
                              
                              
                                
                                  | Jury | 
                                 
                                
                                  Wolfgang Nairz (Austria, alpinist) President of  the 2014 Jury 
                                      Hanspeter Eisendle (Italy, lpinist) 
                                      Simon Kehrer (Italy, alpinista)  
                                    David Demetz (Italy, alpinist)  
                                    Carlo Caccia  (Italy, journalist) 
                                     
                                     
                                    Guests of honor: 
                                       Kurt Diemberger (the only alpinist, who has made the first ascents on two    Eight-thousander.  
                                     
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                06.07.2012 
                   Famous stars of alpinism were in Selva 
                  for the 2nd  Karl Unterkircher Award at the 6th of July . 
                    
                       
                       
                      The winner of this award:  Marina Kopteva, Galina Chibitok and Anna Yasinskaya (Ukraine) - opening of the northwest wall route Great Trango Tower (Pakistan) 
                      
                        
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                          Karl Unterkircher Award won by Ukranian Great Trango Tower expedition 
                               
                            On Friday 6 July at Selva di Val Gardena (Italy) Marina Kopteva and Anna Yasinskaya from the Ukraine and Galina Chibitok from Russia received the Karl Unterkircher Award 2012 for their new route established in 38 days up the NW Face of Great Trango Tower (Pakistan). 
                            The second edition of the Karl Unterkircher Award gathered together a host of international climbing starts including Simone Moro (Italy), Nicolas and Olivier Favresse (Belgium), Marina Kopteva, Anna Yasinskaya (Ukraine), Galina Chibitok (Russia) as well as the members of the jury Dr. Oswald Oelz (Jury President), Silvio Mondinelli, Christoph Hainz, Ivo Rabanser and the mountaineering journalist Carlo Caccia. Special guests included legendary Himalayan mountaineer Kurt Diemberger and the Sherpa Temba and Subin who knew Karl Unterkircher personally.  
                             
                             
                             
                            The three climbs nominated for the awards were introduced with video and slideshows by the alpinists themselves.
                               
                              
                             
                             
                             
                            Simone Moro (Italy) presented the first winter ascent of Gasherbrum II (8034m) climbed together with Denis Urubko (Kazachistan) and Cory Richards (USA) in Febraury 2011, while Belgian climbers Nicolas and Olivier Favresse presented their 9 Big Walls established with Sean Villanueva (Belgium) and Ben Ditto (USA) around Cape Farewell, located on the southern and western coasts of Greenland in July and August 2010 and which had already netted them the Piolet d’Or 2011. Last but by no means least, Marina Kopteva, Galina Chibitok and Anna Yasinskaya talked about their 38 days and new route up the NW Face of Great Trango Tower (6286m), for which they had received the Russian Piolet d'Or. 
                             
                             
                            "The decision proved extremely difficult due the quality of all the nominated ascents" stated the Jury, adding "they all represent different aspects of modern alpinism and are difficult to compare. In awarding the "Karl Unterkircher Award" we do not want to place one ascent above the rest, simply bring it to the forefront once again, in particular with regards to the spirit with which Karl took to the mountains." 
                             
                             
                            The 2012 award was presented on stage to Marina Kopteva, Galian Chibitok and Anna Yasinskaya and the jury underlined that they recognised not only the clean style of ascent and other characteristics of the climb, but also felt that this prize might make a significant contribution to female mountaineering. The trio received the award - a 12kg piece of Dolomia rock which represents the Sassolungo peak and Karl's smiling face sculpted by local craftsman Gerold Moroder. Furthermore, each expedition member received 2000 Euro prize money, while all other nominees received 1500 Euro prize money and a slightly smaller sculpture.  
                            A special thanks was expressed to all sponsors and supporters, without whose help this unique event could not be held. 
                             
                             
                            The evening celebration included speeches by regional politician Dr. Florian Mussner as well as the mayor of Selva Dr. Peter Mussner. Furthermore, Sherpa Temba and Subin who knew karl personally and who had travelled specifically from Nepal for this event, contributed by talking about their "Sagarmatha" project in Nepal's Thulopakar region. This non-profit organisation provides integrated development and improvement of health and living conditions of the local population and is currently searching for volunteers and qualified assistance. For those interested, check out the official website After their presentation the two Sherpa distributed some "Chata", the typical white silk scarves which represent happiness, friendship and participation.
                            Kurt Diemberger produced a fitting end to the 2012 "Karl Unterkircher Award" by reminding everyone about the importance of this prize as an appreciation of alpinism and, above all, as a way to remember "our Karl".  
                            
          The day after: cosy get-together 
           
          
                             
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                06.07.2012 
                   2nd Karl Unterkircher Award 
                    
                      
                        
                          
                              
                                
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                                  The event is  supported by:  | 
                                 
                                
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                                  ADMISSION FEE   | 
                                 
                                
                                  Info: +39 0471 777900 
                                          
                                    or
                                     
                                    Booking of the tickets in the three Tourist Office of Val Gardena and at the  Online Shop on  www.valgardena.it.
                                      
                                      Entry:  15,00 Euro  
                                      (Alpine Club Member – 10,00 Euro)
                                   | 
                                 
                              | 
                           
                            On Fri. July 6th  2012  for the second time, exceptional mountaineers are awarded in Selva – Val Gardena – Dolomites – South Tyrol 
                              The event takes place at the Culture house – 9 p.m. 
                            
                            
                            The extreme mountaineer Karl Unterkircher died on the 15th July 2008 during an expedition on Nanga Parbat.  
                              In honour to keep his name alive in the world of mountaineering, his family and friends have decided to create an award. As biennial event it will be granted to mountaineers who have demonstrated great climbing skills or carried out extreme expeditions in alpine style during the years 2010 – 2011.  
                              The members of the work group will select 3 mountaineers or teams of mountaineers from all over Europe.  
                               
                              Their achievements will be presented during this evening with video recordings and/or slide shows.  
                               
                              An international group of judges will make their final and incontestable decision for the prize winner.  
                              All alpinists receive a plaque made of dolomite and prize money. 
                            
                            As part of the evening program the Sherpas Subin and Temba will introduce the  medical project in Thulopakar (Nepal).
                            
                              
                            
                            
                              
                                The climbing guild Catores and The Gardena Mountain Guide Association nominate the following three climbers/groups:  | 
                               
                             
                             
                               
                              1st Ascent winter ascent of the Gasherbrum II 8035 m (Pakistan)  
                              The Italian Simone Moro, Denis Urubko from Kazakhstan and Cory Richards (USA) summited on Feb. 2nd 2011 first winter ascent of the Gasherbrum II with  temperatures down to -50° C 
                                 
                                Big Walls (Greenland)  
                                9 new routes on Big Walls of Cape Farewell on the southern and western coast of  Greenland climbed by Sean  Villanueva, Nicolas e Olivier  Favresse (Belgio) e  Ben  Ditto (Usa);  
                            The most challenging route -  Devil’s Brew - took 10 days. The company’s  own sailing boat served most times as base camp. For this extraordinary expedition,  done in July and August 2010, they were honoured with the Piolet d’Or 2011.   
                               
                              Great Trango Tower 6286m (Pakistan) 
                            New opening of the northwest wall route „Parallel World“ (VI+ 7b, 2580 m) by  Marina Kopteva, Galina Chibitok and Anna Yasinskaya and  from 22.7. –  9.8.2011 (38 days in the wall) and awarded with the Russian Piolet ‘Or in 2011.  It is the first time that women have received this honour.   
                                
                            
                                
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                06.07.2012 
                   Famous stars of alpinism were in Selva 
                  for the 2nd  Karl Unterkircher Award at the 6th of July . 
                    
                       
                       
                      The winner of this award:  Marina Kopteva, Galina Chibitok and Anna Yasinskaya (Ukraine) - opening of the northwest wall route Great Trango Tower (Pakistan) 
                      
                        
                           | 
                          Karl Unterkircher Award won by Ukranian Great Trango Tower expedition 
                               
                            On Friday 6 July at Selva di Val Gardena (Italy) Marina Kopteva and Anna Yasinskaya from the Ukraine and Galina Chibitok from Russia received the Karl Unterkircher Award 2012 for their new route established in 38 days up the NW Face of Great Trango Tower (Pakistan). 
                            The second edition of the Karl Unterkircher Award gathered together a host of international climbing starts including Simone Moro (Italy), Nicolas and Olivier Favresse (Belgium), Marina Kopteva, Anna Yasinskaya (Ukraine), Galina Chibitok (Russia) as well as the members of the jury Dr. Oswald Oelz (Jury President), Silvio Mondinelli, Christoph Hainz, Ivo Rabanser and the mountaineering journalist Carlo Caccia. Special guests included legendary Himalayan mountaineer Kurt Diemberger and the Sherpa Temba and Subin who knew Karl Unterkircher personally.  
                             
                             
                             
                            The three climbs nominated for the awards were introduced with video and slideshows by the alpinists themselves.
                               
                              
                             
                             
                             
                            Simone Moro (Italy) presented the first winter ascent of Gasherbrum II (8034m) climbed together with Denis Urubko (Kazachistan) and Cory Richards (USA) in Febraury 2011, while Belgian climbers Nicolas and Olivier Favresse presented their 9 Big Walls established with Sean Villanueva (Belgium) and Ben Ditto (USA) around Cape Farewell, located on the southern and western coasts of Greenland in July and August 2010 and which had already netted them the Piolet d’Or 2011. Last but by no means least, Marina Kopteva, Galina Chibitok and Anna Yasinskaya talked about their 38 days and new route up the NW Face of Great Trango Tower (6286m), for which they had received the Russian Piolet d'Or. 
                             
                             
                            "The decision proved extremely difficult due the quality of all the nominated ascents" stated the Jury, adding "they all represent different aspects of modern alpinism and are difficult to compare. In awarding the "Karl Unterkircher Award" we do not want to place one ascent above the rest, simply bring it to the forefront once again, in particular with regards to the spirit with which Karl took to the mountains." 
                             
                             
                            The 2012 award was presented on stage to Marina Kopteva, Galian Chibitok and Anna Yasinskaya and the jury underlined that they recognised not only the clean style of ascent and other characteristics of the climb, but also felt that this prize might make a significant contribution to female mountaineering. The trio received the award - a 12kg piece of Dolomia rock which represents the Sassolungo peak and Karl's smiling face sculpted by local craftsman Gerold Moroder. Furthermore, each expedition member received 2000 Euro prize money, while all other nominees received 1500 Euro prize money and a slightly smaller sculpture.  
                            A special thanks was expressed to all sponsors and supporters, without whose help this unique event could not be held. 
                             
                             
                            The evening celebration included speeches by regional politician Dr. Florian Mussner as well as the mayor of Selva Dr. Peter Mussner. Furthermore, Sherpa Temba and Subin who knew karl personally and who had travelled specifically from Nepal for this event, contributed by talking about their "Sagarmatha" project in Nepal's Thulopakar region. This non-profit organisation provides integrated development and improvement of health and living conditions of the local population and is currently searching for volunteers and qualified assistance. For those interested, check out the official website After their presentation the two Sherpa distributed some "Chata", the typical white silk scarves which represent happiness, friendship and participation.
                            Kurt Diemberger produced a fitting end to the 2012 "Karl Unterkircher Award" by reminding everyone about the importance of this prize as an appreciation of alpinism and, above all, as a way to remember "our Karl".  
                            
          The day after: cosy get-together 
           
          
                             
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                |   | 
               
              
                06.07.2012 
                   2nd Karl Unterkircher Award 
                    
                      
                        
                          
                              
                                
                                  |   | 
                                 
                                
                                  The event is  supported by:  | 
                                 
                                
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                                  |   | 
                                 
                                
                                  ADMISSION FEE   | 
                                 
                                
                                  Info: +39 0471 777900 
                                          
                                    or
                                     
                                    Booking of the tickets in the three Tourist Office of Val Gardena and at the  Online Shop on  www.valgardena.it.
                                      
                                      Entry:  15,00 Euro  
                                      (Alpine Club Member – 10,00 Euro)
                                   | 
                                 
                              | 
                           
                            On Fri. July 6th  2012  for the second time, exceptional mountaineers are awarded in Selva – Val Gardena – Dolomites – South Tyrol 
                              The event takes place at the Culture house – 9 p.m. 
                            
                            
                            The extreme mountaineer Karl Unterkircher died on the 15th July 2008 during an expedition on Nanga Parbat.  
                              In honour to keep his name alive in the world of mountaineering, his family and friends have decided to create an award. As biennial event it will be granted to mountaineers who have demonstrated great climbing skills or carried out extreme expeditions in alpine style during the years 2010 – 2011.  
                              The members of the work group will select 3 mountaineers or teams of mountaineers from all over Europe.  
                               
                              Their achievements will be presented during this evening with video recordings and/or slide shows.  
                               
                              An international group of judges will make their final and incontestable decision for the prize winner.  
                              All alpinists receive a plaque made of dolomite and prize money. 
                            
                            As part of the evening program the Sherpas Subin and Temba will introduce the  medical project in Thulopakar (Nepal).
                            
                              
                            
                            
                              
                                The climbing guild Catores and The Gardena Mountain Guide Association nominate the following three climbers/groups:  | 
                               
                             
                             
                               
                              1st Ascent winter ascent of the Gasherbrum II 8035 m (Pakistan)  
                              The Italian Simone Moro, Denis Urubko from Kazakhstan and Cory Richards (USA) summited on Feb. 2nd 2011 first winter ascent of the Gasherbrum II with  temperatures down to -50° C 
                                 
                                Big Walls (Greenland)  
                                9 new routes on Big Walls of Cape Farewell on the southern and western coast of  Greenland climbed by Sean  Villanueva, Nicolas e Olivier  Favresse (Belgio) e  Ben  Ditto (Usa);  
                            The most challenging route -  Devil’s Brew - took 10 days. The company’s  own sailing boat served most times as base camp. For this extraordinary expedition,  done in July and August 2010, they were honoured with the Piolet d’Or 2011.   
                               
                              Great Trango Tower 6286m (Pakistan) 
                            New opening of the northwest wall route „Parallel World“ (VI+ 7b, 2580 m) by  Marina Kopteva, Galina Chibitok and Anna Yasinskaya and  from 22.7. –  9.8.2011 (38 days in the wall) and awarded with the Russian Piolet ‘Or in 2011.  It is the first time that women have received this honour.   
                                
                            
                                
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                10.07.2010 
                          World-famous stars of alpinism met on 9 and 10 July in Selva Val Gardena for the first edition of Karl Unterkircher Award.  
The winner is Ueli Steck from Switzerland. 
                     
                      
                        
                          
                              
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                                | The winner is Ueli Steck from Switzerland. | 
                               
                              
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                                | Kurt   Diemberger, the only living man who managed to climb two eight thousand peaks still unclimbed. | 
                               
                              
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                                | from left: Peter Unterkircher, Silke, Ueli Steck, LR Dr. Mussner Florian,   Herbert Mussner | 
                               
                              
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                                | Honour jury: from left Carlo Caccia, Rolando Larcher, Ines Papert, Hans   Kammerlander, Volker Leuchsner | 
                               
                              
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                                | Download the press releases: | 
                               
                              
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                          After many months of intensive preparation by a dynamic working group and highly related to the memory of Karl, was held on two consecutive days with great success the event Karl Unterkircher Award. 
                            On 9 July came together at Selva Val Gardena: Simone Moro (Italy) Markus Prezelj, Rok Blagus and Luka Lindic (Slovenia), Ueli Steck (Switzerland), Robert Jasper (Germany), Roger Schäli (Switzerland), Samuel Anthamatten and Michael Lerjen (Switzerland) as well as members of the award jury Ines Papert, Hans Kammerlander, Rolando Larcher, Carlo Caccia and Volker Leuchsner - the latter two chief editors of alpine magazines "Alp" "IBoderline" and "Klettern”.  
                             
                            The first evening in Piazza Municipio (town square), the first three projects in the form of a 20-minutes video recording have been submitted by the nominated climbers as follows:
                            
                            To lighten the evening Hubert and Lucia Frontull have performed the song from the appropriate name "Dolomite". 
                             
                            The next day, the world stars and members of the jury were invited by the Catores climbers and Val Gardena mountain guides to do some climbing together. Towards the early afternoon all the alpinists was then left with the working group at the hut "Salei" to eat together. This friendly meeting was much appreciated by these mountaineers who have taken the opportunity to exchange experiences and to discuss their future plans. 
                             
                            Later, in Piazza Nives, tourists and locals were waiting for the formal naming of the new multipurpose building in "Karl Unterkircher Zenter”. After the official speech by the Mayor Dr. Peter Mussner and words of thanks by Silke Unterkircher it was passed to remove the cover plate. Here our elite mountaineers have granted an autograph and Silke was available to autograph the book on Karl "The last embrace of the mountain." A 'special honour was the presence of Kurt Diemberger during the party. Diemberger is an icon of mountaineering world and is the only living man who managed to climb two eight thousand peaks still unclimbed. 
                             
                            The evening then continued with the second sequence “Karl Unterkircher Award” at the town square.  
                            Besides Provincial Assessor Dr. Florian Mussner, who had taken over the patronage of this event, were Mayor Dr. Peter Mussner, President of the Tourism Association Josef Kelder and other personalities from the tourism and business communities attended.  
                            Kasslatter Ellis, director of the Tourism Association and also part of the working group, presented and moderated the nominated mountaineers:
                            
                              - Marko Prezelj,  Rok Blagus the indication und Luka (Slovenia), authors of three new routes in splendid style in the group of Bhagirathi, in the Garhwal Himalayas. 15. September climb absolute Bhagirathi IV (6194 m) to the west wall and the north ridge (1000 m, D) 21:22. September: wall south-west (1300 m, 6b, M5 and WI5, ED) of Bhagirathi III (6454 m), from 29.09 to 10.01: wall south-west (1300 m, 6b +, M8 and WI6 +, ED + / ABO- ) of the Bhagirathi II (6,512 m); 
 
                              - Ueli Steck (Swiss) who has demonstrated a rare versatility beyond one hour and 56 minutes Schmid on the north face of Matterhorn (13. January), the Golden Gate (8) on El Capitan (May) and the normal routes of GII (8035 m, July 9) and Makalu (8463 m, September 24). 
 
                             
                            Between them was a performance of the song “’Tribute to Karl” composed and written by Nicole Mussner (guitar) and accompanied by Isabell Mussner (2. Vocals) and Armin Grassberger (bongo). The public has enthusiastically received this interlude giving a long and warm applause. 
                             
                            The evening reached slowly its highlight. Silke and Donato, an employee volunteer of Sportmeet (international network of sports brotherhood through sport, to which Karl felt bound) presented a project to support remote Lhasa in Tibet. For years Karl wanted to help children in Tibet and through this initiative we wanted to realize this wish. More detailed information are given on the website:  www.famiglienuove.org 
                            Then followed words of thanks to the working group, to the sponsors and media partners marketing Val Gardena and a brief tribute to Karl by the coordinators of this event Silke, brother Peter and Herbert Mussner, who are also the founder of this event. The solemn speech of "Karl Unterkircher Award" was held by Provincial Assessor Dr. Florian Mussner. Finally, Kurt Diemberger was asked on stage, who learned Karl in 2004 during the K2 Expedition. He paid tribute with a short speech and concluded with the words "The idealism of Karl continues: without being locked up without having to set a limit, without posing limits to what feels like the truth".  
                             
                            The jury's verdict of first edition Karl Unterkircher Award has kept to emphasize that the choice has been very difficult for the high level of all the five climbers, representing different aspects of mountaineering contemporary difficult to compare.  The assignment of the prize "Karl Unterkircher Award is therefore not intended as a race between the alpinists, but wants to honour the alpinist who is more likely in the spirit of Karl.  
                             
                            Ueli Steck was finally called on stage. A trained carpenter of Ringgenberg in Switzerland, accepted the twelve-pound Award of dolomite rock done by Moroder Gerold (in collaboration with Karl Runggaldier) and the cash prize of Euro 3000. The other nominees received an award in slightly smaller form, and a cash prize of Euro 1000 Michael Lerjen not sparing with praise, saying: "The greatest achievement have given the relatives and friends of Karl Unterkircher. Because it takes more courage and strength to create such an award than to ascend the Jasemba.  
                             
                            What matters, however, is that Karl Unterkircher Award was a successful event. "A feast," writes a journal of mountaineering, "comparable in due proportion, to the Piolets d'Or". 
                             
                            Herbert Mussner | 
                         
                       
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                        22.06.2010 
                          3° comunicato “Karl Unterkircher   Award” 
21.06.2010 
                            
                              
                                
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                                  "La scalata continua…" e gli   abitanti di Selva Val Gardena fanno i conti alla rovescia per il premio “Karl   Unterkircher Award”. Il paese è pronto ad accogliere l’eccellenza dell’alpinismo   il 9 e 10 luglio. 
                                       
                                      Fervono gli ultimi preparativi, dei   quali si è impegnato in tante sedute un gruppo di lavoro dinamico, entusiasta e   competente. L’evento si svolgerà interamente nel segno di un incontro amichevole   tra alpinisti di rango eccezionale, locali e turisti, senza dimenticare il   personaggio principale: Karl Unterkircher. 
                                     
                                    Con la partecipazione di alpinisti   d’elite, sia i componenti della giuria d’onore che gli  alpinisti nominati (ved. sotto), il premio d’onore istituito per la prima volta a Selva, dovrebbe   avere un feedback positivo. Uno dei tanti highlights di queste due serate   all’insegna dell’alpinismo, sarà sicuramente la consegna del premio d’onore. Il   premio, raffigurante le cime del Sassolungo – simbolo dalla  Val Gardena - dal   quale sorride il volto di Karl, è grande ca. 30 x 30 cm e pesa ca. 10 kg. Il   materiale del premio è composto di sasso di dolomia, legno di ciliegio e scritte   in Inox. Una combinazione degna del noto talento artistico gardenese. Questo   singolo esemplare è concepito da Gerold Moroder (www.design-urgestein.com), amico di   Karl, che ha già creato un’altra opera d’arte, (il memorial posto al campo base   del Nanga Parbat) assieme alla ditta 3D Wood (www.3dwood.com),   abilmente diretta da Karl Runggaldier.  
                                       
                                      Gli altri 4 alpinisti o gruppi ex   equo saranno onorati con un premio analogo, sebbene di misura più   piccola.  
                                     
                                    
                                      
                                        | Giuria d´onore: | 
                                       
                                      
                                        | Ines Papert, Hans Kammerlander, Rolando Larcher, Carlo   Caccia e Volker Leuchsner. | 
                                       
                                      
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                                        | Alpinisti nominati: | 
                                       
                                      
                                        | Marko Prezelj, Rok Blagus e Luka Lindic (Slovenia) -   Simon Anthamatten, Samuel Anthamatten e Michael Lerjen (Svizzera) - Ueli Steck   (Svizzera) - Robert Jasper (Germania) e Roger Schaeli (Svizzera) - Simone Moro   (Italia) e Denis Urubko (Kazachistan). | 
                                       
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                    PROGETTO   SOCIALE KARL UNTERKIRCHER   (sabato 10. luglio nel corso della   manifestazione) 
                                     
                                    Al via il progetto di   sostegno a distanza a Lhasa in Tibet   
                                     
                                    Prima della sua scomparsa, il 15   luglio 2008, sul Nanga Parbat, Karl Unterkircher, aveva espresso il desiderio di   realizzare un progetto sociale in favore dei   bambini più poveri del Tibet.  
                                     
                                    La moglie Silke, gli amici di   Karl e Sportmeet, rete internazionale di sportivi che vivono per contribuire   alla fraternità universale nello sport ed attraverso lo sport, a cui Karl era   legato, annunciano la realizzazione di un   progetto di sostegno a distanza dedicato alla memoria di Karl.  
                                     
                                    Il progetto che prende il via a   Lhasa in Tibet, sostiene la crescita umana e culturale di bambini in difficoltà   fornendo ad essi un regolare aiuto economico annuale. Il sostegno a distanza di   ogni bambino che verrà inserito nel progetto continuerà fino al compimento dei   18 anni di età. 
                                     
                                    AFN – Azione per Famiglie Nuove,   organizzazione non lucrativa di utilità sociale che ha in carico il sostegno a   distanza di oltre 18.000 bambini in diverse parti del mondo, si rende   responsabile e garante del progetto. 
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                    Per   informazioni e per aderire al sostegno a distanza:  
                                       
                                      Associazione Azione per   Famiglie Nuove onlus - ufficio Sostegno a Distanza - via Isonzo, 42 – 00046   Grottaferrata (RM) – Italia; Tel. +390694546412 – Fax +390694548863; sodist@famiglienuove.org 
                                     
                                    Sportmeet for a United   World: – via Frascati, 306 – 00040 Rocca di Papa (RM) - tel. +3906945407216 –   fax +39069412080 info@sportmeet.org 
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                        26.05.2010 
                          For the first time,  exceptional mountaineers are awarded on the 9.-10.7.2010 in Selva di Val Gardena – Dolomites - South Tyrol 
                            
                              
                                
                                  
                                      
                                          
                                             
                                             
                                            Side events 
                                             
                                            Saturday, 10th July 2010 – 5 pm 
                                             
                                          • Formal naming of the new 
                                            
                                          multifunctional centre in the square 
                                             Piazza Nives. 
                                                                                  The local council will name the centre  
                                             after
                                          Karl Unterkircher. 
                                           
                                          • Autograph signing with the members 
                                             
                                          of the jury and the participating  
                                                                                  mountaineers. 
                                             
                                          Silke Perathoner-Unterkircher will sign  
                                                                                  her book
                                          “L’ultimo abbraccio della  
                                                                                  montagna”. 
                                           
                                          • Sportmeet: Presentation of the aid 
                                             
                                          project “Karl Unterkircher” in Lhasa  
                                                                                  (Tibet). | 
                                       
                                      
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                                        Admission fee 
                                            
                                          € 10,00  for 1 evening 
                                          € 15,00 for 2 evenings 
                                           
                                          Advance ticket sale: 
                                          Info: +39 0471 777900 | 
                                       
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                                                                      The members of the work group have selected 5 mountaineers or
                                    teams of mountaineers from all over Europe. Their achievements
                                    will be presented during two evenings in the square Piazza Municipio
                                    with video recordings and slide shows.  
                                     
                                    The occasion is not intended to be a competition but
                                    a get-together for top mountaineers, the inhabitants of Val Gardena
                                    and tourists alike.  
                                     
                                    An international group of judges
                                    will make their final and incontestable decision and the winner will be
                                    presented with the Karl Unterkircher Award.
                                    The first prize consists of a plaque made of dolomite and € 3000,
                                    the other participants receive also a plaque and € 1000.  
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                      
                                        
                                          Catores  climbing guild and mountain guides   association of  Val Gardena nominate 
                                          the following 5   climbers / groups:  | 
                                         
                                        
                                          
                                              
                                                 
                                                         
                                                  First   presentation of the candidates – Piazza Municipio (town square outside the council) in Selva 
                                                  Friday   09.07.2010 at 21:00 
                                                   
                                                  The Italian Simone Moro and Denis Urubko from Kazakistan.  From the 7th to the   9th of Feburary made a first winter ascent of the Makalu (8463); 
                                                     
                                                  
                                                   
                                                  Simon Anthamatten, Samuel   Anthamattenand Michael Lerjen from Switzerland.    From the 27th to the 29th of October, opened a direct route in alpine style   (1500m, M5 and 90°) on the south-east face of the Jasemba   (7350m); 
                                                   
                                                  
                                                   
                                                  The German,Robert Jasperand the Swiss, Roger Schäli made the first free climb of the famous   “Japanese route” on the North face of the Eiger.  The climb was up th the   8th grade of difficulty. 
                                                     
                                                     
                                                    Second    presentation of candidates- Piazza Municipio (town square outside the council) in   Selva 
                                                      Saturday 10.07.2010 at 21:00 
                                                   
                                                  Marko Prezelj, Rok Blagus   and Luka Lindic from Slovenia, completed 3 new routes in   the Bhagirathi group, in the Himalayas of Garhwal. On the 15th of   September a first ascent on the Bhagirathi IV (6194m) via  the west face and the   north crest (1000m, D+); 21 and 22 September: the south west face (1300m, 6b,M5   and W15,ED) of the Bhagirathi III (6454m); from the 29th of September to the 1st   of October: the south south west face (1300m, 6b+,M8 and W16+,ED+/ABO-) of the   Bhagirathi II (6512m); 
                                                      
                                                  
                                                   
                                                  Ueli Steck  from   Switzerland, on the 13th of January climbed the ‘Schmid’ on the north   face of the Cervino in a record time of one hour 56 minutes, the Golden Gate   (8a) on El Capitan (May) and the normal routes of the GII (8035m, 9th   July) and the Makalu (8463m, on the 24th   September). | 
                                               
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                                          | The founders of the award are: | 
                                         
                                        
                                          • Creator and coordinators: Silke Unterkircher, Peter Unterkircher (Karls brother) and Herbert Mussner; 
                                            • Patron:  Florian Dr. Mussner, Provincial Councillor for Culture and Ladin Schools;  
                                            • Selectors and nominators of candidates:  Adam Holzknecht, Stefan Stuflesser ('Catores' Climbing Group), Reinhard Senoner, Ivo Rabanser (Mountain Guides Val Gardena); 
                                            • Organisers of all events: Josef Kelder (President) and Ellis Kasslatter ( Director) of the Selva Gardena Tourist Information Office;  
                                            • Publicity and advertising: Christine Demetz (President) and Günter Pitscheider (Director) with its press-secretary Irene Delazzer ofGardena Marketing. | 
                                         
                                        
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                                          | Honoured Jury | 
                                         
                                        
                                          Ines Papert (D) – alpinist 
                                            Hans Kammerlander (I) – alpinist 
                                            Rolando Larcher (I) – alpinist 
                                            Volker Leuchsner (D) – chief editor of the magazine Klettern 
                                            Carlo Caccia (I) – mountaineering journalist of the magazine ALP+ | 
                                         
                                       
                                     
                                      Contacts: 
                                       
                                      Herbert Mussner      +39 335 8097735 
                                        Peter Unterkircher   +39 348 7791997 
                                        Ellis Kasslatter           +39 0471 777 900 | 
                                 
                               
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                        10.03.2010 
                          For the first time,  exceptional mountaineers are awarded on the 9.-10.7.2010 in Selva di Val Gardena – Dolomites - South Tyrol 
                            
                              
                                
                                  
                                      
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                                        A special thanks to all who have contributed to this page especially:  
                                          - Filip Moroder Doss: painted picture of the   original photo  
                                          -        Markus Rabanser and Luca Prinoth   Internetservice                                 – free website  
                                          -         Marsica Kasslatter – website elaboration  
                                          -         Diego Moroder – logo elaboration  
                                          -         Susanna Scott – translation into English  
                                          -  Magda M. Moroder - translation | 
                                       
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                                                                      The extreme mountaineer Karl Unterkircher died on the 15th July 2008
                                    during an expedition on Nanga Parbat. Family, friends and colleagues
                                    have decided to create an award in honour of him to keep his name
                                    alive in the world of mountaineering. 
                                    
                                    
                                    The award will be granted to  mountaineer who during the year 2009   have demonstrated great climbing skill or have carried out extreme  expeditions in alpine style (without oxygen or porters).  This event will be organised every year. 
                                    
                                     
                                    Karls life as  an extreme mountaineer was brief but very intense.  Nonetheless he has become  undoubtedly part of mountaineering history.   After hard training and scores of climbs, in 2004 Karl celebrated his  greatest achievement; climbing both Mount Everest and K2  within two months of each other in alpine style and without oxygen!  He was awarded a place in the Guinness Book  Of Records 2008 for this most extraordinary accomplishment.   These were just two of the extreme  expeditions that Karl carried out.  At  least once a year he would leave for yet another challenging quest, always in  alpine style without  oxygen or porters  and nearly all of his routes were first ascents.  A high    point was climbing the unscaled North Face of the  Gasherbrum II in 2007, this was considered in the mountaineering world to be  one of the most impressive achievements in recent years. His extreme  performances were known all over the world.
                                     
                                     
                                    Karl climbed  mountains all over the world, without ever forgetting his roots back in Selva  Gardena in the heart of the dolomites. He was a mountain guide and member of  the historic 'Catores' climbing group and also the president of the mountain  rescue ' Aiut Alpin   Dolomites’.  The  'Karl  Unterkircher Award' will be granted to other such mountaineers who share  Karls choice in style (rigorously alpine style without oxygen or porters).
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                     
                                      
                                        | Work group | 
                                       
                                      
                                        
                                          
                                            Silke Perathoner-Unterkircher 
                                              Peter Unterkircher – brother (+39 348 7 791 997) 
                                              Herbert Mussner – coordinator (+39 335 8 097 735) 
                                               
                                              Dr. Florian Mussner – Patronage 
                                               
                                              Reinhard Senoner – Val Gardena Mountain Guide Association 
                                              Ivo Rabanser – Val Gardena Mountain Guide Association 
                                              Adam Holzknecht – Catores Climbing Guild 
                                              Stefan Stuflesser – Catores Climbing Guild 
                                               
                                              Josef Kelder – President of the Tourist Board Selva Gardena 
                                              Ellis Kasslatter – Director of the Tourist Board Selva Gardena (+39 0471 777 900) 
                                              Christine Demetz – President of Val Gardena-Gröden Marketing 
                                              Dr. Günther Pitscheider – Director of Val Gardena-Gröden Marketing | 
                                           
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