Welcome to Orienteering Festival 2012 in Wipptal - Tyrol!

In summer 2010, the Wipptal Valley was host to an international orienteering competition, which brought over 1500 competitors to the valley. We were all thrilled to see how much the participants enjoyed the event and the region.

 

Since the event, we've been working to enhance our offerings for orienteering enthusiasts. Now we're proud to announce, in partnership with the Innsbruck Orienteering Club, our high-quality, custom-tailored packages for orienteering competitions, training camps, and for private orienteers.

More regional and international events are coming up year 2012.

 

Orienteering is a sport that's suitable for persons of all ages, and especially appeals to lovers of the outdoors. The combination of movement and mental exercise keeps both the body and mind fit, while requiring minimal equipment.

 

Of course, interested local orienteers and school groups can take advantage of our expertise and enjoy an introduction to the sport.

 

 

Specially-created orienteering maps are available for a variety of areas in the regions, with more currently in production. These maps are the primary tools for a great orienteering experience in the Wipptal Valley!

 

 

 

 

Orienteering is an active sport using map and compass, where participants navigate the landscape using only specific reference points along the way. This means that the orienteer finds the best path for him or her. Orienteering is a sport that requires both physical fitness and a high degree of intellectual engagement. Orienteering, which traces its origins as a sport to Scandinavia and the start of the 20th century, is now a global phenomenon. However, its popularity is still highest in Scandinavia, where it's considered a true national pastime. In addition to classic orienteering, there are numerous variations on the sport, including mountain bike orienteering and ski orienteering.

 

 

 

 

The map is the most important tool in the orienteer's kit. Nowadays, specially-created orienteering maps are usually used. These differ from conventional topographic maps by showing greater detail and precision. They show the terrain at a very large scale, usually at IOF standard 1:10,000 or 1:15,000, or up to 1:4,000 for sprints. The map shows the course (start, controls and finish) printed in red along with additional information related to the competition. This may include provisions and hygiene stations, and closed areas or required segments.

 

After the map, the compass is the most important orienteering aide. Typically, a special orienteering compass is used which is very simple and can be used quickly. The compass serves both to orient the map and to find bearings to navigation points.

 

Usually, competitors run or walk in shoes specially manufactured for orienteering. These are light, strong shoes with rigid soles and frequently with cleat spikes ("Dobb spikes") to increase grip. Low-profile models are available, alongside others which reach up to the ankle. In addition to these shoes, gaiters or reinforced stockings are often used to protect the shins from injuries in the brush.

 

You can find more information on Wikipedia and at LK-Innsbruck.