Warned before fatal climb: new documentary reveals

by Ingeborg Scheve • 29.07.2026
Laura Dahlmeier (GER) - IBU world cup biathlon, sprint women, Oslo (NOR).
New information reveals that the biathlon star received clear warnings before the accident that cost her life.

New information reveals that the biathlon star received clear warnings before the accident that cost her life.

Last summer, German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier tragically lost her life in a climbing accident in Pakistan. New details have emerged suggesting that the 31-year-old was strongly warned before embarking on the ill-fated expedition in the Karakoram mountains.

Also Read: Biathlon legend Laura Dahlmeier passes away in Pakistan

The new information is presented in the documentary “Laura Dahlmeier – One Step Too Far,” which aired on German television on Monday, July 27. Several witnesses and those involved in the rescue operation share their experiences related to the accident.

Received clear warnings

Spanish climber Maria Martin is one of the individuals speaking in the documentary.

She had met Dahlmeier at base camp just days before the accident. During their encounter, she attempted to warn the German athlete about the dangers, showing her recent photos of avalanches on the climbing route.

“In broken English, I said, ‘It’s dangerous, impossible.’”

Despite the warnings, the former biathlete chose to proceed with the climb.

Found lifeless

French climber Alan Rousseau was part of the rescue expedition. He recounts that Dahlmeier was still hanging in her harness when they found her.

“The snow around her was completely black with rocks, mud, and debris that had fallen from the cliff,” he told the newspaper Bild.

“First, we saw the tent. Then we saw her lifeless body.”

It was decided to leave her body in the mountain.

“We considered every possible way to get there. We all knew that anyone who went in there was putting their own life at risk,” Rousseau said.

In a letter she had written earlier, Dahlmeier made it clear that no one should risk their life to save her.

One of the greatest stars

Laura Dahlmeier made her World Cup debut in Holmenkollen in March 2013 and competed in her final World Cup race at the same venue in March 2019, at just 25 years old. Nevertheless, she established herself as one of Germany’s top biathlon stars.

Dahlmeier won two Olympic gold medals in biathlon at the 2018 Winter Games in PyeongChang, along with numerous World Championship titles. She also impressed at the 2017 World Championships in Hochfilzen, where she claimed five golds and one silver in six events.

After retiring, Dahlmeier worked as an expert commentator for the German channel ZDF. She retired in 2019 to pursue her passion for climbing and was a certified mountain guide. Laura Dahlmeier was 31 years old.

Laura Dahlmeier in 2023. Photo: Manzoni/NordicFocus

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