Shooting in Austria
Filming in the Alps
Advice for Shooting at Locations Above 3000 Meters
Last updated on December 14th, 2021
Last updated on December 14th, 2021
The Austrian Alps always counted as one of Hollywood’s favourite shooting location. Countless super-productions have happened in this region, for example the action film XXX starring Vin Diesel. The main location was the Kaunertal glacier in Tirol. Vin Diesel, who played an extreme sportsman, although never having snowboarded previously, snowboarded himself in the majority of the scenes without a stuntman.
Winter reigns 365 days a year in the areas of the regal Austrian Alps that are situated above 3000 m. Therefore, these beautiful, snow-covered peaks are home to endless ski slopes. These snow-capped mountains provide an overwhelming view, regardless of the season - no wonder they are some of the most popular filming locations in Central Europe.
The Alps is one of the great mountain ranges in Europe, which spans 7 countries (Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, France). Austria is largely located in the the Eastern Alps, which are full of valleys, created by rivers like the Inn, the Enns, the Mura, and Drava. The river valleys are considered to be important transportation routes, for example the Inn River originates in the Swiss Engadin and flows through Innsbruck, the provincial capital of Tyrol, on its 510 km route to the Danube. Located in the Heart of the Alps, Tyrol offers an international airport facilitating fast and uncomplicated flights, that mean great access to production facilities and to airports in Munich, Zurich and Vienna.
The Austrian Alps always counted as one of Hollywood’s favourite shooting location. Countless super-productions have happened in this region, for example the action film XXX starring Vin Diesel. The main location was the Kaunertal glacier in Tirol. Vin Diesel, who played an extreme sportsman, although never having snowboarded previously, snowboarded himself in the majority of the scenes without a stuntman.
Winter reigns 365 days a year in the areas of the regal Austrian Alps that are situated above 3000 m. Therefore, these beautiful, snow-covered peaks are home to endless ski slopes. These snow-capped mountains provide an overwhelming view, regardless of the season - no wonder they are some of the most popular filming locations in Central Europe.
The Alps is one of the great mountain ranges in Europe, which spans 7 countries (Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, France). Austria is largely located in the the Eastern Alps, which are full of valleys, created by rivers like the Inn, the Enns, the Mura, and Drava. The river valleys are considered to be important transportation routes, for example the Inn River originates in the Swiss Engadin and flows through Innsbruck, the provincial capital of Tyrol, on its 510 km route to the Danube. Located in the Heart of the Alps, Tyrol offers an international airport facilitating fast and uncomplicated flights, that mean great access to production facilities and to airports in Munich, Zurich and Vienna.
Grossglockner, The Road to Austria’s Highest Peak
Tyrol is known first and foremost for its flowering pastures, but also the highest peak in Austria is actually found in this region. The High Tauen mountain range is home to the 3798 meter high Grossglockner, which is at the foot of the largest glacier in the eastern Alps, the Pasterze, whose 9 km stretch can be traversed on the “Glacier train.”
One of the most beautiful scenic routes in the High Tauen is the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse. The 48.3 km long alpine road leads to the Brücke near Salzburg from the Carinthian Heiligenblut. Its 36 bends, and 2504 meter range in elevation provide exceptional natural scenery. The road reaches an elevation of about 2000 meters at its halfway point, but the road is wide, well-paved, and considered to be very safe as it usually slopes at around only 10%. Thanks to its fantastic view and great driving conditions, the Hochalpenstrasse is not only a popular tourist destination, but a popular filming location as well.
One of the negatives of this area is the erratic weather, which can cause poor visibility due to fog. Planning ahead can be difficult because, for example, it might be pouring rain on the Salzburg side while the sun is shining on the Carinthian side. It is important to note that as the road progresses, more frequent curvature in the road, and changes in elevation can complicate the filming process, unless helicopter or drones are being used, but after the Hochtor tunnel is crossed at Großglocknerstrasse’s highest point, one will find themselves in the more mild Carinthian conditions.
The route encompasses 1,800 square kilometers of Europe's second largest national park: The Hohe Tauern National Park. There are extraordinary shooting locations in this area outside of the Grossglockner, for example the region’s gently sloping alpine meadows, rock formations, and waterfalls, which all provide an exceptional visual experience.
With a total height of 380 meters (1,247 feet), the Krimml Waterfalls, located in the Hohe Tauern National Park are the highest waterfall in AustriaSince the park is located in the Rauris Valley, weather conditions are unpredictable, and sometimes characteristics of all four seasons can be felt during one day. If there is not much air movement in the valley then it feels like summer, but if one goes up to an elevation of 3000 meters, hurricane force winds may be experienced.
The 107m high and 500m long Mooserboden dam, located in 2036m altitude in the Hohe TauernThe panoramic road is open from late May to early October, filming in the Hohe Tauern National Park is only possible in the presence of security personnel.
The Hintertux Glacier, where there is snow even in summer
Austria is the cradle of Alpine Skiing and Skiing is the national sport of Austria, and the Austrian Alps are home to over 7200 kilometers worth of ski slopes serviced by 260 chairlift companies. Late December to late january is the coldest time of year, when is not uncommon to see 20cm of snow even in the valleys. The best conditions for skiing are in February, and by the end of the months there is more and more sunshine, which causes most of the snow to start melting by March. At elevations above 3000 meters, temperature stay at around 0 degrees, and snow can be found year round.
The Hintertux Glacier is home to one of the most popular ski resorts in Austria, because thanks to its 3250 meter high location, it provides opportunity for year-round skiing. In 2009 it was named the "world's best glacier skiing location." Out of the total of 86 kilometers of ski runs, 23 km are easy runs, 47 km are intermediate, and 16 km are advanced. 18 km of the runs are available for skiing even in the summer. These runs are service by 21 heavy-duty lifts and gondolas.
An interesting feature of the mountain is the “Gletscherbus,” a cable car stable enough to transport people to the 3250 meter peak even in the worst weather conditions. The Gletscherbuses run on three routes of double-track cables, usually traveling around 1413 meters in 5:25 minutes, carrying 3281 persons per hour, at a speed of 6m / s (21,6km/h and 13,42miles/h), and each have a payload of 4220 kg. The cable cars run from 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM.
Hintertux’s latest attraction is a natural ice palace. Not far from the highest point of the glacier, at 3,250 meters, is the Gefrorenen Wand (Frozen Wall) lookout, from which a natural ice cave can be seen. In addition to the many named (crystal chamber, an ice chapel) ice formations, the 15 meter high ice palace is the most popular attraction.
In 2012, another Hollywood super-production was executed on the Hintertux Glacier; it was for the film Snowpiercer, starring Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton and Ed Harris. Thankfully, the weather conditions were perfect for filming and the local teams were brilliant at assisting the film crew’s work.
Dangers in the Alps
The Austrian Alps are known equally for their danger as for their beauty. The thinner, cleaner areas of the atmosphere allow more UV rays through, which are then reflected by the snow, and are just as strong in the fog. There is a high risk of rockfall in rocky regions of the Alps. In milder weather, the sun melts the frozen rockwall, which will freeze again at night, causing the walls to weaken over time.
Progressive’s Guide to Alpine Shooting
Drink twice as much water on the day before and during the shoot. The greatest danger is quick dehydration (a large loss of body fluids) caused by the high altitude. A larger amount of water has to be consumed than normal (approximately twice more than on average), both during the previous day and while in the high altitude territory! The average daily water consumption of an adult is normally around 2.5-3 litres. From the day before the shoot consumption of at least 4-5 litres of water is recommended. The most common symptoms of dehydration is fatigue, dizziness and confusion.
It is not recommended to consume alcohol on the day before the shoot. Furthermore, if possible, completely avoid beverages containing caffeine or at least decrease the amount consumed on the day of the shoot! Beverages containing alcohol and caffeine are highly dehydrating, which combined with the dehydration caused by the high altitude has an even stronger effect on the body, leading to dehydration even faster. In the case of caffeine-containing beverages being indispensable for some throughout the day, moderate consumption is recommended, as long as the water withdrawn is compensated by a few extra glasses of water on top of the recommended 4-5 litres.
Have a long and restful sleep the night before the shoot. One of the main symptoms of dehydration is fatigue, which can become even more dangerous when combined with tiredness caused by sleep deprivation. This is why at least 8 hours of calm sleep is recommended, but even if this is not possible, maximize the amount of undisturbed sleep before the morning.
Choosing sufficient clothing. Temperatures are cooler in the mountains than in lower regions. Unsuitable clothing can lead to dulled perception and can endanger your health. Temperatures decrease approximately by 6-8 Celcius every 1000 meters. So, if you leave your accommodation located appr. 800-1000 meters above sea level, then you should prepare for the temperature to decrease by 14-18 Celcius high up in the mountains. Still, Alpine weather is often unpredictable, which is why every day your clothing should be chosen according to the day’s latest weather forecast given by Progressive’s team.
At high altitudes slower and more considered movement and work is needed in order to avoid quick exhaustion. Due to lower oxygen levels, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache and nausea can develop quicker. A slower work rhythm is necessary even when you do not have any symptoms and feel like you are able to move and work quicker! Tiredness can set in quickly and unexpectedly and can last a long time, thereby compromising the shoot’s schedule and threatening individuals’ health.
In case of STRONG headaches and nausea, do not travel to higher altitudes! Mild headaches and fatigue are highly common and are NOT dangerous. Measures only have to be made if the discomfort caused by these symptoms reaches a high level. In these cases, Ibuprofen, Aspirin and other painkillers are able to ease the symptoms. If these symptoms occur while travelling on Alpine lifts, then it is recommended to stabilize your condition before transferring between lifts and only continue your journey after this is achieved.
Consume meals rich in carbohydrates during the evening before the shoot and on the day of the shoot as well. In extreme conditions such as shooting above 3000 meters, the body burns more calories than normal. This has to be compensated with hearty meals and snacks rich in carbohydrates.
Strictly keep to rules regarding weather conditions and possible avalanches! Thousands of meters high up, weather conditions can quickly and radically change, which is why it is vital to always follow the instructions of the production’s mountain guides. Authorities may give out storm warnings, in which case the lifts may get swiftly closed down since their operation is dangerous in stormy conditions. If this occurs, the area should be left within a set amount of time, therefore it is key for all the members of the crew to be alert and act responsibly at all times.
Follow the safety directives, keep to the designated route and use the equipment according to its intended purpose! If due to the shoot you diverge from the given route always follow the production’s mountain guides, otherwise this can lead to potential accidents and damage due to the nature of the terrain. Furthermore, special rules will be put in place in certain circumstances in order to protect the equipment and personal safety, such as warnings and regulations of residing, climbing and working in unsafe areas.
Wind in the snow covered areas can create conices, which sometimes stretch out 6 to 8 meters, and can easily collapse. Cravasses make traversing glaciers difficult, and it can happen that larger detours must be taken to avoid them.
Avalanches pose the greatest danger on the ski slopes. In Europe, avalanche risk is rated on this five tier scale: 1 (Low) Snow is generally very stable. 2 (Moderate) On some steep slopes the snow is only moderately stable. Elsewhere it is very stable. 3 (Considerable) On many steep slopes the snow is only moderately or weakly stable. 4 (High) On most steep slopes the snow is not very stable. 5 (Very High)- The snow is generally unstable. The Avalanche Warning Service of Tyrol gives daily information about the snow situation and the dangerous areas, so that the mountain rescue teams can be ready to activate themselves without further adue.
Filming Equipment - Drone Regulation
Regarding drone regulations, Austria has applied the European Union’s drone directives issued in 2021 almost without any changes.
Accordingly, in Austria drones are classified into three categories based on their weight and the operations that can be performed with them. These three categories are open, specific and certified. Using drones for film production can only fall into the first two categories (the certified category is to regulate cargo and passenger drones). Thanks to the new directives, drones in these two categories, unlike the previous regulations, do not have to be registered with the authorities. It is enough if the drone operator has the appropriate licenses to fly drones of those categories.
The open category includes drones under 25 kg, which are further divided into subcategories (A1, A2 and A3) according to weight and the operations they can perform. Category A1 includes drones under 900 grams that are permitted to fly over uninvolved individuals and populated areas, but not to fly over crowds. Category A2 includes drones lighter than 4kg. These are not permitted to fly over uninvolved individuals but are identical in all other respects to subcategory A1. Category A3, including drones under 25 kg, has the most restrictions, since flying over populated areas is not permitted and a minimum distance of 150 meters has to be kept from these areas. In addition, it applies to the entirety of the open category that drones must not fly higher than 120 meters (from the nearest point of the ground) and that the pilot has to constantly keep them in their visual line of sight (VLOS), which means that the drone has to be trackable by the naked eye of the pilot at all times. Provided these conditions are met, no other permit than the pilot’s license is required for flying the drone. It is important to mention here that while shooting in the Alps, it is nearly impossible to maintain the maximum height of 120 meters due to the extreme altitude changes in these areas, which is why in most cases flying in this category is not a realistic option for shooting among high mountains.
The second main category is called specific, which includes operations with drones heavier than 25 kg and operations of high risk executed with drones of any weight. A high-risk operation is, for example, flying over a crowd or higher than 120 meters. The specific category may be much more permissive, however, a prerequisite for this is that a separate permit must be obtained before the flight from Austro Control, the Austrian aviation authority. The application for this permit must be accompanied by a statement and a preliminary risk assessment. Thus, the preparation for flights in this category should get started earlier than those in the open category. However, in return, more freedom is provided for the use of drones. For example, next to the previously mentioned advantages, in this category maintaining VLOS is also not mandatory.
In order to reduce the authorization time for operations in the special category, the new regulators have also introduced the so-called Standard Scenarios (STS). This initiative was designed so that regularly occurring situations do not have to get individually assessed each time. This will enable that when an operation matches the description of an STS, no risk analysis will be required and the issuance of the permit will become exponentially faster. However, at the time this law came into force, only two STSs had been identified so far, none of which applies to film-related activities.
Furthermore, under the new rules, the new DroneSpaces mobile application has to be used before and during drone operations of every category. Its primary function is to track the airspace usage of the pilots, however, it is not suitable for tracking the drones’ active location data. The most important functions of the application: pilots may designate their airspace, track the possible overlaps with areas designated by other pilots and ensure that the borders of the No Drone zones do not get violated.
The 2021 regulation has also brought changes regarding pilots. From now on, specific licences are needed for flying drones in various categories. These licences can not be replaced by permits gained before 2021. In every case, the operator has to obtain their licence in the new system. However, due to the standardization of the EU, it is satisfactory to gain this license in any of the member states, as it is valid in the entire region of the Union, thus enabling the pilots’ free movement among the countries of the EU.
James Bond’ Mission in Sölden
The ski season reaches its end by April in most areas, but the Alps are still perfect for countless sporting activities, for instance rock climbing, paragliding, canyoning, rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. Since conditions are snowy well into April, ski resorts become great filming locations after the tourist season is over. In the Otzal Alps, where 2015’s James Bond: Spectre was filmed, is the largest mountain group in the eastern Alps due to the Wildspitze (3774 m) and Similaun (3607 m), and remains snowy throughout the year. Multiple sites of the Ötztal Alps were highlighted in the James Bond film’s a 15-day shoot.
A chase scene was shot on a 16km stretch of the Ötztaler Gletscherstrasse, spanning from Sölden to the Ötztal glaciers (1377-2800m). A house was constructed In Obertilliach, on the Golzentipp Ski Resort, which was later destroyed in the scene.
Filming the car chase was very difficult because there was only one road leading down the mountain, it had frequent and extreme turns in it, and it was covered in ice and snow. The crew worked with a total of 9 cameras, one of which was rigged onto a helicopter, and another to a car, and 7 which were strategically placed in the terrain. In wooded areas, these cameras were run between trees on cables. 30 ski runs, and the road and tunnels leading to the glaciers were closed down for the scene.
The glass, cube-shaped Ice Q restaurant, situated on top of the Gaislachkogl, played a key role in the film as a futuristic private clinic. The restaurant was closed to the public for an entire month due to the production. Numerous aerial shots were taken from a helicopter as well.
These action sequences took lots of logistical planning, and the the cast and crew’s accommodations were a big part of this, partly due to discretion, and partly due to accessibility. During the filming of the chase scene, the close to 600 person cast and crew stayed at the Almwellness- Hotel in Tuffbad, and the film’s star, Daniel Craig stayed at the Bergland Hotel in Sölden.
During filming at Lake Altaussee, the 300 person crew stayed at the Hotel Seevilla. The lake and the town, which is notable for its imperial era villas, provided locations for numerous scenes in the film.
A fun fact is that back in the day Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond studied for a while in Tyrol, in Kitzbühel to be more precise, and it was here where he learnt to ski.
