A nonprofit platform for resilient mountain regions.
The woerle peaks foundation is a nonprofit gGmbH based in Wängle, Tyrol. We develop and support projects for mountain regions where safety, education, responsible use and nature are considered together long-term.
For this we build a professional framework: we structure project ideas, connect local partners, funders and expertise, support development and document progress and fund use transparently.
From a decision on Broad Peak to long-term responsibility
In 2023, Lukas Wörle was near the summit of Broad Peak in the Karakoram when he found Murtaza Sadpara, a Pakistani porter with severe altitude sickness. He abandoned his summit attempt and helped bring him out of the death zone.
This experience became the starting point for his book Gratwanderung, and for a question far beyond one expedition: how do we take responsibility in mountain regions where safety, work, tourism and local life are closely linked?
Foundation Established
On May 12, 2026, woerle peaks foundation gGmbH was formally established. Since then it has provided the framework to develop and support projects in Tyrol and Pakistan in a structured way.
A decision on Broad Peak
On Broad Peak in the Karakoram, Lukas Wörle abandoned his summit attempt to help a Pakistani porter in mortal danger. The experience was later revisited in his book Gratwanderung.
Tyrol as Starting Point
Tyrol combines alpine experience with expertise in safety, training, stewardship of nature and regional development. This view is the foundation's starting point.
Experience becomes responsibility
This experience, and existing ties between Tyrol and Pakistan, led to bundling responsibility long-term into a nonprofit structure: with clear roles, local partners, transparent fund use and concrete projects.
From personal experience to nonprofit platform
Mountain regions don't work in single categories. Safety, education, work, tourism, infrastructure and nature all shape each other.
That's why we view every project from three linked angles: people, use and nature. Only their interplay creates lasting resilience.
People
Mountain regions are living and working spaces. Safety, education, health, local perspectives and long-term career paths are thus central to our work.
Use
Tourism, mobility, infrastructure and economic growth shape mountain regions. Use should be responsibly designed, enable local value creation and benefit the region long-term.
We work to ensure mountain regions remain livable, safe and ecologically viable habitats for future generations.
Nature
Climate, water, ecosystems and sensitive habitats are the foundation of every mountain region. Protecting them, and using resources wisely, are essential for a viable future.
We want to show that sustainable development in mountain regions succeeds when local perspectives, responsible use and protecting nature are considered together.
Would you like to learn more or support a project?
Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions about our projects or are interested in supporting us.
Address
Höfener Straße 1
6610 Wängle
Austria