Gschwandtner's academic work involved in the research and promotion of women's issues since the late 1980s.

[2] Gschwandtner gained experience in high-altitude mountain climbing through ascents of Lenin Peak (7,143 m) and Denali (6,194 m).

On the way to climb her first eight-thousander, Gasherbrum II, Gschwandtner died unexpectedly during the expedition in Pakistan.

At age 41 she was found dead in her tent at base camp at 5,000 meters above sea level on the Abruzzi Glacier.

In 2002, she produced a film about Salzburg climbing pioneer Helma Schimke, "Über allem der Berg".