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Hiking safely in the Alps does not start on the trail, but weeks earlier with thorough preparation. With the right equipment, realistic route planning and knowledge of the weather conditions, you minimise the risks. That way you can enjoy the mountains to the full. This summer, dozens of hikers lost their lives in the Alps. That is a sobering reminder that good preparation can save lives. In this article, you will read how to protect yourself and your travel companions against the most common dangers.
Why physical preparation makes all the difference
The Alps offer routes for every level, but even an easy mountain hike makes greater demands on your body than walking in lowland areas. Being in good shape helps you to complete your route. It also gives you reserves for unexpected situations such as bad weather or detours.
Start several weeks before your Alps holiday with regular training walks. Go for longer walks with a rucksack two or three times a week. This allows your body to get used to the extra weight. Add cardio training to improve your stamina. When you are on holiday, start with a route that is below your level. That way you always keep something in reserve and you can better assess what you are capable of.
Hiking with children? Then use the rule of thumb of one kilometre per year of age for the distance. Planning longer hikes with young children? In that case a child carrier or baby carrier is a sensible investment. This prevents a hike from becoming too strenuous and keeps the walk enjoyable for everyone.
‘ New boots can cause blisters. ’
Which hiking boots for Alpine trails
Hiking boots are your most important piece of kit in the mountains. Choose sturdy hiking boots with soles that have a deep tread. These provide good grip on rocky ground and slippery paths. High-cut boots give extra support to your ankles. This helps on steep descents and uneven terrain.
Break in your boots properly before you leave. New boots can cause blisters. This quickly makes a hike uncomfortable. Always take a spare pair of socks in your rucksack. Wet or damp socks increase the risk of blisters. They also make your feet get cold more quickly.
What to take with you for a safe mountain hike
A comfortable rucksack with the right contents is indispensable for safe hiking. Wear functional, warm clothing using the layering principle. You then wear several thin layers. You can put these layers on or take them off as needed. Add the following:
- Good waterproofs, because the weather in the mountains can change quickly
- A warm fleece or jumper and a hat, as much body heat is lost through your head
- Sun protection with a high SPF, as the sun is much stronger in the mountains than in the lowlands
- A sun hat or cap for extra protection
Besides clothing, safety items are vital. Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged. Take a power bank with you. Save the local mountain emergency number in your contacts. In Austria this is 140, in Switzerland 1414 and in Germany and Italy 112. Pack a first-aid kit and an emergency blanket. The latter weighs very little but can be life-saving in the event of hypothermia or an accident.
Take at least two litres of water with you. Also take enough carbohydrate-rich food such as bread, muesli bars, biscuits and dried fruit. Your body uses more energy in the mountains than you are used to. Exhaustion greatly increases the risks.
How to plan a safe route
Good route planning prevents unpleasant surprises. Check the length and total ascent and descent of your route in advance. Also check the difficulty level. Check the weather forecast. Keep an eye on the weather during your hike. Mountain weather can change quickly. An innocent-looking morning can turn into a dangerous afternoon.
Take a topographical map and a compass with you. Do not rely solely on your phone. In remote areas there is often no signal. Your battery also runs down quickly. Always let someone know what your route is and when you expect to be back. Ask at local information points about closed sections or dangerous stretches, such as areas with rockfall.
Set off early in the day. An early start ensures that you are back well before dark. Sometimes a hike takes longer than planned. Starting early also gives you more time to safely choose an alternative route if the weather changes. You can also turn back earlier.
‘ Never walk through fast-flowing rivers. ’
Safety rules for mountain hikes while walking
On the trail itself, staying alert is the basis of safety. Always stay on the marked path. That is the official route. Do not leave this path. This applies especially on slippery grassy slopes or loose rocks. A seemingly attractive shortcut may look tempting at first glance, but quickly becomes dangerous.
Hiking in a group? Let the slowest hiker set the pace. Always stay together. Do not let anyone out of your sight. Do not walk on rocks unnecessarily. Never throw stones downhill. There are often other hikers below you. This puts them in danger. Passing through an area with rockfall? Cross it as quickly as possible, but do not run.
In a thunderstorm, avoid metal cables and ladders. Also avoid aluminium walking poles. A shelter may be too far away. In that case, crouch down. Make yourself as small as possible. Never walk through fast-flowing rivers, especially if the water is cold, deep or powerful. A map may show a small stream. In the mountains, this can turn into a dangerous obstacle.
Preventing altitude sickness in the Alps
Altitude sickness occurs when you ascend to high altitude too quickly. Your body does not get enough time to acclimatise. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Severe altitude sickness causes life-threatening complications.
The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to ascend gradually. Want to hike at high altitude? Then start lower down. Give your body time to adapt. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol. Pay attention to the signals your body sends you, especially the early warning signs. Do you continue to have a headache or feel nauseous? Then descend immediately to a lower altitude. Rest is an effective treatment. Descending is the only other effective treatment.
What to do in an emergency in the mountains
Precautions do not always help. Sometimes things still go wrong. A good emergency plan prevents panic. It saves lives. Decide in advance what you will do if the weather turns. Also think about what you will do if a path is unsafe. Agree what happens if someone gets injured. Also make arrangements for what to do if someone gets lost.
An accident happens. Stay calm. Call for help. Blow a whistle. Give light signals. Wave an item of brightly coloured clothing. There is an injured person. Never leave them alone. Call the mountain emergency number. Clearly state your location. Your phone has GPS coordinates. These help the rescue services to reach you more quickly.
Make sure you have good mountaineering insurance. This insurance covers helicopter transport. A helicopter rescue operation in the Alps costs thousands of euros. Insurers offer specific cover for mountain sports. The insurance from the NKBV (Royal Dutch Mountaineering and Climbing Association) is one example.
‘ In case of problems, you cannot count on immediate help from others. ’
Special points of attention for solo hikers and families
Hiking alone? Then choose a popular route. Choose a well-marked trail. Do not overestimate yourself. Trust your intuition. Does something not feel right? Then turn back. You can also choose a different route. Solo hiking requires extra alertness. In case of problems, you cannot count on immediate help from others.
Hiking with your family? Clear rules are then important. Teach children not to run. Teach them to watch carefully where they put their feet. Teach them to stop and stand still before difficult sections. Some paths are not waymarked. Keep off those. Make sure children wear a warm jumper and hat. Also make sure they have good sun protection. Their bodies lose heat more quickly. They are also more sensitive to the sun.
On the Traveler Tips website, you will find much more information about travelling safely. You will find routes throughout Europe, as well as tips for a well-planned holiday. Discover practical guides about equipment, and guides about destinations and planning. These help you prepare even better for your next trip.
Frequently asked questions
It is important to hike safely in the Alps by choosing a route that matches your fitness level, taking proper equipment with you and following the weather forecast. Make sure you have sturdy hiking boots, enough water and food, and always take a map, a charged phone and a first-aid kit. Stay on marked paths, let the slowest person set the pace and start early so you are back before dark. Tell someone your planned route and return time, and know the local mountain emergency numbers (for example 140 in Austria, 1414 in Switzerland).
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It is important to be well prepared before heading into the Alps: choose a route that matches your fitness level and err on the side of easier rather than harder. Wear sturdy mountain boots, layered clothing, and take enough water (at least 2 litres per day) plus protection against sun and cold. Plan your route using a map and weather forecast, start early and let someone know where you will be walking and when you are expected back. Stay on marked paths and know the mountain emergency numbers (for example 140 in Austria and 1414 in Switzerland) for emergencies.
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