Good to know

Behaviour on the mountain

In order to enjoy hiking in the mountains to the full, it is important to consider a few safety aspects. This applies to cautious behaviour towards grazing animals as well as planning a high alpine tour.

When hiking, you feel the effects of the weather much more strongly and directly than down in the valley. Good tour planning and adherence to important rules of behaviour considerably increase safety on the mountain. To ensure that hikers and mountaineers are safe in the mountains, the Austrian Alpine Association has 10 recommendations for safe mountain hiking.

10 tips for safe mountain hiking

  • Healthy in the mountains

    Mountain hiking is an endurance sport. The positive stress stimuli for the heart and circulation require good health and a realistic self-assessment. Avoid time pressure and choose a pace that ensures no one in the group gets out of breath.

  • Careful planning

    Hiking maps, guide books, the Internet and experts provide information on length, altitude difference, difficulty and current conditions. Always tailor tours to the group! Pay particular attention to the weather forecast, as rain, wind and cold increase the risk of accidents.

  • Complete equipment

    Adapt your equipment to your trip and make sure your rucksack is light. Rain, cold and sun protection should always be in your rucksack, as well as a first aid kit and a mobile phone (Euro emergency number 112). A map or GPS will help you find your way.

  • Suitable footwear

    Good hiking boots protect and relieve your feet and improve your sure-footedness! When choosing them, make sure they fit perfectly, have a non-slip tread sole and are waterproof.

  • Surefootedness is the key

    Falls as a result of slipping or tripping are the most common cause of accidents! Please note that excessive speed or tiredness can severely impair your surefootedness and concentration. Beware of falling rocks: by walking carefully, you can avoid falling rocks.

  • Stay on marked paths

    In pathless terrain, the risk of losing your bearings, falling and falling rocks increases. Avoid shortcuts and return to the last known point if you lose your way. Often underestimated and very dangerous: steep old snowfields!

  • Regular breaks

    Timely breaks help you to relax, enjoy the scenery and socialise. Eating and drinking are important to maintain your performance and concentration. Isotonic drinks are ideal thirst quenchers. Muesli bars, dried fruit and biscuits will satisfy your hunger on the way.

  • Responsibility for children

    Please note that the focus is on variety and playful discovery for children! In passages where there is a risk of falling, one adult can only supervise one child. Very exposed tours that require prolonged concentration are not suitable for children.

  • Small groups

    Small groups ensure flexibility and enable mutual help. Inform people you know about your destination, your route and your planned return. Stay together in the group. Attention, lone travellers: even minor incidents can lead to serious emergencies.

  • Respect for nature and the environment

    To protect mountain nature: do not leave any rubbish behind, avoid noise, stay on the paths and do not disturb wild or grazing animals. Leave plants untouched and respect protected areas. Use public transport or form car pools for the journey.

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Difficulty of mountain trails

  • Hiking trails

    are for everyone: no mountain experience or specific mountain equipment is required. The paths are wide and without any significant inclines or declines. The signposting is in a basic yellow colour and has a white circle to indicate difficulty. Who is it for? Beginners and walkers Requirements. Sports shoes and clothing suitable for the weather

  • Red mountain paths

    are moderately difficult: some narrow and steep, but secured walking and climbing passages await hikers. The corresponding signs are in a basic yellow colour and have a red circle to indicate difficulty. Who is it for? Sure-footed and experienced mountain hikers Prerequisites: good physical condition, mountain experience and mountain equipment

  • Black mountain paths

    are narrow, almost entirely steep and exposed paths. If you set off on a black mountain trail, you must expect longer secured walking and climbing passages. Black mountain trails are marked on the yellow basic signs with a black circle to indicate difficulty. For whom? Mountaineers who are free from giddiness, sure-footed and experienced alpine climbers Requirements: very good physical condition, alpine experience and mountain equipment, sometimes alpine safety equipment, good weather conditions

  • Alpine routes

    are very difficult and not for everyone. They are located in high alpine terrain, meaning they are exposed and have unsecured walking and climbing passages. The danger of falling is expressly pointed out, as Alpine routes are at risk of slipping in places. The signposting is labelled "Alpine Route" as the level of difficulty. Who is it for? Mountaineers who are free from giddiness, sure-footed and experienced in high alpine terrain Requirements: excellent physical condition, extensive mountain experience, alpine climbing equipment, safety and orientation equipment, good weather conditions

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