How do you prepare for tours in the mountains?
Fitness and experience
Overestimation of one‘s capabilities and those of other members of the troupe, does not belong on the mountains! How is one’s fitness and experience, is your stamina enough for the planned tour and do you need to be surefooted and have a head for heights on the planned route?
One thing we must never forget here – it is always better to turn around and get back home safe than to continue a tour that you are simply not suitable for.
Exact planning
Planning is certainly just as important as the appraisal of one’s own suitability. Maps and tour descriptions can be very helpful, but you can also draw on information from Alpine clubs and locals, including the hut owners as well.
It is important to once again check the weather before heading up into the mountains. Nothing can spoil a day on the go, like a sudden change of weather.
Equipment and clothing
Always pay attention to the appropriate equipment and clothing, especially solid, high shoes with non-slip soles, as well as rain and cold protection are very important. It is always better to tell badly prepared tourists in the mountains about the dangers of poor equipment, than to belong to them.
What must we consider when on the go?
Checking out and back in
Regardless of how long or hard the tour is, there should always be someone who knows where you are, is waiting for your return and, if necessary, raises the alarm if this does not happen at the agreed time. This can be friends, family, but also the hut or bed and breakfast hosts.
The pace
The speed and the length of each stage must be adapted to the weakest link in the group. Especially at the beginning of the tour, pay special attention to walking slowly. Be sure to observe other participants to ensure that exhaustion can be detected in time.
Marked trails
The Alpine areas should not be underestimated. You are only really safely on the go, when you do not leave the marked paths. Use extreme caution when walking on steep grass slopes, especially when wet. The crossing of steep snow fields or glaciers is particularly dangerous.
© SalzburgerLand Tourismus – the pleasure of a mountain tour is often boundless, however safety must always take first place.
