Choose less crowded destinations and monitor snow conditions

The weekend offers a good weather forecast. Many will use the free days to visit the mountains and have fun on the snow. Movement in the fresh air is certainly welcome for better psychophysical well-being, but at the same time, do not forget to take care of your safety.



Let us reiterate the most important tips for a safer visit to the highlands and mountains.



Backpack and recommended mountaineering equipment



Even for shorter trips, set off with a backpack containing the recommended mountaineering equipment. Above all, we highlight first aid, a headlamp, and warm clothing. "The human body is exposed to wind and cold in the mountains, and without warm clothing, we can be in serious trouble in unpredictable situations," advises PZS expert collaborator and mountain rescuer Matjaž Šerkezi.



Video: Safer in the mountains/ choosing equipment before heading to the mountains



Icy ground requires special footwear



In many places, especially on paths exposed to a larger number of visitors, the snowy ground has become compacted and therefore slippery. The step is not safe, and walking is unpleasant and dangerous. For a safer step, use microspikes and trekking poles. We have in mind paths such as those to Šmarna gora, Uršlja gora, Sv. Primož above Kamnik, Velika and Menina planina, Tamar... that is, paths without significant steepness and dangerous slopes. "As soon as we are dealing with steep and exposed paths, we must use crampons and an ice axe, wear gloves on our hands, and of course, know how to use both. Above all, master self-arrest with the ice axe. Otherwise, both provide only false security. We advise against trekking poles together with crampons, as they are a dangerous combination."



Video: Safer in the mountains/ use of ice axe and crampons



Snow avalanches



Wherever there is snow, there is a risk of snow avalanches. Wind forms wind slabs that are hard to predict. According to data from the Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO), the avalanche risk is above sea level around 1400 m CONSIDERABLE, level 3, lower down MODERATE, level 2. In the eastern part of our mountains, where there is less snow, the boundary between level 2 and 3 is somewhat higher. Above all, steeper slopes and numerous areas with wind-blown snow and gullies where snow has accumulated are dangerous. There, even with minor loading, you can trigger a wind slab avalanche from steep slopes. On steep slopes, individual spontaneous wind slab avalanches are also possible, where overloading due to wind-blown snow will occur.



The snowpack will transform only slowly again due to the cold, avalanche conditions will hardly change today, tomorrow, and on Monday. The sun, due to low temperatures, will not significantly affect snow transformation, except on sun-exposed slopes of the lower mid-mountains. Above all, great caution is needed on steeper slopes and areas with wind-blown snow.



Avoiding avalanche-prone areas



"The latest accidents with snow avalanches in the mountains confirm that the conditions are dangerous and even the most experienced cannot predict them. Therefore, we advise against visiting the mountains for all those without experience moving in snowy mountains. For others, avoid exposed and known avalanche-prone areas. We recommend using an avalanche transceiver and avalanche airbag backpack, above all, great caution. Do not be tempted by snow-covered slopes that call for excellent skiing, as they hide dangerous traps. Follow the well-intentioned recommendations of mountain rescuers, because every accident is unnecessary," adds Matjaž Šerkezi.


Video: Safer in the mountains in winter/ avalanche beacon


Video: Safer in the mountains in winter/ avalanche probe


Video: Safer in the mountains in winter/ avalanche shovel


Video: Safer in the mountains in winter/ searching for the buried in a snow avalanche using the avalanche transceiver



Be inventive when choosing a destination, also with the help of a mountaineering map



Over the last nice weekends, we have observed crowds and traffic chaos at tourist mountaineering spots. Slovenia is a diverse country offering varied activities, and with a little preparation and planning, we can avoid crowds and contribute to relieving individual areas. When planning a trip, anticipate a backup destination and change the plan if you see a crowd upon arrival. From experience, it can be just a little aside, say the "neighboring hill". "Make sure to park the car in designated places and not block roads with it, preventing traffic flow. Keep in mind that rescue vehicles are wider than passenger cars and that in case of intervention, every minute counts. A wrongly parked vehicle can mean that someone does not get help in time. With that, we are responsible for their life. Likewise, do not try at all costs to drive to the point we have envisioned. Mountain roads are icy, and without proper winter equipment and experience, we quickly get stuck in the middle of the road, thereby obstructing other vehicles and especially rescue vehicles again. At the same time, we put ourselves and other passengers in the vehicle in danger."



Adapt destinations to the weakest member



A trip with children should be adapted to their age. Take care of their appropriate footwear and clothing. The summit should not be the goal, but sociability on the way. "Do not overdress them, as they are more active than adults and get hot quickly, which they express with reluctance and resistance. Do not expose them to dangers. Their desire to visit higher mountains will grow with years and maturity," concludes Matjaž Šerkezi.



Welcome to our Little Mountaineering School, where we continuously publish educational, fun, and preventive content from the world of mountaineering. More information on safer mountain visits can be found in our online corner Safer in the mountains.



Follow measures to prevent the coronavirus epidemic and let the trip be full of fresh air, joy, and above all wisdom and prudence.



Alpine Association of Slovenia