For safer visits to the mountains
16.12.2016
The approaching beautiful days and holidays are perfect for visiting the mountains. However, we must not forget that there is already snow in the high mountains and in some mid-mountains, especially on northern slopes and above 2000 meters. The GRZS mountain accident statistics and recent fatal accidents should remind us that we should head to the mountains planned, prepared, and responsibly. We ask all mountain visitors to respect expert recommendations, as moving in the mountains without proper equipment, knowledge, and experience is dangerous!
There is already snow in the high mountains and in some mid-mountains, especially on northern slopes and above 2000 meters. Temperatures drop below zero at night in many places, consequently freezing the ground - ice hides under dry grass and leaves. At this time, days are shorter, many mountain huts are closed, and an additional factor is snow and the consequent avalanches and low temperatures.
We ask all mountain visitors to respect expert recommendations, as moving in the mountains without proper equipment, knowledge, and experience is dangerous!
The use of an ice axe and crampons in winter (in addition to the mandatory equipment that must be in every backpack), regardless of snow in the mountains, is mandatory, so they must be in every backpack.
So-called chains, microspikes, snowshoes…, which are intended for walking on snow-covered and icy forest roads and frozen ground in urban environments, ARE NOT A SUITABLE replacement for classic 12-point hiking crampons and are dangerous if used in the mountains or where the terrain does not allow it!
We recommend the use of a helmet, especially there:
- where mountain trails run under cliffs and there is a risk of falling rocks,
- on scree slopes, where there is an increased possibility of rocks being dislodged by other visitors,
- the helmet also protects the head in case of a fall.
An integral part of the equipment is the avalanche trio, consisting of a transceiver, probe, and aluminum shovel. The recommendation of the international rescue organization IKAR is also that the avalanche transceiver should be: digital, triple-antenna, and have a marking button in case of multiple buried persons. If we are frequent mountain visitors in winter, it is advisable to consider using a backpack with an airbag.
Now is also the time for everyone to refresh their knowledge of safer mountain visits in winter, replace batteries in the avalanche transceiver or take it for a function check and software upgrade (information on checks and upgrades for specific transceiver types can be obtained exclusively from authorized sellers).
Mountain visitors can acquire knowledge and experience for safer winter mountain hiking at courses and trainings: 21.-22. 1. 2017 on Pokljuka: Day of avalanche protection (GRZS), 7. 1. 2017 on Zelenica: Avalanche protection course (GRS Tržič), 21. 1. 2017 in Grohot pod Raduho: Avalanche day (GRS Koroške), 27.-28. 1. 2017 on Mali planini: Course for safer mountain hiking (GRS Kamnik), 11.-12. 2. 2017 on Okrešlju: Day of avalanche protection (GRS Celje).
Do not be misled by posts and beautiful photos on social networks and websites. These are subjective assessments; what is easy for me may not be for you, as I do not know who is behind the post - what their experience, knowledge... are. Quality and verified information can be obtained on the websites of the Alpine Association of Slovenia and the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia, as well as in printed editions (mountaineering guides, mountaineering maps...).
Going to the mountains in winter requires careful planning, obtaining field information, and considering personal psychophysical characteristics, experience, and knowledge from mountaineering school. Otherwise, we advise going to the mountains with a guide of the Alpine Association of Slovenia or a mountain guide, or joining one of the mountaineering clubs that have qualified staff for safer mountain visits.
The GRZS mountain accident statistics and recent fatal accidents should remind us that we should head to the mountains PLANNED, PREPARED, and RESPONSIBLY.