Safer in the mountains even in the second half of summer

The statistics of mountain accidents this year has already reached the figure of 278. In as many as 58 cases, the accident was caused by slipping, 35 by lack of terrain knowledge, and in 30 by physical unpreparedness. Unfortunately, mountain rescuers have brought 10 dead hikers down from the mountains, and 12 more died during other activities in the mountain environment. The Alpine Association of Slovenia, the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia, and the Mountain Unit of the Police are working in various areas of the mountain world to minimize unnecessary accidents. Summer has tipped into its second half in August and is slowly coming to an end. Days are getting shorter, the likelihood of afternoon thunderstorms is increasing, low temperatures can surprise us more frequently, and during storms and sudden deteriorations, scree and snow as well.



Mountain rescuers have thus participated in ten interventions in a short period where individuals suffered hypothermia. A nice sunny morning in the mountains can quickly turn into a real winter day with snow and cold. Inappropriate clothing such as shorts, a short-sleeved shirt, and possibly without a backpack that must always contain basic hiking gear including warm protective clothing, hat, and gloves, can cause severe hypothermia and even death, especially if the hiker cannot move.



A sunny day can quickly become too hot for many, especially if there is stuffiness associated with the formation of thunderstorm clouds. Sometimes excessive body weight, lack of general fitness, and possibly hidden or known chronic illnesses (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, cancer diseases, and cancer patients after chemotherapy, Lyme disease…), which are manageable in the valley and the individual lives normally with them, can become dangerous and often fatal in the mountains. This year, mountain rescuers have intervened in seven cases due to heart problems, and resuscitation was unsuccessful in four. We can recall that quite a few mountain huts are equipped with an automated external defibrillator, which is also published on the website of the Alpine Association of Slovenia under the Mountain Huts section.



At mountain huts, it should be emphasized that during the main hiking season they are overloaded and do not necessarily have available capacity for overnight stays. Therefore, before a multi-day trip to the mountains, call the caretakers and arrange a reservation (and also cancel it if you later cancel the trip). This also applies to individuals visiting the mountains with their pets. Dogs do not belong in sleeping and dining areas. Some huts have specially designated areas for dogs. It is good to inquire about this in advance with the caretaker. This way, there will be less bad mood on both sides, and we can adjust the planned trip accordingly.



Bivouacs are intended for shelter in emergency and exceptional cases. Far too often they function as mountain huts, and users leave trash, open bivouacs, food in the bivouac…



A helmet should be our constant companion, especially on hiking trails that run under walls, through scree fields, or are more frequented. Even a small stone can be fatal.



Take care of your safety and head to the mountains responsibly, not on a momentary impulse. In doing so, try to follow some basic guidelines:



Always go to the mountains with a backpack containing basic hiking gear (headlamp, first aid, protective glasses, large black trash bag that serves as an aluminum foil, hiking map, warm protective clothing, hat, and gloves).

Before the trip, make a plan, inquire about the route, make a reservation at the mountain hut.

Start the trip early (at 5 a.m.) if it is longer, as there is a higher chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Check the weather on ARSO or Pro Vreme, where you get objective weather forecasts. Weather apps on mobile phones should serve as additional information.

On exposed hiking trails, those running under walls, on scree fields… we recommend using a helmet (hiking helmet with UIAA and CE certification), also on descents when we are tired and it will protect the head from impact with the ground in case of a fall.

Wear hiking boots suitable for the season and the trip (boots intended for winter hiking are not suitable for summer trips – too heavy, too warm…).

Take a self-belay kit and other technical gear as needed and according to the characteristics of the trip. In case of lack of knowledge, none of the mentioned aids will be of much use. In that case, opt much rather for the accompaniment of a guide who will ensure your safety, or go on the trip with a mountaineering club.

Inform someone about the planned trip or leave the trip plan visible in the car, sign in the logbooks at mountain huts and summits. All this information is an important source of data for mountain rescuers.

Follow the rule of the weakest – whether going on the trip with children, elderly people, or individuals with chronic illnesses, disabled persons, physically less fit hikers – and adjust the trip to them.

Drink plenty of fluids and eat food in the form of nuts, energy bars that have low weight and volume. Have a substantial meal at the mountain hut. Alcohol does not belong in the mountains, leave tobacco at home.



If an accident occurs, stay calm. Ensure your safety, the safety of other trip participants, and the safety of the injured person. Call 112 or, in case of poor signal, send a short message to this number (without letters č, š, ž, as in this case the message is like MMS). The Information Center will notify mountain rescuers about the incident, who will contact you. Save battery and do not call unnecessarily, as the phone will be an important link with mountain rescuers at certain moments.



Keep in mind that we are only halfway when we reach the summit – our goal is to get home safely. The path to the valley is harder due to fatigue, and 70% of accidents happen on the descent.