Wild camping in the mountains is becoming increasingly popular – many people want to capture magical photos of overnight stays in silence under the stars for social media. However, wild camping is dangerous, irresponsible, and legally prohibited.
Mainly due to social media and influencers who are always seeking the perfect shot, many people want to experience the seemingly idyllic overnight stay under the stars in the mountains. "Slovenia is beautiful, we understand people why they choose such feats," said Vice President of the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia Miha Primc in the Dobro jutro show. At the same time, he emphasized that the law prohibits wild camping. Fines for violations are highest in Triglav National Park, where rules are even stricter than elsewhere. They do not have statistics on how widespread this type of camping is.
"We do not support such camping also because it can be dangerous," emphasized Primc and explained that the biggest dangers are weather and the location of the shelter. Weather conditions in the mountains change rapidly, and especially at night or during weather changes, the temperature can drop sharply. Moreover, there are unsuitable places for staying in the mountains, as rocks fall in certain locations, avalanches or landslides can also occur.
Primc stressed the difference between designated camping and emergency overnight stay in a bivouac, if night catches the visitor or they otherwise find themselves in trouble. "Erected bivouacs are intended for hikers on longer tours, or for emergency overnight stays. They are not a vacation destination as some imagine," he said and added that especially "architecturally interesting bivouacs" are crowded.
"We always say that it is nice in the hills, but you have to go there with your head. Once we went to the mountains those who knew how to move in them, we were prepared. Now it seems to us that everyone goes to the hills because they see on social media how nice it is," thinks Primc, who also added that a greater number of visitors means more accidents. To date, they have had a little over 300 interventions, which is about 40 more than last year. According to him, there are also many fatalities this year.
Thus, he warned that one must always prepare for a tour. The mountaineer must have first aid, sufficient amount of fluids, reserve food, warm clothing, headlamp, and a fully charged mobile phone in the backpack. In addition, it is essential to check the weather forecast and verify that the path is not too demanding.
Source:
https://www.rtvslo.si/zabava-in-slog/ture-avanture/gorsko-kampiranje-na-prostem-ni-nedolzna-pustolovscina/752320