With the first snow in the high mountains, special caution is needed...

With the first snow in the high mountains, special caution is needed, measures to contain the coronavirus in the hills.



The mountains are wonderful in winter. By following basic rules and choosing an appropriate destination, we can enjoy a wonderful sunny day with a view into the valley fog. Therefore, before entering winter, it is not superfluous to have some basic instructions for safe hiking in the mountains. But since the mountains and hills are not immune to the coronavirus either, we also add basic measures to limit the epidemic that apply to mountain huts. It is necessary to know that the huts have a special mode of operation or many have already closed their doors.







In the mid-mountains, we will rarely encounter snow. However, there is a lot of fallen leaves on the paths, covering wet roots, holes, and water freezes at night due to low temperatures. For this reason, caution is needed when walking, as we can easily slip, fall, and get injured on such a surface. "For safer walking, I recommend quality shoes and the use of hiking poles for better balance," advises PZS expert collaborator and mountain rescuer Matjaž Šerkezi.







As soon as we go a bit higher, already between 1300 and 1500 meters on the shady sides of the mountains, we will encounter snow. It thaws during the day, soaks the ground, and causes small avalanches that also cross hiking trails and cause considerable difficulties when walking, as the step is no longer reliable due to the unstable surface. If the snow freezes overnight, it poses a slipping hazard for mountain visitors. "It is especially dangerous where the snow meets the ground, i.e., at its ends, because a thin, transparent layer of ice forms there, and if we step on it, it does not provide enough friction to the boot, leading to slipping and falling. Wherever the path runs on snow with a slope, we recommend the use of an ice axe and crampons and, of course, mandatory knowledge of their use. On flat paths and tracks in lower areas and pastures where the ground is already frozen, microspikes will come in handy."







Before a hike in the high or mid-mountains, it is therefore necessary to know some basic recommendations, so it is not superfluous to ask yourself the following questions.







1. Where and how do I check the weather and snow conditions?







Before heading to the mountains, we must always check the snow conditions and the avalanche risk level. The best information is available on the website of our national weather portal (ARSO). We also regularly publish additional explanations and warnings about avalanche dangers on the website of the Alpine Association of Slovenia. "It should also be said that if you are not skilled in winter mountain hiking, I suggest going to the mountains with a mountain guide or an alpine guide from the Alpine Association of Slovenia. Winter mountain hiking requires a lot of knowledge and experience, as well as handling special technical equipment, which can be dangerous if used improperly. Even if the avalanche risk level is low (1st or 2nd degree), the danger exists," warns Matjaž Šerkezi.







2. What clothing do I choose?







Warmer clothing definitely belongs in the backpack in winter. A warmer down jacket, thicker hat and gloves, waterproof pants with an extended lumbar part and straps that prevent the back from showing are not superfluous. "Personally, I avoid gaiters that serve to prevent snow from getting into the boots, because condensation collects under them, which freezes in the cold and the movement feels unpleasant. Instead of gaiters, I have the lower part of the pants perforated and a cord threaded through it, which I tie under the boot soles to prevent the pant legs from riding up in deep snow and allowing snow free access to the boots. A neck gaiter is also highly recommended, which protects the neck, and in severe cold, we pull it over the mouth and nose to prevent inhaling cold air."







3. Are high boots necessary?







In winter, we always use only high boots as footwear. "I am particularly sensitive to weight and use lightweight hiking boots made of synthetic materials with a waterproof membrane that are easy to maintain. The sole must be stiff and well-lugged, as it does not bend under load and provides a secure step and support for the foot. It is also important that they have the possibility of attaching semi-automatic crampons at the heel." Low sports sneakers are not suitable for hiking in the mountains in winter, as we often encounter terrain that is not only snowy but also frozen. This certainly applies to most mid and high mountains in winter.







4. What is the chosen route?







The world in winter and in snow becomes completely different. In many places, established hiking trails that we use in the summer season are not suitable or even dangerous for walking, as there is a greater risk of avalanches. "If I take the easy hiking trail from Kamniške Bistrice to Kamniško sedlo, it takes on a completely different face in winter. A trail that is fairly easy in summer becomes demanding in winter. It is also necessary to consider that days are shorter, temperatures lower... Simply, we cannot head to Viševnik in winter in sports sneakers and tights, without a backpack and mandatory hiking equipment," adds Matjaž Šerkezi.







5. Poles yes or no?







In winter, for adults, yes. They provide additional support, help with balance, protect the knees. In short, walking in snow with poles is safer and easier. "In deep snow, I would also recommend touring skis or snowshoes. Only on the descent would I warn that the wrists are not strapped into the wrist straps, because there are quite a few injuries when during the descent the hiking pole gets between the legs or we step on it, pulling the wrist behind and due to the sudden jerk causing wrist injury, sometimes even back. I advise against poles for children, as it is important for them to properly develop basic motor skills and balance."







6. What to do if strong wind is forecast?







Wind can certainly be quite unpleasant, especially in the case of a phenomenon called spindrift, when snow crystals whirl in the air and whip the exposed face like a thousand needles. "I protect myself from the wind with a down jacket and a thinner wind jacket. I always wear a hat on my head, because we lose the most body heat through the head. I additionally protect my face with a neck gaiter and ski goggles, which also provide much better visibility," adds Šerkezi. If walking in the forest, there may be a risk of falling branches, which can be very dangerous. "In my entire mountaineering career, I have experienced a windstorm twice. I wouldn't want it again. In strong wind, I am always careful about what is happening above me, especially when going through the forest where mighty trees with individual dry branches loom overhead. Caution is never too much," Matjaž Šerkezi concludes at the end.







7. Is the hut open?







Most mountain huts close their doors at the end of October. This presents an additional difficulty in visiting the mountains in winter, as there is no possibility to warm up, shelter from a storm, or get hot food and drink. Some mountain huts open on weekends, but this is not a rule. Therefore, good preparation for the trip and information on whether the hut is open or not is even more important. The data is available on the website of the Alpine Association of Slovenia. You can check possible hut openings on the website of the society managing the mountain hut or call the hut warden. In the current coronavirus epidemic, it is not superfluous to warn that even open huts operate in a reduced capacity with the option of personal collection of food and drink. Strict adherence to safety guidelines (masks, interpersonal distance...) is required. Always take the packaging back to the valley. Overnight stays are not possible except in rare exceptions, and sanitary facilities are usually not available.







Choose less crowded paths







We are living in a time of coronavirus epidemic and numerous measures by the Slovenian government to contain the virus are in force. As of today, movement between municipalities is temporarily restricted, which has also reduced opportunities for hiking and climbing activities.







We urge all mountain visitors to adapt their mountain activities to the current situation, choose less crowded and easier paths so that there is no excessive crowding of visitors in individual areas. The experience will also be much nicer, because if at least 3 meters of mutual distance cannot be ensured during recreation in nature, the use of masks or mouth and nose coverings is prescribed.







We urge you not to expose yourselves to dangers in the mountains, so as not to contribute to accidents and additional burden on rescue and medical personnel. Take care of yourself and others. This way, everyone can contribute to normalizing the situation as soon as possible. You can read more about safer winter mountain visits on the PZS websites, and in December and January, you are cordially invited to winter hiking courses organized by individual GRS societies.







Mountains always with us







But because in the Alpine Association of Slovenia we take care that the hills and mountains are always with us, despite all restrictions and prohibitions, we have also issued the unique Mountaineering Calendar 2021 this year. 13 beautiful author photographs will take you through the Slovenian mountain world in different seasons. For all of us, mountain and nature lovers, this can be an invitation to new mountaineering challenges.







Safe on the hiking trails!