I'm one of those who runs in the mountains. I was last weekend on Stol in fog with 10m visibility in microspikes, without poles or ice axe in 1h10min from Valvazor. In my opinion everyone is responsible for their own safety, right? The Alpine Association and mountain rescuers issue recommendations, not laws, right? We're not on the road where there's a law about winter tires/equipment.
Their statement: "Sometimes we really feel stupid when we come across people who underestimate the mountains so much," horrified Kranj mountain rescuers told us...
People follow opinions or not. I'm surprised they're surprised.
With increased visits, the number of accidents increases. If Vršič is full of cars every weekend, statistically few accidents in the mountains.
Ueli Steck didn't lack experience or equipment, yet he had an accident. The word itself says it's an ACCIDENT. Sometimes it happens due to wrong equipment, but that's not a prerequisite.
Some go to Triglav by clipping in with a via ferrata set, some run past without touching the cable.
In my opinion you're more prone to error if you have a heavy backpack and boots where every step must be precisely placed, than if you have running shoes, where sometimes I step badly and not even with full weight.
Some people are cautious, some of us are more reckless. An accident can happen to you or us. I don't agree it will happen to me sooner, conditioning, balance, weather, other things we have no control over play a big role..
An accident can happen to me even if I'm standing in BTC and a drunk driver runs me over.
Mountain rescue for wrong equipment use (always in my case) is payable, which we are aware of. Where's the problem? You call and pay the "fine", right? If I'm still able to call of course.
No one has exposed themselves yet I see, I'll be first: this is my way of crossing a snowfield:
https://youtu.be/zVy98rxRAI0?t=105 On the forum we write opinions and tips. And they are followed or not.
I wish everyone lots of enjoyment in the mountains,
Žiga Maraž