When it is as warm as the past few days, many Austrians end up in the high, cool mountains. The red-white-red Alpine region is a popular recreation area, but it also has dangers. Recently, a terrible incident occurred on the Arlberg in Tyrol, where a 64-year-old resident and her tour guide fell 70 meters, resulting in death.
According to Martin Gurdet of the Austrian Mountain Rescue Service, the sources of danger on the mountain lie mainly within yourself or in the environment. “Being overwhelmed or overtired are important issues that should always be taken into account. Especially getting overwhelmed when you’re doing something you’re not capable of.”
Make sure you have good footwear
Proper equipment is the most important thing for a mountaineer, and footwear is a crucial part of that. “This must of course be chosen in such a way that it also fits in with the planned tour. If you have a short distance, light equipment is a good idea.” Gurdet, who has been a volunteer mountain rescuer for 25 years, makes it clear: “Flip-flops don’t belong on the mountain. That’s not how it works.”
In hot weather: start early and drink plenty of water
If you want to climb a mountain on hot days, it’s best to start as early as possible so you don’t end up in the intense midday heat. “It’s important to act defensively and maybe skip a trip in this warm period if you can’t handle it physically and with your circulation.” Gurdet strongly advises alpine friends to bring plenty of fluids and take breaks to drink. When hiking, you should also choose a shady side, because in places where the sun hits the rock from morning to noon, you can dry out many times faster.
Don’t expect too much in the beginning
Even if you have discovered the joy of hiking, you should start mountaineering activities slowly. Self-evaluation plays a major role, especially on the mountain. Gurdet recommends approaching it slowly, taking easy mountains and easy treks first. No one has ever climbed Mount Everest right from the start.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
