Correct behaviour in the mountains

Rules for walkers in the Valley of the Alms

Your own security and the conservation of the environment is of the utmost importance to us. Please adhere to the rules for correct behaviour in the mountains so that your hikes and mountain bike tours remain something wonderful to remember.

• Equipment
• Conduct in the event of an emergency
  
• Conduct with animals
  
• Conduct in the event of a storm
  
• The 10 basic rules for walkers
  

Equipment / Planning

• Sturdy shoes with grip
• Rucksack
• Sun protection
• Warm clothing
• Windproof over garments
• Sufficient food and drink
• Small first-aid kit (gauze bandage, sticking plaster, plasters, scissors or knife)
• Orienteering aids such as walking map, etc.
• Also helpful (particularly in the event of emergencies) is a mobile phone, even if is doesn't funtion everywhere

Conduct in the event of an emergency

Keep calm when an accident occurs! Try to call for help on a mobile phone or by shouting, whistling, waving large items of clothing etc. State who you are, what has happened and your location. Badly injured persons should not be moved from the accident site, unless they are in danger.

Never leave an injured person alone!

Important Telephone Numbers:
Mountain Rescue	140
Ambulance	144
Fire	122
Police	133
Automobile Club	120

Doctors
Dr Greil	0043 (0) 6414 388
Dr. Kürsten	0043 (0) 6414 8801
Dentist Dr. Weiß	0043 (0) 6414 8175

Conduct with animals

Up on the mountain pastures in the Grossarl Valley you will encounter all sorts of animals such as cows, calves, horses, sheep etc. Do not provoke the animals, just act "normally" and do not show any fear. A stick can often help to visually create the necessary respect. Often the animals are just curious and want to play. Avoid distressing young animals in any way. Mother animals instinctively try to protect their young.
This particulary applies to walkers with dogs. Always have your dog on the lead and don't let your dog chase any animals. Should an animal attack your dog -  despite it being on the lead - don't hold on tight, but let your dog run away for its own protection.

Conduct in the event of a storm

Inspite of careful planning, should you encounter a storm whilst on the mountain, avoid staying on the peak or ridge. Do not stand under solitary trees, next to gullies, at the foot of rockwalls, at the entrance to caves or next to electricity pylons. Try and head for valleys and dips. Only housing and cars etc. offer true protection.

Warning signs of an approaching storm: heap clouds with dark underside, frayed edges, far away rolls of thunder.

Danger: electrically-charged air (hair stands on end, crackling,...). Leave the danger area at once! Life-threatening danger!

The 10 basic rules for walkers

1. Before every mountain tour check your personal physical condition and evaluate correctly your stamina and that of your companions - especially of your children. Length of tour should be based on this.

2. Plan every tour exactly. Information from walking maps, accommodation and hut owners can be very useful.

3. Check you have the necessary equipment (as above), plenty to eat and a weather forecast.

4. Tell your accommodation owner, hut owner or other friends and acquaintances where you are going and the approx. time you will return. Fill out your destination and route in the hut and peak books. In an emergency this will help you to be found quickly and easily.

5. Pace yourself according to your physical condition and that of your partner. The pace should be suited to the weakest member of the group. Walking too quickly will tire you out easily. Always think in advance about the return route.       

6. Stay on the marked footpaths. Walking on steep, grassy slopes (especially when they are wet), snowfields or glaciers is always dangerous.

7. Beware of falling rock, which can often be caused by animals such as chamois or sheep etc. and don't kick away any loose stones. You could endanger other mountain walkers.

8. In the event of bad weather or not-so-good physical condition turn back in good time. This is not a disgrace, but a sign of prudence!

9. Keep calm in the event of an accident! Follow the rules as above.

10. Keep the mountains clean!

We wish you a pleasant stay in the "Valley of the Alms" with lots of beautiful, enjoyable and above all accident-free walks!