Safely on the mountain
tips for alpine safety in Grossarltal
Whether hiking, mountain biking, climbing, or mountaineering: anyone exploring the mountains of Grossarltal experiences impressive natural scenery and unique alpine adventures. To ensure that your day in the mountains is not only enjoyable but also safe, good preparation, choosing a suitable route, the right equipment, and prudent behavior are especially important. Careful planning helps you identify risks at an early stage, assess the weather and conditions correctly, and realistically take your own abilities into account. This creates the best foundation for enjoying your time in the mountains of Grossarltal safely and well prepared.
Safety in the mountains does not begin at the trailhead, but already during the planning stage. Especially in an alpine region like Grossarltal, it is important to choose tours carefully, allow enough time, and pay attention to your own energy levels. Distance, elevation gain, and difficulty should always match your personal fitness. Equally important are the weather forecast, current trail conditions, suitable equipment, and sufficient breaks. Time pressure has no place in hiking. Fatigue, reduced concentration, and careless steps can become a particular risk, especially during the descent.
Dos on the mountain
what belongs to a safe hike
Anyone who is attentive and considerate on the mountain contributes greatly to their own safety and to protecting nature.
- Stay on the marked trails.
- Take your rubbish with you and leave nature as you found it.
- Pack enough water and food for the entire hike.
- Check the weather forecast carefully before every tour.
- Plan and know your route before you set off.
- It is better to turn back if conditions are poor or your energy is fading.
- Watch your footing carefully, as tripping and slipping are among the most common causes of accidents in the mountains.
- Keep your distance from grazing animals and wildlife.
- Always keep dogs on a lead.
Don’ts on the mountain
what you should avoid
It is just as important to know what should be avoided in the mountains.
- Do not be overconfident.
- Do not dislodge any stones, and warn others immediately if it happens.
- Do not pick or damage protected plants.
- Do not disturb wildlife in protected areas.
- Do not use drones in protected areas.
- Avoid hiking alone whenever possible. It is safer to be out on the mountain with others.
Choosing the right tour
assess yourself honestly, decide wisely
Not every hike is suitable for every person. An honest self-assessment is the key to a safe and enjoyable tour. Hiking beginners in particular should ask themselves in advance whether their fitness, experience, and equipment really match the demands of the planned route. Important factors include:
- your own fitness and physical condition
- elevation gain, distance, and estimated walking time
- current conditions on site
- weather forecast
- suitable equipment
- experience in reading trail markings and hiking maps
- a realistic schedule including the return journey and dusk
- sure-footedness and a head for heights
If you feel unsure about several of these points, choosing an easier route is the better option.
On our website, you will find many different tour suggestions in Grossarltal with varying levels of difficulty.
Taking a look at the trail difficulty levels in Grossarltal also helps you choose a safe tour:
- Easy trails (blue): Walking paths and easy hiking trails, mainly in the valley area, with only minor elevation differences.
- Moderate trails (red): Predominantly mountain hiking trails, sometimes with narrower and sloping sections. Steeper passages may occur along the route. A head for heights is required in some places. Ankle-high hiking, trekking, or mountain boots with good grip are essential.
- Difficult trails (black): Demanding mountain hiking trails and alpine routes, often with narrow and steep sections. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are absolutely essential. In wet conditions, with remaining snow, or in icy conditions, these trails are particularly dangerous.
Careful route planning
safety begins before you set off
Good route planning helps you identify risks early and assess your hike realistically. When planning, pay attention to the following points:
- distance, elevation gain, and difficulty level
- refreshment stops along the route
- current weather forecast
- trail conditions and possible old snowfields at higher elevations
- sufficient time reserves
- breaks to maintain energy and concentration
- a suitable pace based on the terrain and your fitness level
It is especially important to remember that fatigue can affect concentration and that coordination and reaction speed often decrease, particularly during the descent. That is why the rule is: better to take one more break and hike without time pressure.
The hiking season begins with the arrival of spring. At higher altitudes, however, old snowfields can persist well into the summer. These hard-frozen snowfields are often slippery and are a frequent cause of accidents.
Be aware of the current conditions and do not underestimate old snowfields. Warning signs include, above all, a hard, slippery surface, steep gradients and a lack of tracks. Sturdy hiking boots are always a must in the mountains; additional spikes can provide extra grip.
As a general rule: turning back is no disgrace. If a steep old snowfield crosses the path, it can be very dangerous.
The right equipment
well equipped for exploring Grossarltal
The right equipment can make all the difference in whether a hike is enjoyable and safe. Breathable clothing and layering are recommended so that you can adapt easily to changing conditions. Headwear, rain protection, spare clothing to change into and keep warm, as well as sunglasses and sunscreen, are also part of the basic equipment.
Suitable clothing and footwear
- breathable clothing
- layered clothing
- headwear
- protection from rain, cold, and sun
- sturdy hiking shoes with a good fit
- non-slip soles with good grip
- ankle-high hiking boots for steeper terrain
Must-Haves in your backpack
- first-aid kit
- mobile phone
- enough water
- snacks and drinks
- sunglasses and sunscreen
- spare clothing
- ID and e-card
- cash
- tissues
- pocket knife
- headlamp
- hiking poles
- rubbish bag
- map or GPS device
- medication if needed
Alpine emergency
what matters in an emergency
If an alpine emergency occurs, it is important to stay calm and call emergency services.
Important emergency numbers are:
- 140 – Mountain Rescue
- 112 – European Emergency Number
- 133 – Police
- 144 – Ambulance
It is also important to:
- answer all questions about the accident location, the number of injured people, and what happened
- follow the instructions given
- stay on the phone and provide a callback number
No reception: What to do?
If there is no reception, switch your mobile phone off and, instead of entering the PIN code, dial 112 (European emergency number) immediately or press the SOS button. The European emergency number works regardless of the network provider. If your phone still does not work after switching it off and on again, change your location and try dialling 112 again at regular intervals. If that still does not help, make your way to the nearest alpine emergency reporting point, such as a mountain hut or lift station, and continue trying to call 112.
The alpine emergency signal
If making an emergency call is not possible, the alpine emergency signal should be used:
- six audible or visible signals within one minute
- one minute pause
- then another six signals
If you notice a call for help, the following applies:
- inform the emergency services immediately
- describe the location of the signal as precisely as possible
- respond with three signals
- one minute pause
- then another three signals
BergMate
additional safety support in the mountains
BergMate is an innovative safety app for mountaineers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts in Austria. Using state-of-the-art technology and a well-designed emergency system, BergMate helps ensure that you stay safe on every tour – from planning to a safe return. The app combines real-time location tracking, automatic emergency alerts, and comprehensive tour planning in a user-friendly interface. One particular advantage is that the safety chain remains intact even if the phone battery runs out or the smartphone is damaged, as the last transmitted location has already been saved on the server side.
Key features of the BergMate app:
- GPS tracking (5–10 metre accuracy)
- automatic alerting
- emergency portal for rescue services
- offline functionality
- mobile network coverage map
- real-time weather warnings
- thunderstorm warning (2-hour lead time)
- offline emergency handbook
- photo documentation of the tour
