Be cautious in the mountains

The old Slovenian proverb says that it is not the mountain that is mad, but rather whoever decides to climb it. Especially whoever is not appropriately equipped and prepared. Many dangers lurking in the mountains can turn the wonderful experience of getting in touch with nature into a harrowing one and the end can be bitter. That’s why you should respect the mountains and be very careful and, above all, well equipped and in good shape on your mountain trip. To enjoy the panoramic views from Slovenian mountain tops in safety, follow the instructions of the Alpine Association of Slovenia.

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Be safe in the mountains in winter, too

It is understandable that the snow-capped peaks are attractive to the eye and that they lure many people out of the valley. But one should know that they can also be insidious. The mountain paths are covered in snow and this is why markings are not visible. Avalanches, icy sections and cornices of snow blown by wind over crests await hikers. If you need an hour to climb a peak in summer, this time at least doubles in winter conditions. Days are shorter and temperatures lower. Conditions in the mountains can change quickly even more so than in summer. Most mountain huts are closed in winter.  So here are a few tips about things to check before you head into the snowy mountain idyll.

Check the weather and snow conditions in the mountains. Don't go to the mountains after heavy snowfall or thaws (wait at least three days) due to the increased risk of avalanches.

Choose a tour that suits your physical and mental condition and don't go to the mountains on your own. Inform your family about your planned tour.

As most mountain huts are closed in winter, take plenty of warm non-alcoholic drinks and food with you.

Make sure you have the proper equipment – winter hiking boots, warm clothes, gaiters, ice axe, crampons, avalanche equipment (beacon, probe and shovel). Make sure that the equipment works flawlessly and that you know how to use it properly.

As days are shorter, start the tour early enough and bear in mind that a tour takes longer in winter conditions than in warm weather.

If you are not very skilled at hiking in the mountains and you are not experienced enough, go to the mountains in an organised group led by an experienced and licensed guide. And don't forget that the natural environment and its residents rest in winter. Be considerate of them, don't disturb them and enable them to spend winter as peacefully as possible.

More information is available on the website of the Alpine Association of Slovenia (PZS).

Plan your route

Carefully plan your hike. Choose an appropriate trail considering your physical and mental fitness and inform someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Follow the weather forecast and head out in the early morning to avoid possible afternoon storms. If you’re going on a longer hike, you should book your stay in a mountain hut in advance. Put your name in sign-in books at designated mountain spots and include the direction of your arrival and departure.

 

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Choose the right equipment

Wear appropriate footwear – sturdy hiking boots. Alpine weather is unpredictable, so you should carry warm clothes, a hat and gloves, even in the summer. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen. Take enough non-alchoholic drinks and food that will give you enough energy without weighing you down too much. It is also recommended you carry a helmet, a torch, appropriate thermal protection, personal first aid kit, a hiking map and a compass.

 

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Don’t stray off marked trails

In Slovenia, mountain and hiking trails are marked with the Knafelc blaze (white dot inside a red ring). If you stray off the marked trails, do not continue. Choose the best suited trail for your skills. Keep in mind that it is quite common, even in the summer, to encounter snowfields that require special attention.

 

Check the state of mountain trails

When planning your tour, pay attention to the route you intend to take to reach your destination. It is important to choose routes suited to your physical and mental fitness. Find out what equipment you need for the route you have chosen; is it an easy tour where you “just” need good hiking boots, or have you chosen a very demanding route with sections that require full protective equipment such as a helmet, harness and self-protection kit? And of course – make sure the trails you will be walking on are open. Never use closed mountain trails! You can check the current state of trails on the website of the Alpine Association of Slovenia.

Check the state of trails

Follow the signs that keep you on the right track

When you go on a hike, follow the markings along the path. This way you won't get lost and you will arrive at your destination safely. The best-known is the Knaflič markings (white dot in a red circle).The markings are drawn on large trees, rocks and other suitable and visible places along the trail. There are also signposts at crossroads that indicate the level of difficulty and the estimated walking time. There are special markings for European and thematic trails, some of which are additionally marked with their logos.  

pohodnistvo v sloveniji_oznake ob poti

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En route with a mountain guide

If you’re inexperienced and unfamiliar with the terrain, you’re advised to go hiking or mountaineering with a licensed mountain guide. Mountain guides are able to advise and guide you on safe paths, make sure that you use appropriate equipment and guide you safely on mountain peaks or along mountain trails. When choosing a guide, pay attention to their licence and whether their licence is suitable for the route you’re planning.

There are several types of licences in Slovenia. IFMGA is the only internationally recognised licence that enables a guide to work anywhere in the world. Mountain guides with the IFMGA licence may lead tours of all difficulties and technical complexities in any mountain terrain. Mountain guides with the UIMLA licence can only lead tours for which no climbing equipment is needed and no short roping or climbing with a roped party is required.

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You can never be too careful

Even when you are overwhelmed with the beautiful mountain views, pay full attention and don’t forget about the Alpinist code of conduct. Make sure you ascend and descend safely from mountain tops and act responsibly for the safety of others. You can find more safety tips for summer mountaineering in the special brochure of the Alpine Association of Slovenia.

Staying safe in the mountains

Discover the beauties of the mountains and stay safe

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