Safe hiking on the mountains

What could be better than the feeling of standing on a summit and gazing out into the distance? The taste of Kaspressknödel soup and Kaiserschmarrn after a strenuous hike? The stunning sunrise amidst the breathtaking mountain scenery? That’s right – these are the moments we live for! To ensure we can enjoy all of this to the full, we look after ourselves and our landscape. In these short videos from the Austrian Alpine Club, you’ll find tips and tricks to make your mountain experience unique and unforgettable.

#1 Being healthy & fit in the mountains!

Hiking in the mountains has positive effects on your health. However, you should only go on a hike if you are fit and, above all, in good health. The risk of cardiovascular failure is particularly high among male athletes over the age of 40. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to prepare properly for the hiking season!

#2 Planning and equipment

There are five points to bear in mind when planning a tour. Above all, it is important to plan carefully with regard to the tour itself, the group, the equipment and the conditions. Within the group, careful planning of the tour can help to prevent fears and doubts, and thus becomes part of the overall experience.

#3 Old snowfields

Caution: slippery! Old snowfields pose a frequently underestimated risk of falling. Particularly at the start of the hiking season following winters with heavy snowfall, there is a high risk of slipping on hard-frozen snowfields. However, with the right technique – and, above all, the right equipment – we are well prepared to tackle this alpine hazard.

#4 Difficulty rating system for trails

Blue, red, black – do you know your way round? There is no internationally standardised difficulty rating system for hiking and mountain trails. Even within Austria, the differences can be quite significant. In this tutorial, we’ll demystify the numerous different trail classifications and help you find your way through the maze of signposts.

#5 Find your way around

Are we still on the right track? Finding your way in the mountains is always a particular challenge. Even when hiking in the mountains, darkness, fog or poor trail markings can mean that your sense of direction is put to the test. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how a topographical map works and what electronic support options are available in the form of apps.

#6 Sure-footedness

Are you sure-footed? Balance and sure-footedness are among the most important basic motor skills for hill walking. However, as we spend almost all our time on paved surfaces in everyday life, it’s not at all a given that we’ll have these skills when we head into the mountains. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to optimise your movement and which mistakes you must avoid at all costs.

#7 Hiking with kids

Hiking – child’s play? Our motto is: we take our children into the mountains, not the other way round! Boring walks along the valley floor are terribly dull for children. It’s also important to include plenty of breaks and fun activities in the itinerary. In this video, you’ll find out what to bear in mind when hiking with children to ensure everyone has a good time.