A winter trip to the mountains is the same he alth - exercise, fresh air, relaxation. However, there are some rules to follow when skiing or hiking in the mountains. When planning such a vacation, you have to make a lot of effort to ensure your own comfort and safety. Learn the most important safety rules in the mountains in winter.

Winter in the mountains: safety rules on the ski slope

On most of the slopes we find a nice pub where we can have a snack or warm up when it's frosty or strong wind outside. On the slopes, there are services where you can quickly adjust or rent equipment, and many have shops where you can buy the missing trinkets, such as goggles or gloves. So you can feel safe in this sense. It is enough to have money to quickly solve most of the problems that arise. You will be protected from the others by following a few rules:

  • Safety on the slope is regulated by the skier's decalogue. It deals with the obvious, but when you look at skiers on the slopes you will find out how often they forget that priority on the slope is always given to the slower or lower skier. And that every accident on the slope deserves attention - you may need to call or arrange for help.
  • Everyone, not only children, must ski with helmets. The law stipulates that children and adolescents under the age of 16 cannot be on the slope without helmets, but all adults should also follow this rule.
  • Don't drink alcohol if you're going to go downhill any more. This is a very important rule that even the most experienced skiers should follow.

Winter in the mountains: safety rules on the hiking trail

Winter trips to the mountains are so specific that you never know when we will return home. Even if you are planning a two-hour walk in easy terrain, you may find that due to a sudden break in the weather, your escapade will drag on for another two hours. If you are planning a longer trip, you cannot be sure that you will have time to come back before nightfall. Therefore, when going on a trip, you should follow a few basic rules.

  • First of all - get dressed: warm and comfortable. Preferably in several layers of clothing, so that it is easy to remove a sweatshirt or sweater on the approach,when, despite the frost, you will sweat anyway, and dress on the top, where the wind blows. Regardless of the weather, wear underpants, a windproof jacket with a hood, a hat, a scarf, gloves (you should also put some in the backpack as a spare). Put on waterproof vibrator shoes, and also make sure you have leg pads to prevent snow from falling into your shoes.
  • Secondly you need to eat properly and with calories. And on the way, take a thermos with hot tea, some quick calories (chocolate) and some concrete that will allow you to organize a decent meal, if your trip was to last longer than planned.
  • Third: protect the skin of the face and hands against frost (with a greasy cream, do not use a moisturizer!) And against the sun (sunscreen). It's best to buy a two-in-one cream. Winter sun can burn you really badly. Think about your eyes too and protect them from wind and sun. Ski goggles work well in both situations.
  • Fourth: put a flashlight in your backpack (better to keep the batteries in your pocket close to your body so that they will not run out in the cold), matches and a mobile phone with the TOPR and GOPR emergency number saved, used to call for help (it automatically directs the call to nearest station). This number is 0 601 100 300. Additionally, it is worth entering the local number of the mountain ambulance service.
  • Fifth: you need to know where you are going. Think about the route of the trip, estimate the time of the trip, remembering that winter times have nothing to do with summer times, which are often shown on maps. In winter you walk much slower! Plus, it's easier to get lost: snow-covered paths and trail signs can be difficult to find. You must have a map and a compass (and be able to use them).
  • Sixthly: leave a message (at the hostel, guesthouse, hotel) where you are going and what time you will be back. And ask the staff to alert GOPR if you are too late. And - what is important - log off after your return to avoid unnecessary alarms. If you are going to the higher parts of the mountains in winter, it is best to immediately notify the rescuers of the planned route of the trip.
  • Seventh: do not go on winter trips alone. It's easier and safer in a group.
  • Eighth: don't go where it's dangerous. For several years now, winter hiking trails have not been closed, even in the Tatra Mountains. Only boards informing about the avalanche risk (on a scale of 1 to four) are set up. If you see a warning like this, think twice before continuing.
  • Ninth: don't overextend yourself. When walking in deep snow, take turns in handling. Priming is very tiring and even the strongest participantexpeditions, blazing the trail without interruption, will finally run out of strength. And these will be needed by the end of the trip.
  • Tenth: don't follow your plans no matter what. When the weather deteriorates, you feel tired, hungry, something starts to hurt - turn back from the road. No kidding in winter.

Category:

Winter sports