Mountain Safety 101

As hiking season begins and snow recedes from the higher elevations, many trails reopen and become accessible again. 

However, mountain conditions can remain unstable well into summer. Snowfields above 2,000 meters, rapidly changing weather, and early-season trail damage are all common. 

Before setting off, it’s important to understand the risks and prepare accordingly—mountain environments operate on their own timeline and require careful planning.

Whether you’re trekking in the Alps, exploring the volcanic trails of the Azores, or hiking remote ridgelines in the Carpathians, mountain

Safety is key to enjoying your adventure.

But don’t worry—safe doesn’t mean boring. With the right preparation, gear, and awareness, you’ll not only stay out of trouble, but gain the confidence to enjoy every step of the journey.

8 Things You Should Keep in Mind:

1. Winter lasts longer in the mountains

Above 2,000 meters, snowfields are often present well into July, especially in shaded couloirs and north-facing slopes. Don’t assume your trail will be clear just because it’s summer.

👉 On the flip side: Watch for heat, too.

Dehydration, sunstroke, and sunburn are real risks even at altitude. Always carry enough water (at least 1.5–2L), wear a sunhat, and reapply sunscreen often—especially above 1,500 m where the sun is stronger.

2. Sudden change in weather

In the mountains, the weather can shift fast and dramatically. In the Alps, for example, thunderstorm risk rises sharply after 2 p.m., especially in summer.

Always check local mountain weather forecasts before setting out, using trusted sources like:

• MeteoSwiss (Switzerland)
• Météo France Montagne (France)
• SHMU.sk (Slovakia, Carpathians)

Avoid exposed ridges and high passes in the afternoon, and always aim to start your hike early. Being caught in a storm above the treeline can be dangerous—and entirely avoidable with good timing and preparation.

3. Know the (unpredictable) terrain

From the crumbling limestone of the Alps to the steep volcanic trails of the Azores, different mountains present different challenges. Rockfall, narrow ridgelines, and eroded paths can appear even on well-marked routes. Always stay focused and keep your footing secure.

4. Understand trail grading systems

What’s labeled “moderate” in one country might involve ladders and exposed ridgelines, while the same grade elsewhere could mean a wide forest path. 

Grading systems vary widely between regions, so it’s important not to rely on the label alone.

For example: A “moderate” trail in the Alps might mean 800 meters of elevation gain and a short stretch of cable-assisted rock. Meanwhile, a similarly graded hike in Portugal might be longer but easier underfoot, with no exposure.

To simplify things for our hikers, we’ve developed Hiking Difficulty Guide for our hiking tours, using two clear scales:

• Physical difficulty – how demanding the hike is on your body (distance, elevation, duration)
• Technical difficulty – how challenging the terrain is (steepness, exposure, use of hands, equipment)

5. Follow the signposts, but be map-savvy too

Most trails in Europe are well-marked with painted waymarks, trail signs, or cairns. Following them carefully helps you stay on course and avoid accidental detours, especially at junctions or in foggy weather.

⚠️ Be Aware: Every Country Has Its Own Trail Marking System

In Switzerland, you might follow yellow diamond signs; in Slovenia, red-and-white bullseye blazes; in Spain, painted stripes for GR routes. Some are crystal clear—others, not so much. Knowing what to look for before your hike makes navigation easier and safer.

6. Cows and sheep have bodyguards

In many mountain regions—especially the Pyrenees, Carpathians, and parts of the Balkans—herds of sheep or cattle are protected by guardian dogs. 

These dogs are not strays; they’re working animals trained to defend livestock from predators like wolves or bears.

They are not aggressive by default, but they take their job seriously. 

So, what to do if you encounter herd dogs?

7. If in doubt, turn around

There’s no shame in making a safe call. Worsening weather, lingering snow, low visibility, or simply feeling too tired are all perfectly valid reasons to cut your hike short.

The mountains aren’t going anywhere, and reaching the summit is never worth risking your safety.

What to do if you get lost? S.T.O.P.

Even the most experienced hikers can find themselves disoriented. Maybe the trail vanished in snow or fog. Maybe a junction was missed. Your GPS is down, your phone’s dead—and panic is knocking at the door.

Here’s what to do when you feel lost in the mountains:

S.T.O.P. = Sit. Think. Observe. Plan.

S = Sit

The first and most important step is to stop moving. Find a safe spot, sit down, and take a moment to collect yourself. Panic clouds your judgment, and the last thing you want is to make a rushed decision. 

T = Think

Once calm, take stock of the situation. Ask yourself: When did I last know where I was? Can I retrace my steps? What’s the weather doing, and how much daylight do I have left? Is this a true emergency or a situation I can manage with some careful steps? Think rationally about your options instead of reacting impulsively.

O = Observe

Look around carefully. Can you spot any trail signs, cairns, footprints, or features you recognize from your map? Check your surroundings for shelter options, water sources, or anything that might help. If you have a GPS app or offline map, this is the time to use it—but also pay attention to the physical landscape in case your tech fails or your battery is low.

P = Plan

Now that you’ve assessed the situation, it’s time to make a clear and informed decision. If you're confident in the direction, you might retrace your steps. If not, it’s often safer to stay put and signal for help. Use a whistle (three long blasts is the universal distress signal), wear bright clothing, and prepare to wait if needed. Move only if you are absolutely sure it’s safe and you know where you’re going.

What to do in case of an accident?

Accidents can happen, even to experienced hikers. Slips on wet rocks, sudden fatigue, or unexpected weather are common culprits—and usually preventable with good planning and awareness. But if something does go wrong, here’s what to do:

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Before acting, take a breath. Determine if the injured person is in immediate danger (e.g. from falling rocks or exposure), and don’t move them unless absolutely necessary.

2. Call Emergency Services

In Europe and many countries worldwide, dial 112 for mountain rescue. It works across borders and connects you to the nearest emergency dispatcher.

Planning a Self-Guided Hiking Adventure?

While this list is useful for everyone, hikers who book a tour with us enjoy worry-free hiking with full backup:

✔️ Detailed daily route descriptions

✔️ GPX tracks for navigation

✔️ Reliable local weather links

✔️ Accommodation info and public transport details

✔️ Emergency guidance and alternate route support if the weather disrupts your plans

You get everything you need for a safe, comfortable, and independent adventure—plus peace of mind, knowing our team is just a message away. Here’s what a day in our guidebook looks like.

👉 Where will the trail take you? Explore our hiking tours or book a free consultation - we love talking trails!

💚 Hike safe. Hike smart. 💚