Mountain walks are attractive and often breathtaking, but not without danger because accidents regularly occur in the mountains. Overestimation of one’s own capabilities and underestimation of the risks are due to the fact that life-threatening situations often arise while walking in the mountains. Be sure to take precautions for the safety of yourself and your fellow hikers. This prevents serious injuries and unpleasant memories.
Mountains different from polders
As residents of the Low Countries, we are quickly fascinated by the beauty of the mountain landscape. Walks through the mountains are a pleasant combination of effort, relaxation and healthy tension. While we simultaneously enjoy the overwhelming nature that surrounds us. But such activities in the Alps and Madeira are not completely risk-free and without danger, especially since we as Dutch people have more experience with walking in the polder. A number of essential safety measures and points of attention are necessary before we go to dangerous heights. Because according to the Eurocross emergency center, the number of incidents during mountain hiking is not bad.
Good shoes
Going into the mountains in sandals, or even less, is not really smart. Especially when it comes to safety, make sure that cheap does not become expensive. Good walking shoes with a profile are the least you need to wear. You can buy professional running equipment in a specialized shoe store. Get advice from an expert employee at that specialty store. If you explore the Grossglockner, or take seemingly simple, but often treacherous levada walks in Madeira, you will enjoy it all the more if you wear decent footwear with a profile.
Weather
The climatic conditions also determine safety. Inform yourself thoroughly about this, and also regularly during multi-day trips. Realize that thunder in the mountains is no fun. And it is also possible that snow will fall in the middle of summer. During hut treks, the host of such a hut is often quite knowledgeable in that respect. So take his advice to heart if you are faced with the dilemma of whether or not to leave after an overnight stay. Taking a well-breathable rain suit is also extremely important in the mountains. A poncho is not much use, because it will hinder your ascent.
In addition to protection against the rain, a nice warm fleece sweater is never missing. And of course a change of underwear. Not too much of that kind of stuff, of course, because the packing should be as light as possible. And it’s best to rinse your underwear every now and then. Furthermore, you should always ensure that you have plenty of provisions in case such a trip unexpectedly takes longer than expected. Water and carbohydrate-rich foods.
Don’t go out alone
Experts from the climbing association NKBV recommend that you preferably go into the mountains with three people. Because if someone gets hurt, one person can stay with that injured man or woman, while the third person can get help. In any case, always take with you: a whistle, altimeter and a good walking map. Realize that a mobile phone does not work everywhere.
Condition
You cannot start an intensive mountain walk untrained. At a minimum, you must have regularly walked intensively on unpaved paths in hilly terrain, such as the dunes or the Veluwe. This will help you develop strong calves, which is certainly not an unnecessary luxury in the Alps and the like.
Fear of heights
A fear that is inexplicable, but which many still suffer from. How is it possible that you can easily walk on a narrow plank on the street without falling off, while high in the mountains you do not dare to walk on a path one meter wide? If you walk the relatively simple levadas on sunny Madeira, you may sometimes find yourself having to take a narrow, risky section, without a protective fence. Many have returned to that point because the fear became too great. Because crashing at a depth of just 30 meters can be hard. In such a case, turning around and going back is safer than trying to cross that barrier shivering and shaking with fear, with the risk of accidents.
Altitude sickness
A condition that can arise if you go to a higher altitude too quickly. Altitude sickness can occur above 2500m, but generally from an altitude of 3500m. Some of the symptoms, namely pulmonary and cerebral edema, can lead to death. The disease occurs because the air pressure drops at higher altitudes, resulting in less oxygen available per breath. Your body also gets rid of carbon dioxide more easily. In short, the oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange becomes considerably imbalanced.
Symptoms that occur include shortness of breath, loss of coordination, strangely indifferent behavior, general bad feeling, irregular breathing during sleep, nausea, getting tired easily and many more.
A farewell letter
Although well-prepared mountain walks may be less risky than the drive there, as a father and/or mother, it never hurts to leave a farewell letter at home, which may only be opened if you do not return. Could you please tell me where all the important papers and keys are located, how you want to be buried, and where the address list of invited guests is located.
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