GRS Kranj

Stay Safe in the Mountains

When heading into the mountains, safety comes first.

How to stay safe in the mountains?

Gore ponujajo nepozabna doživetja, a od nas terjajo tudi spoštovanje in dobro pripravo. Da boste pot uživali brez skrbi, poskrbite za svojo varnost že pred odhodom. Pred turo preverite vremensko napoved, saj se razmere v gorah hitro spreminjajo, gorski svet pa se glede na letni čas kaže v zelo različnih podobah. Načrtujte pot v skladu s svojimi zmožnostmi, izberite primerno opremo in spoštujte naravo, ki vas obdaja. Z dobro pripravo in upoštevanjem varnostnih nasvetov bo vaša tura varnejša – in prav zato tudi lepša.

Emergency number 112
What to do in case of an accident and how to properly call for help in the mountains
Weather
Before heading out to the mountains, check the weather forecast on the ARSO website first
Avalanche Bulletin
If there is snow in the mountains, always check the snow conditions and avalanche risk on the ARSO website

The most beautiful views await you at the highest peaks, but reaching them requires the right equipment, knowledge, and experience.

What should we be careful about?

In the mountains, being well-prepared is often the difference between a pleasant experience and an accident. Before setting out, therefore, consider the following factors that significantly affect your safety.

Choosing a route

  1. Choose a route that suits your fitness level, experience, and tolerance for exposure.

  2. Check the current conditions along the route and whether the mountain huts along the way are open.

  3. Let someone know where you're going and when you plan to return.

  4. Set out early enough so that afternoon thunderstorms or early dusk don’t catch you off guard in exposed terrain.

  5. The goal isn't the summit, but a safe return to the valley.

Required equipment

Always bring the required equipment with you, regardless of the type and difficulty of the climb.

Down jacket icon
Even in the summer, it’s a good idea to bring warm clothing, such as windbreakers and down jackets, as the weather and temperature can change quickly, especially in the evening or at higher elevations.

Warm clothes

First aid kit icon
It provides immediate care for injuries and sudden medical emergencies.

First Aid

Emergency thermal blanket (astrofoil) icon
It provides versatile protection against cold, wind, and rain.

Astro Foil

Headlamp icon
It illuminates the path, allowing you to move safely in the dark, and can also serve as a signaling device.

Headlamp

Sun protection icon (sunscreen and sunglasses)
In summer and winter, it is recommended to use sunscreen and sunglasses.

Sun protection

Mobile phone icon for emergency calls
We shouldn't rely on it, but it still comes in handy for communication and in a pinch.

Cell phone

Compass icon for navigation in the outdoors
They are tools for navigating in nature, especially when there is no cell phone signal. When used correctly, they ensure safe navigation, which is crucial in unfamiliar terrain.

Map and compass

Spare batteries icon
It ensures uninterrupted operation of electrical devices such as headlamps, avalanche transceivers, and cell phones.

Batteries and rechargeable battery

The mountain isn't crazy — it's the person climbing it who is.

Razgled na Škralitco med potjo čez Prag

Summer in the Mountains

Summer mountain hikes come with a few unique challenges that significantly impact safety and the outdoor experience. High temperatures require adequate sun protection and attention to staying properly hydrated, while rapidly changing weather demands constant readiness for unexpected shifts. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so it’s wise to plan your hike early in the morning and keep a close eye on signs of deteriorating weather along the way. Last but not least, be mindful of your abilities and set out with the right gear — only then will your mountain experience be safe and enjoyable.

Additional required equipment

This equipment is required if you are heading out on challenging (secured) trails or via ferratas.

Climbing helmet icon
It protects our head from falling rocks and impacts in the event of a fall or slip.

Helmet

Primerna obutev za gore
They provide good traction on various terrains, prevent slipping, and reduce the risk of foot and ankle injuries.

Appropriate footwear

Via ferrata self-belay set icon
It allows for secure attachment to anchor points, ensuring safety when moving along secured trails and via ferratas.

Via ferrata equipment

Via ferrata gloves icon
They make it easier to grip the steel cable.

Gloves

Emergency number 112
What to do in case of an accident and how to properly call for help in the mountains
Weather
Before heading out to the mountains, check the weather forecast on the ARSO website first
Avalanche Bulletin
If there is snow in the mountains, always check the snow conditions and avalanche risk on the ARSO website
Zasnežen greben Begunjščice v Karavankah

Winter in the Mountains

In winter, the mountains are cloaked in a magical whiteness that beckons hikers to embark on unique treks. However, winter conditions are more challenging, so knowing how to use the proper equipment is essential for safe travel in the mountains. Crampons, an ice axe, and an avalanche transceiver become indispensable companions, enabling you to safely conquer snow-covered peaks. Mastering the correct technique for walking with crampons and an ice axe, along with knowing how to respond to avalanches, are key to safety and fully enjoying winter tours. It is essential to monitor weather and avalanche forecasts, avoid dangerous areas, and ensure you have the appropriate equipment and are prepared for changing winter conditions.

Required equipment in winter

This equipment is essential for hiking in winter conditions. In addition, you must be proficient in using an ice axe and crampons, know how to stop a potential slide using an ice axe, and know how to use an avalanche transceiver.

Climbing helmet icon
It protects our head from falling rocks and impacts in the event of a fall or slip.

Helmet

Crampons and ice axe icon for winter mountaineering
Crampons and an ice axe provide good traction on snowy and steep terrain, and an ice axe is also essential for stopping a slide. When using an ice axe, always wear gloves.

Crampons and ice axes

Avalanche safety trio icon: transceiver, probe, shovel
It consists of an avalanche transceiver, a probe, and a shovel. In the event of an avalanche, it enables an effective search for buried victims and, at the same time, allows others to find us quickly if we are buried by an avalanche.

Avalanche Sets

Woolen gloves icon
Woolen clothing is essential because of its ability to retain heat, even in damp and wet conditions.

Woolen clothing

Pogled na triglav iz Kredarice

Mountain Huts

Are you heading out on a multi-day mountain tour? Mountain huts are your shelters amid unspoiled alpine nature, where a well-earned rest, a warm meal, and refreshment await you.

Huts, shelters, and bivouacs serve mountaineers as a refuge – a place to rest, eat, and spend the night safely. Although even the most comfortable huts are equipped and staffed, they cannot meet every wish and need of visitors in the mountain environment. That is why mindfulness is essential when using them: let us conserve energy and water, avoid making noise, and produce as little waste as possible. Let us respect the house rules and be kind to the staff and other visitors.

In a hut, we can expect modest yet homely shelter, information about trails and weather, and help with alerting rescue services in the event of an accident. May an atmosphere of genuine mountain hospitality and warmth always prevail in these places.

Information on the operation of mountain huts, shelters, and bivouacs is available on the website of the Alpine Association of Slovenia:

pzs.si