• Test your physical fitness beforehand and start with an easy tour!

• Always ask yourself: Is this tour/route suitable for me?

• Plan every mountain tour in detail (maps, information on site, advice from locals), and don’t leave the signposted trails! That’s the best way to make sure you always know where you are.

• Wear appropriate breathable clothing suitable for the prevailing weather conditions!

• Pack all the equipment you’ll need on the respective tour!

• Always have a first-aid kit on hand!

• Tell someone where you are going and which route you’ll be taking before you head out!

• Adjust your walking speed to your level of endurance!

• Avoid stepping on loose rocks and walk quickly on passages where rockfall is possible!

• Turn around if the weather changes, if fog appears, or if the trail starts to get too difficult!

• Stay calm in case of an accident! If you have reception, immediately dial the emergency number – otherwise, call for help to attract attention to yourself! If it’s already dark, make use of light signals: The emergency signal is six short flashes spaced out by 10 seconds. Wait one minute and then repeat this signal (as often as necessary until someone sees you). The response to the signal consists of three short flashes with a 20 second pause in between. This signal can also be repeated after waiting one minute.

• Keep the mountains clean and don’t litter!

• Don’t feed wild animals or animals grazing on their pastures and don’t approach them from behind!

• Always keep your dog on a lead and stay away from cows and their young!

Here’s what to keep in mind when hiking, mountaineering, climbing or when you’re on a via ferrata:

•  On via ferratas, you should use a harness, via ferrata set and a standardised helmet to protect you from rock fall!
• Start your tour early enough and thoroughly prepared!
• Gather all necessary information about the weather – and look out for summer storms!
• If possible, don’t head out on a tour alone!

• Stay on the route you’ve planned on following!

• Break in your hiking boots ahead of long tours by wearing them on shorter ones first!

• Apply a blister plaster as soon as you notice a blister developing!

• Be sure to drink enough water to make up for lost fluids!

What else should be kept in mind in case you have any close encounters with cows? With these tips for appropriate conduct, you’re all set for your next hike!

• Stay on the signposted trails!

• Study available maps and route descriptions!

• Don’t leave the secured trails! Cross-country rides are not only bad for the environment, they can also be extremely dangerous.

• Go slow – ready to stop at any moment – and don’t overestimate your abilities! This requires some critical self-evaluation.

• Hikers always have the right of way.

• Be mindful in how you treat nature! This means: Keep it clean, don’t litter, and don’t make too much noise!

• Watch out for forestry work being done and follow the instructions on warning signs!

• Close all gates after you walk through them – for instance, on pastures!

• Don’t ride at twilight (hunting grounds)!

• You must give first aid if needed.

• Never ride your bike without wearing a helmet!

• Don’t drink any alcohol until you’ve completed your tour because it impairs concentration and judgement!

• Be sure to have a bell on your bike!
   

Watch out on nature trails and single tracks! These are usually former hiking trails that some other athletes might use as well. So be prepared to stop at any moment!

• Select child-appropriate and relatively short routes!

• Themed hiking trails tend to be much more exciting to little hikers than forest roads.

• Invest in appropriate equipment for your kids!

• Don’t forget to bring extra clothes!

• Start early enough to avoid midday sun and heat!

• Bring enough water and some treats or snacks such as fruit!

• Don’t forget to take enough breaks!

• Admire nature, sing songs together, reward your little ones with a tasty refreshment at a hut – do everything that’s fun while hiking!

• We also recommend collecting stickers, stamps or hiking badges with your kids to make the experience even more fun.

• Mountain rescue services: 140

• Police: 133

• European emergency number: 112

• Ambulance: 144

• Fire brigade: 122

Please do your bit to protect yourself and others in the World of Mountains & Lakes by following these simple rules of conduct!