Mountain Safety and Prevention

Frequently asked questions about mountain safety

We have collected answers from experts to the most common questions asked by mountain enthusiasts. You will find useful information on equipment, routes, weather, preparation and best practices for staying safe in all seasons.

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• I am planning a high-altitude (and/or glacier) hike. How should I dress? What should I pack in my rucksack for a day hike?

  Always opt for layered clothing, with layers ranging from light to progressively heavier. Carry a change of clothes and rain and windproof clothing, gloves and a hat in your rucksack, even if the sun is shining. Do not forget sunglasses and high protection sunscreen, footwear suitable for the activity, a first aid kit, a power bank to charge your phone in case of emergency, and water and food appropriate for the activity.

• What if I plan to sleep in a hut?

  If you are sleeping in a mountain hut, bring a sleeping bag liner or a lightweight sleeping bag, a thermos flask, a pair of lightweight slippers (if not already provided by the hut) and a head torch.

• Is it necessary to have specific technical equipment?

  In the mountains, it is essential to always know where you are: it is a good idea to carry a digital and/or paper map with you, as well as a wrist altimeter and a compass (the digital one on your smartphone is fine). These are useful tools for orientation, but you need to know how to use them correctly, so you need to practise a little before you set off! Walking sticks are also always useful.

• What should I bring with me if the hike includes a section requiring special equipment?

  For equipped sections, in addition to normal hiking equipment, you must bring a helmet, harness, approved quick-release via ferrata set, as well as a lanyard and carabiner to secure yourself if you are unable to continue. It is very important to have a pair of gloves.

• What equipment is needed for a glacier hike?

  To climb a glacier, you need experience in both progression techniques on different slopes and in the use of mountaineering equipment. Among the equipment, it is useful to remember: rope, ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, at least 2 ice screws, 2/3 slings, 4/5 screw-lock carabiners and the technical equipment suitable for performing emergency manoeuvres for both ascent and crevasse rescue.

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• Where can I find up-to-date information about the route or trail conditions?

  For up-to-date information, please also follow the trails portal on the website SAT Trails Commission.

• Once I have embarked on the journey, how do I find my way?

  Always follow the red and white signs and read the signs carefully to understand the direction, altitude and travel times. Do not leave the path and if you have any doubts, return to a known point and consult a paper or digital map, which you should always carry with you if you do not know the route.

• Are there always ravines, scree slopes and dangerous sections?

  Normally, tourist trails do not present any particular problems as they are located below 2,000 metres. Hiking trails, on the other hand, are more complex as they often lead to mountain huts and bivouacs and require a good sense of direction, suitable footwear and good equipment. Finally, trails reserved for experienced hikers cross rough and steep terrain and require sure-footedness, experience and knowledge of the mountain environment.

• I don't want to overexert myself. How can I correctly interpret the elevation gain and length of a mountain hike?

  In the mountains, times often depend not only on your level of fitness, but also on weather conditions. Generally, in an average hour of walking, you can cover 300-350 metres of elevation gain and up to 3-4 kilometres if the terrain is flat. Your ability to cover distance decreases if you walk for more than 2-3 hours and if the altitude exceeds 2,000 metres. Be cautious: if you are a beginner, do not undertake a route that is too long, but start your hikes gradually.

• Can I go on a solo hike?

  Avoid going alone unless you have to. It’s more fun and safer in company! If you are a beginner, don’t hesitate to ask for advice or rely on a mountain professional: a mountain guide or mid-mountain guide.

• Can you go to the glacier on your own or do you need guides?

  When walking on a glacier, it is important to be able to identify all possible sources of danger (natural, route-related and group-related) in order to implement all possible protective measures and achieve an acceptable level of risk.

  If you are a beginner, let yourself be guided by those who live and work in the mountains: the Mountain Guides.

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• Which website or app is the most reliable for checking the weather?

  Usually, the websites of regional weather centres, whose links can be found here: www.meteoregioni.it – For Trentino, meteotrentino.it. Or the Italian Air Force weather website www.meteoam.it

  Satellite images, radar images, ground station data and lightning detection are very useful for checking the weather situation in real time.

• Is the weather always stable at high altitudes? Is there a time of day when rain or storms are more likely?

  During the hot season, showers and thunderstorms are frequent, especially in the mountains and narrow valleys. In the mountains, thunderstorms usually occur in the afternoon and evening, but sometimes they can also develop in the morning and at night. For this reason, it is advisable to go hiking in the morning unless a storm is forecast. It is also useful to observe the development of cumuliform clouds: if you see clouds that are very developed vertically in the morning, it means that the atmosphere is unstable and it is therefore prudent to plan your hike so that you can reach a safe place (building or car) quickly in case the weather worsens.

• How do you read a weather forecast?

  Text forecasts are always preferable to those with icons. In the text, the forecaster can describe the forecast and communicate its degree of uncertainty. Forecasts with icons are more approximate and fail to communicate the uncertainty of the forecast and/or variability.

  If the icons with the full sun or the cloud and two raindrops are forecasts of good weather and rain respectively, the icon with the sun, cloud and raindrop can mean an uncertain forecast or a forecast of good weather in the morning and rain in the afternoon, or vice versa.

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• How can I find out if a mountain hut is open?

  The Trentino Mountain Huts Association website lists the general opening times of all mountain huts. To be on the safe side (especially at the beginning and end of the season), it is always best to contact the hut directly.

• What is the difference between a mountain hut and a bivouac?

  A bivouac is an unattended structure that does not offer catering services and does not normally have toilet facilities. It is a very simple structure, has no heating and is mainly used in emergencies.

  A mountain refuge is a managed or guarded accommodation facility open to the public, built to meet the needs of mountaineers and hikers. It is conveniently equipped and organised to provide hospitality and the possibility of rest, refreshment, overnight accommodation and related services, and is always equipped for first aid. There are shelters at different altitudes, some older and some newer, and all are equipped with beds, normally divided between dormitories and rooms. Facilities are generally shared.

• Do I need to book to stay overnight in a mountain hut? What should I bring with me?

  Reservations are always required to stay overnight in a mountain hut. In most huts, sleeping bags are mandatory for overnight stays, and you must also bring your own towels, slippers, and toiletries. Always ask for confirmation at the hut itself.

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• Tick bites: rules of conduct

  – What should I do if a tick bites me?

  Ticks belong to the arachnid class, the same as spiders, mites and scorpions. They have eight legs and are only a few millimetres in size, although they become larger once they have absorbed blood. Their head is indistinguishable from their body and is equipped with a mouthpart, the rostrum, which can penetrate the skin and suck the blood of their hosts. So we can say that ticks bite and their characteristic is to burrow under the skin and become deeper and deeper as the hours pass.

  It is advisable to remove the tick as soon as possible, also to prevent it from injecting potentially infected saliva into the bloodstream. After removing the tick, it is important to observe, for a period of 3 to 30 days, whether a pale pink patch appears, spreading outwards in a centrifugal pattern. In this case, it will be necessary to contact your doctor, who will determine whether or not to treat the bacterial disease Lyme disease with antibiotics.

  – How can I recognise a tick bite?

  If the tick has detached itself, its bite is indistinguishable from any other insect bite. It is important to observe the area for 3 to 30 days to see if a pale pink patch appears, spreading outwards in a centrifugal pattern. If this happens, you should contact your doctor, who will decide whether or not to treat you with antibiotics for Lyme disease.

  – How do I remove a tick?

  It is advisable to remove the tick as soon as possible to prevent it from injecting potentially infected saliva into the bloodstream. No substances should be used to remove it. Using disinfected tweezers, placed as close as possible to the skin, which should also be disinfected, grasp the tick firmly and pull upwards, twisting gently and repeatedly without crushing it. After removing the tick, it is important to observe the area for 3 to 30 days for the appearance of a pale pink patch that spreads outwards. If this occurs, contact your doctor, who will determine whether or not to treat you with antibiotics for Lyme disease.

  – How can I prevent tick bites? Should I get vaccinated?

  Sprays and ointments are available to reduce the risk of tick bites, but they do not guarantee total prevention. You can wear appropriate clothing: we recommend wearing light-coloured clothes so that ticks are easier to spot. It is also best to wear long sleeves and trousers, socks and boots or closed shoes. We recommend getting vaccinated because there is an increasingly high risk of contracting TBE, a serious viral encephalitis that is difficult to diagnose but can be prevented with a full course of vaccinations.

  For further information, download the PDF file “Conoscere le zecche” (Understanding ticks) by SAT.

  We invite you to learn more about this topic on the SAT Medical Commission page: https://www.sat.tn.it/spazio-commissioni/medica/

• How can I recognise the processionary caterpillar?

  The processionary caterpillar is covered in hairs and marches towards trees to feed on their sap. It can cause damage to plants, people and animals, which is why it must be eradicated. Around January, these insects build white nests resembling cotton cocoons on the tops of pine trees, which can sometimes be as large as a football. Recognising the processionary caterpillar is not difficult, as they often march on the ground in single file, releasing poisonous needles into the air. In the case of animals, among the various problems that the processionary caterpillar can cause, it is worth mentioning those resulting from contact between its hairs and the mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth.

  In humans, depending on the area of the body affected by the processionary caterpillar, rather painful skin rashes may occur, accompanied by severe itching. Contact with the eyes carries the risk of conjunctivitis, while contact with the mouth and nose can cause inflammation of the respiratory tract. To avoid damage from the processionary caterpillar, it is essential to wash the affected areas thoroughly with plenty of fresh water. Once you have identified the processionary caterpillar, the only thing to do is not to touch it and move away.

  We invite you to learn more about this topic on the SAT Medical Commission page: https://www.sat.tn.it/spazio-commissioni/medica/

• Mountain first aid kit

  – Should I always carry a first aid kit with me when I go to the mountains?

  It is definitely recommended. To prepare it properly, it is advisable to take into account the characteristics of the excursion, which may be high or low risk for accidents. For example, dangers may be related to environmental factors such as rain, lightning, excessive cold, or the morphology of the terrain, in which case you need to take into account the presence of ascents, descents, significant heights, overhanging paths and so on. We recommend that you put together your kit taking these elements into account, so that you always have exactly what you need without weighing down your rucksack. Regardless of its capacity, you will need a soft, waterproof case, which should be placed in an external pocket of your rucksack so that it is easily accessible.

  – What should you take with you to the mountains for first aid?

  There are many first aid kits on sale that are a good starting point. You should put together your own kit, bearing in mind that everyone has their own needs, especially when it comes to health and prevention, so we recommend that you always add any products you consider necessary, even when purchasing a ready-made kit. To help you understand what you might need, here is a checklist to put in your case. Of course, this is only a guide.

  • Sterile gauze and medicated gauze pads;
  • Plasters of various sizes for cuts and blisters;
  • Scissors and tweezers;
  • Pack of dry ice for bruises, insect bites and burns;
  • Thermal blanket.We invite you to learn more about this topic on the SAT Medical Commission page: https://www.sat.tn.it/spazio-commissioni/medica/

• If I am unable to continue my excursion, what can I do?

  For your mountain excursions, choose itineraries that match your physical and technical abilities, research the area you plan to visit and equip yourself with adequate maps. Carry everything you need for emergency situations in your rucksack, along with a basic first aid kit. It is preferable not to go on a mountain hike alone and, in any case, tell someone the route you plan to take and let them know when you expect to return. Check the weather forecast and keep an eye on the weather conditions. If in doubt, turn back. For any reason, call 112 (App 112 Where ARE U) and explain the situation. To do this, make sure you always have a fully charged mobile phone and a portable battery charger. If your phone has no signal, try to reach an area where there is coverage and call 112.

  We invite you to learn more about this topic on the SAT Medical Commission page: https://www.sat.tn.it/spazio-commissioni/medica/

• When should I drink in the mountains?

  In the mountains, you should always drink. Sports, or at least hiking, require not only adequate nutrition but also proper hydration, especially in the summer. It is important and necessary to drink regularly even in the days leading up to the hike. Carrying at least one water bottle in your rucksack is essential when walking at high altitudes. It is important not to wait until you feel thirsty, so drink regularly according to the ambient temperature and the intensity of the activity. In the mountains, in addition to water, you can drink tea with or without sugar, classic isotonic drinks or diluted fruit juice.

  We invite you to learn more about this topic on the SAT Medical Commission page: https://www.sat.tn.it/spazio-commissioni/medica/

• Altitude sickness, how can I recognise it?

  Altitude sickness occurs when a person is at high altitude, generally above 2,000 metres. This is because as you climb higher, atmospheric pressure decreases and less oxygen reaches the lungs.
  Symptoms of altitude sickness may include:

  • • headache
    • excessive tiredness
    • loss of appetite

  To alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness, it is essential to descend to a lower altitude; the main treatment is based on prevention, through adequate acclimatisation and taking certain precautions that significantly reduce the risk of suffering from altitude sickness.

  We invite you to learn more about this topic on the SAT Medical Commission page: https://www.sat.tn.it/spazio-commissioni/medica/

• Are high altitudes dangerous for children and the elderly?

  The ascent using lifts should be assessed according to the difference in altitude and the altitude reached. Children and the elderly are more prone to dehydration and heatstroke.

  We invite you to learn more about this topic on the SAT Medical Commission page: https://www.sat.tn.it/spazio-commissioni/medica/

• What kind of food is recommended for a day in the mountains?

  When you go to the mountains, nutrition is not a secondary consideration, but rather a very important one. Both mountaineering and hiking are activities that require a high energy intake. Nutrition and physical efficiency are closely interlinked and are linked to the prevention of accidents in the mountains. The greatest danger is being hungry and thirsty and not having water and food, or worse still, having a drop in blood sugar. This condition causes stress and excessive fatigue and, in some cases, weakness and dizziness, which cause us to lose our lucidity.

  Breakfast is one of the three main meals of the day, and we should not limit ourselves to just a cup of coffee. During the hike, the rule is to eat little and often. The best solution is cereal-based energy bars, some dried fruit, dark chocolate or a piece of fruit. At lunch, the advice is to eat without overdoing it because you still have the return journey to make. And after the hike? On this occasion, we can really eat whatever we want!

  We invite you to learn more about this topic on the SAT Medical Commission page: https://www.sat.tn.it/spazio-commissioni/medica/

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Organisations and entities that contributed to the creation of the decalogue and FAQs

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