Mountain Hike

Even if a mountain route seems quite harmless and easy at first glance, many different factors can make a day in the mountains difficult. The following basic rules should be followed in order to avoid such a scenario:

Take a look at the weather forecast:

Weather changes in the mountains are frequent and often unpredictable. If a rain front is approaching, you should not risk your life unnecessarily: turn back in time!
• Do not hike alone: You should always be accompanied by another person who can call for help in case of emergency or danger.
• The right equipment: In addition to the classic equipment that also plays a role in normal hikes, you should focus even more on weather-adapted clothing in a multi-layer principle, if necessary grids and gaiters and a bivouac sack as well as hut equipment.
• Pack plenty of provisions: Start well-stocked for your mountain route and take enough food and water with you, as catered huts are rare, especially in the high mountains. 
• Start early: You should always plan your route so that you arrive at your destination in the early afternoon. That way you have enough buffer for nightfall.

Elementary to safety is the selection of the right mountain route: assess your own ability and that of your companions correctly and include other factors such as the weather in your planning. The mountain route you choose should be geared to the hiker's physical condition, strength and endurance. This will ensure that you not only return safely, but also have fun.

The German Alpine Association (DAV) and the Austrian Alpine Association (ÖAV) divide hiking trails into different categories according to trail surface, width, surface condition and exposure. Mountain routes are mainly on medium-difficulty mountain trails (red, T3) and difficult mountain trails (black, T4–T6). The hiking scale of the Swiss Alpine Club also divides hiking trails into six categories, but calls them by a different name.

Are you hiking in the mountains?

If you are travelling in the Eastern Alps, the Alpine Club map offers you topographical high mountain maps with detailed information. With the interactive and animated weather map you are well informed about rainfall, snowfall, snow cover, temperature and cloud cover and can use this data for your route planning.

To make your choice easier, we have put together a selection of technically easy mountain routes for beginners, mountain routes without ascent and challenging routes for real experts. You can find even more mountain routes in the Route Finder and in our Travel Guide. Simply enter the region of your choice in the search field above and you will be taken directly to the relevant page with an overview of the mountain routes there.

Before and during your mountain route, the features of Outdooractive will of course also help you: the route planner is an excellent way to plan the route, the maps with the different layers provide you with perfect information about the region - and BuddyBeacon also ensures safety.