Safe in the mountains: walking, skiing and equipment

Summer packing list

Sturdy walking boots with a good tread are the most important purchase; trainers are only fine on wide, flat paths. Dress in layers: a breathable shirt, a fleece or thin down jacket and a light rain jacket. Add a hat and thin gloves, because it can be noticeably cooler at 1,800 metres than in the valley. The rucksack should hold water, snacks, sun cream, sunglasses, a cap and a small first-aid kit with plasters for blisters. A charged phone, an offline or paper map and a lightweight rain cover for the bag complete the kit. Walking poles help mainly on long descents. Children are happiest carrying their own small backpack.

Winter packing list

For skiing or snow walking, wear a water-repellent, warm outer layer over a thermal base layer and a fleece. Cotton holds moisture and chills you, so choose synthetics or merino wool. Gloves or mittens (bring a spare pair), a hat or buff, ski goggles and sun cream for the face are always needed, even when it is overcast. A well-fitting ski helmet is advisable for every child and adult. A back protector is a sensible extra for children. In the rucksack, pack a flask, a snack, tissues and a dry shirt for the kids. Anyone walking off the piste needs winter walking boots and perhaps snow spikes. If you rent equipment in the village, you usually also get advice on the right size.

Weather, thunderstorms and choosing a route

Check the mountain forecast the evening before and again in the morning, and plan so that you reach the highest point well before midday. In summer, thunderstorms in the mountains often build in the afternoon. If dark clouds start to gather, turn back or descend straight away to a hut or the valley. In a thunderstorm, keep away from ridges, summits, isolated trees, cables and metal railings. Look for a building, or crouch on your rucksack with your feet together. Pick the route for the weakest member of the group: consider distance, height gain and the difficulty grade shown on signs and maps. With children, allow generous time, plan rest stops and keep a fallback such as a cable car or hut. Tell your host where you are going.

Emergency numbers in the Alps

In Austria, call the European emergency number 112 in any emergency. For an accident in the mountains there is also the alpine emergency number 140 for the mountain rescue service (Bergrettung). It works from an Austrian mobile line without an area code; with a foreign SIM card, 112 always works, even without your own network, as long as another network is available. If you witness or are involved in an accident, stay calm and report who you are, what happened, how many people are hurt and exactly where you are. You can often read your position from a phone app or from marker posts and signs along the route. The international alpine distress signal is six audible or visual signals within a minute, then a one-minute pause, then repeat. Stay with the casualty and keep them warm until help arrives.

Avalanche danger and off-piste

Outside the marked pistes, avalanche danger is real, even right beside the piste. The official avalanche bulletin for Tirol is on avalanche.report; it gives a daily danger level on a scale of 1 to 5 and describes the critical slopes. Read it before you set off, and keep out of steep terrain when the level is higher. Off-piste skiing is only for people who carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, know how to use them and ideally go with an experienced mountain guide. Snow walkers and tobogganers should also check their route. Respect closed pistes, signs and warnings: they are there for a reason. For families with children the simple rule is to stay on marked, patrolled pistes or on prepared winter walking trails.

Piste rules and helmets for children

The international FIS rules apply on the piste. In essence: show consideration for others, control your speed and course, choose your line so you do not endanger the skier ahead, and overtake with plenty of room. Do not stop in blind spots, look around carefully when starting or crossing, and follow signs and markings. After an accident you are obliged to help and to exchange details. Helmet rules for children differ between Austrian federal states. As far as we know, there is no legal helmet requirement in Tirol, unlike several other states, but a helmet is strongly recommended. Rules can change and ski schools sometimes set their own requirements, so check beforehand. A helmet for every child is sensible in any case.

Cows on the alp and dogs

In summer, cows and calves graze freely on the alpine pastures, often alongside walking trails. They are usually calm, but mother cows protect their calves and can react unexpectedly. Stay on the path, keep as much distance as you can, walk calmly and keep children by your side. Never step between a cow and her calf, and do not stroke or feed the animals. If animals block the path, make a wide detour around them. Do not turn your back and do not run. Dogs should be kept on a lead, but if a cow attacks it is better to let go so the dog can escape and so can you. Never let a dog chase cattle. Close gates behind you the way you found them.

Sun, altitude and insurance

In the mountains, UV radiation is stronger than in the valley, and snow reflects a lot of light. Apply high-factor sun cream, even when it is cloudy, and wear a cap or hat and sunglasses or ski goggles. Drink enough, even in the cold. The altitude differences in the Wildschönau are manageable for most people; if you do get a headache, nausea or dizziness, rest or descend. Carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and check your travel insurance. A mountain rescue or helicopter flight can bring costs that basic health insurance does not always cover. Check whether winter sports and walking at altitude are included in your policy, and ask your insurer about the terms.

Frequently asked questions