Safety in the mountains
The mountains do not forgive superficiality, but they are not the enemy of those who respect them. With the right preparation, the choice of the right route and a few rules of common sense, the outdoor experience in Val Comelico is safe and accessible to everyone.
This page collects the most useful information to leave well prepared.
Before leaving:
Choose the right path
Each trail has an indicated level of difficulty: T (tourist), E (hiking), EE (experienced hikers). Choosing a route that suits your level is the first safety rule. Also take into account the difference in altitude, not just the distance.
Check the weather forecast
In the mountains, the weather changes quickly. Always check the current forecast before you leave: clear skies in the morning do not guarantee stable conditions in the afternoon. In the event of expected thunderstorms, postpone or change the route.
Communicate your itinerary
What to pack in your backpack
For any outing, even short ones:
- Sufficient water (at least 1.5 litres)
- Energy food for the duration of the hike
- Layering — even in summer, temperatures change at high altitudes
- Shoes suitable for the terrain (not sandals or sneakers)
- Cartography or digital trace of the route
- Phone charged
- Basic First Aid Kit
For longer or more challenging routes, add: thermal blanket, headlamp, whistle.
At high altitude
- Stay on the path
- Do not look for shortcuts: the paths are marked where the terrain is safest. Outside the trail marker, the risk increases, often in a non-evident way.
- Respect the times. The times indicated in the route sheets are indicative for an average walker. If you are on your first hike, calculate an extra margin. Start early: descending in the dark or in bad weather is much riskier.
- Pay attention to children. In the presence of children, choose routes with age-appropriate elevation gain and duration. Keep them close together on exposed sections or on uneven terrain.
The weather in the mountains
Signs to look out for:
- Clouds that form rapidly at high altitude
- Wind changing direction
- Sudden drop in temperature
- Sky darkening in the direction the wind is coming from
If a storm is approaching: Descend the ridge immediately, move away from isolated peaks and trees, seek shelter in a low, sheltered area. Do not seek refuge under rocky ledges.
Via ferrata
Via ferratas require specific equipment: harness, dissipator, helmet and experience in use. Even routes classified as “not very difficult” can have exposed sections.
For those who have no practice, relying on a mountain guide is strongly recommended.
Tre Cime Alpine Guides Association
Piazza Vigo 12 – Auronzo di Cadore
Tel:+39 340 3530388
Emergencies
Single emergency number: 112
In the event of an accident or missing person, call 112 and communicate:
Your location
The number of people involved
The nature of the emergency
If available, communicate the name of the trail, approximate altitude, GPS coordinates.
Keep your phone on and stay where you are until help reaches you.
