- Check the mountain experience and physical fitness of everybody, including children, before each trip. When walking in the mountains it is important to be sure footed and not to suffer from dizziness.
- Prepare carefully beforehand with tour descriptions and maps. Alpine organisations and local knowledge, for example mountain hut staff, can also help.
- Be sure to have the correct equipment and clothing with you. Strong shoes with good soles and protection against rain and cold are very important.
- Before departing on a walk make sure that you let your hotel or friends know where you are going and approximately when you hope to be back.
- Be aware of the speed of the weakest member of the group. Especially at the beginning of a walk a slow tempo is important. Keep an eye on all members of the group in order to recognise tiredness in good time.
- Do not leave marked paths. Take special care when going up steep grassy slopes, especially if they are wet and therefore slippery. Crossing snow fields or glaciers can be particularly dangerous.
- Do not dislodge stones (danger of injury to other walkers). Possible rockfall areas should be crossed one at a time, as quickly as possible and without supporting yourself by hand on the loose rocks.
- If the weather changes or if it becomes misty, or if the path becomes difficult or is in bad condition then turn around. It is no disgrace to do so. It is a sensible thing to do.
- In the case of an accident, keep calm. If you are unable to call for help with a mobile phone, try to attract help by calling, flashing a torch or waving large pieces of clothing. As a rule, the injured person should be left where he or she is but should never be left alone.
- Protect flora and fauna. Take all rubbish with you.
- Behaviour with animals on the mountain : do not provoke cows, calves, sheep, horses etc. but behave normally and do not show any fear. Do not leave the footpaths and keep your distance from all animals.
- Keep dogs on the line. Dogs are absolutely not allowed to chase grazing animals, especially cows with their calves. If a grazing animal should attack a dog, you should leave the dog alone and let it run for protection.
Mountain Rescue: 140
International Rescue: 112
