Slovenian mountains are renowned for their outstanding beauty, which inspires many visitors, but it is important that hikers are also aware of the dangers they pose. Go into the mountains with a great deal of respect and cautiousness, while being appropriately equipped, healthy and physically fit.
Choose your route carefully
With regard to their difficulty level, mountain trails are divided into three groups: easy, difficult and very difficult. Trail difficulty is indicated with red lines and dots on the maps and triangles on signposts along the trails (difficult, very difficult trails).
- Easy mountain trail: A trail on which you don’t need to use your hands to help you walk. Suitable mountain footwear is required. Hiking poles can be used on the trail.
- Difficult mountain trail: There are difficult sections on the trail where hands need to be used. Safeguards intended for the safety of mountaineers are used in dangerous sections. A helmet is mandatory.
- Very difficult mountain trail: A trail on which the use of hands is mandatory in order to advance. Sections that are difficult to climb are protected. The safeguards installed enable advancement on the trail. A helmet, a climbing harness and a self-belaying set are mandatory.
Follow the signposts that keep you on the right track
When you go on a mountain tour, follow the markings along the path. The best-known is the Knafelc marking (white dot in a red circle). The markings are drawn on large trees, rocks and other suitable and prominent places along the trail. There are also signposts at crossroads that indicate the level of difficulty and the estimated walking time.
How to plan your trip to the mountains?
1. CONDITIONS IN THE MOUNTAINS
Meteorological conditions in the mountains can change abruptly and it’s very important to check the latest weather forecast before setting out. It’s recommended that you set out sufficiently early. Trust only official sources:
2. EQUIPMENT
Always carry appropriate equipment with you and learn how to use it correctly. Check the condition of the equipment and test it before you set out on a trip. Regardless of the trip or trail you select, your equipment must consist of:
Hiking boots with high-quality non-slip soles
Backpack
Alcohol-free drinks and long-lasting high-energy food
Fully charged mobile phone
Personal identity document
Warm and waterproof clothes
Personal first aid kit
Mountain map and compass
Read more about mandatory equipment and additional equipment in winter HERE.
3. SELECTION OF A ROUTE
When planning a trip into the mountains, think carefully about what route to choose. When considering your options, don’t forget the following:
- Don’t overestimate your psychophysical readiness and fitness level. If a certain trail seems too difficult or long, opt for an easier and shorter one.
- Make sure to have all the appropriate equipment for the selected trail.
- Check if there are mountain huts along the way where you can take a break.
- Your level of experience and possible fear of heights should also be considered. If you lack experience, you should venture into the mountains with a mountain guide.
- Check out the current condition of trails. It’s possible that a trail can become impassable practically overnight due to a storm, fallen trees or landslides. Don’t use closed mountain trails.
- Let people in the valley know where you’re going and when you’re planning to return. Sign your name in summit books and enter your direction of arrival and departure, so that the rescue team will find you more easily in the event of an accident.
4. USE MAPS AND APPS
During your hike, you can rely on special apps to help you track your planned route, inform you about specific features and provide you with the information you need. The maPZS and Slovenia Outdoor apps are suitable for the Slovenian Alps.
5. EN ROUTE WITH A GUIDE
You’re advised to go hiking or mountaineering with a licensed mountain guide for the best and safest experience. You can choose between mountain guides (for guiding on difficult or very difficult mountain trails, Alpine climbing or ski touring) and Mountain Guides of the Alpine Association of Slovenia (for guiding on easy mountain trails).
6. RESERVATIONS OF MOUNTAIN HUTS
The huts also serve as information points in the mountains where visitors can obtain information on the current conditions of the trail and can seek refuge from bad weather. They are also used as points of notification about accidents in the mountains. We recommend that you book your bed in the selected hut before going to the mountains. You can make your reservations through a special system that currently includes 21 of the most popular and visited huts.
More details on safe way to the mountains can be found on the upgraded subpage of the Slovenian Tourist Board website.
Source: slovenia.info
