Recommendations for hikers

Hiking, a widely spread summer sport in Switzerland, is great fun and healthy, but also conceals a number of risks and dangers. For this, the trekking sport needs to be approached with responsibility and a high sensibility for the possible dangers during the preparation, as well as on the excursion itself.

 

Rules for hikers

1. Accurate planning of every excursion.
2. The use of well adapted and complete equipment.
3. Never hike alone!
4. Inform at least one person exactly about your excursion and contact this person on your return.
5. Always keep an eye on the weather situation and previews.
6. Interrupt the excursion and turn back in case of any doubtful situation!

Equipment

The equipment needs to be well adapted to the type of excursion and complete!

• Hiking boots with a good ankle support and rubber soles with a strong grip
• Waterproof and warm wind jacket
• All necessary maps
• Plenty food and beverage reserves
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sun cream
• Hiking sticks
• First aid kit, emergency blanket, torch, mobile phone

Planning

• Accurate planning of every excursion.
• Never set off alone!
• Choose the itinerary in advance, based on updated maps (e.g. scale 1:50000 or 1:25000) and hiking books on the chosen region. Fix the distances, height differences and walking time.
• Adapt the length and difficulty of the excursion according to the physical form and experience of the weakest participant, also keeping in mind the final descend.
• Plan various alternative paths (also for the return) as well as a sufficient time reserve in case of unforeseen changes of plan.
• Inform yourself about the state of the hiking paths.
• Check the weather forecast on www.meteosvizzera.ch or by calling the phone number 162.

General behaviour rules

 

• Before setting off inform at least one person about your itinerary and the final destination. Inform the same person when you return from the excursion.
• Never leave the signposted paths.
• Improve the paces you make by optimizing your hiking technique: uphill, it is recommended to step down on the full sole and not only the tip of the foot. Downhill incline the bust forward and bend the knees. Walk making wide and well controlled steps.
• Plan the stops at regular intervals.
• Drink a lot, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Check the time schedule regularly and, if necessary, modify the itinerary.
• Do not run any risks in case of unforeseen and fast weather changes, a participant feeling unwell or the arising of other problems. Turn back in time and do not force the situation.
• If you have lost the path: keep in the group and return to the last familiar point on the way and stay there until the visibility has cleared. Do not cross unknown ground.

Emergency

Give first aid and cover the injured person up. Call for help if possible without having to leave the injured person alone.

International emergency signs

Give acoustic or visible signs (e.g. shout, use a torch, wave a peace of cloth) six times a minute - wait for one minute - repeat the sign.
To respond, give a sign three times per a minute.