Swiss people love their mountains and each summer, mountain climbing – or just hiking along Alpine routes – is a popular activity. But current conditions make it risky, experts say.
Earlier in July, mountain guides warned against climbing the iconic Matterhorn because the heatwave has significantly deteriorated conditions there, increasing the risk to climbers due to rockfalls, black ice, and thawing permafrost.
Now this warning has been extended to all of Switzerland’s high-elevation mountains.
According to the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), due to the consequences of extremely high temperatures this summer, “classic high-mountain climbs may therefore be more difficult than in previous years.”
“Crevasses are now exposed and some access routes have been altered, so choosing the correct route can be challenging,” SAC pointed out. “Some climbs are therefore currently discouraged.”
This link highlights mountain routes that are deemed unsafe.
Does that mean you should give up hiking and rock climbing?
Some areas of the Swiss Alps are safer than others so before you go, check the current conditions at your destination on the SAC website.
Route planning should be based on the most current conditions.
Keep in mind, too, that “in mixed terrain combining rock, ice, and snow, more rock and ice falls should be expected. On classic glacial slopes, exposed crevasses can also make progress significantly more demanding,” SAC said.
Therefore, before setting off, the organisation recommends finding alternative (that is, safer) destinations, or different routes.
”Depending on the conditions, ridge routes or purely rock climbing routes may offer more favourable conditions,” it added.
And the last piece of valuable advice: never, ever, hike or climb alone.
Those with little high-mountain experience should hire a mountain guide or become a SAC member to benefit team tours.
READ MORE: What are Switzerland’s most dangerous hiking trails?
