You may think that when the weather conditions are good, hiking in the mountains is safe. But latest Swiss statistics tell us otherwise.
As the summer season is not yet over, the definite data showing how many people died while hiking or engaging in sports activities in the Swiss Alps is not yet available.
But this is what we do know so far: since the end of May,15 people have lost their lives in the Valais mountains alone. And between July 30th and August 6th, four more mountaineers died there.
Further, in a five-day period between August 6th and 11th, 10 more people lost their lives in the Alps.
In fact, mountains appear to be more dangerous in summer than in winter: according to statistics from the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), from November 2023 to February 2024, 709 mountain emergencies resulted in 17 deaths during the four months of winter sports.
In August 2024 alone, there were 20 deaths in 732 emergencies.
Why are mountains so dangerous in the summer?
There are several reasons for increased risks to life and limb — both natural and man-made.
In summer, the (mostly) good weather and school holidays make Swiss Alps a popular destination for people of all ages.
“Good weather and good conditions attract many climbers and hikers to the mountains,” said Christian Andermatt, a trainer at the SAC. “So there are automatically more accidents.”
And there is plenty of carelessness as well.
“We’re seeing more and more people hiking in the high mountains without ropes or crampons, said Anjan Truffer, chief of rescue operations in Zermatt.
“They clearly underestimate the dangers of summer in the mountains, where the risk of rock falls or falling into a crevasse is high,” he pointed out.
READ ALSO: What are Switzerland’s most dangerous hiking trails?
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How can you keep safe in the mountains?
The first thing, according to Christoph Leibundgut, spokesperson for the Swiss Bureau for Accident Prevention (BPA), is a reality check.
“You have to assess your capacities honestly and not be overly ambitious,” he said.
“For sports enthusiasts, this means having the courage to abandon the summit if the conditions aren’t right.”
There is also the so-called PACE checklist, which helps hikers keep track of the most important things.
According to SAC, PACE means plan, assess, consider, and evaluate,
In a nutshell, you should plan your route and duration, giving yourself extra time and alternatives.
Assess if the hike is suitable for you, and do not undertake challenging trips alone. Consider if you have what you need for the walk, like sturdy hiking shoes, protection against harsh weather, as well as food and water supplies.
Finally, evaluate while hiking. Stop if you are too tired; keep eating, drinking and resting regularly: and pay attention to any changes in the weather. Do not stray off the marked trail and turn back in time if necessary.
This article provides more tips on how to hike safely in the summer:
