Family Hiking in Tirol
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Family Hiking in Tirol Emergency app Tirolean Mountain Rescue Service There is a lot to learn about mountain climbing and that takes time! Just like skiing, initial climbing experiences should be made in flatter terrain. First steps should be taken on hiking trails. Hiking trail: easy, wide, in valley areas and adjacent forests For: beginners and walkers Requirements: sports shoes and weather appropriate clothing Only after establishing adequate fitness levels, blackrated mountain trail, and this too takes For: those with a good head for heights, should you go one-step further and attempt time. The same applies here: practise makes surefooted and experienced alpine climbers red-rated mountain trails. You should bear perfect. Requirements: excellent physical condition, in mind that physical fitness, sureness of foot comprehensive alpine experience, alpine and a good head for heights is not something Difficult mountain trail: mostly narrow, climbing gear, safety and orienteering aids, that can be achieved from one day to the next, steep, very exposed, long sections secured good weather conditions but is developed with time and practise along with rope or cable, climbing passages. various mountain trails. For: those with a good head for heights, Take your time and make sure you come home surefooted and experienced alpine climbers safe and sound. Moderately difficult mountain trail: often Requirements: very good physical condition, narrow, steep, exposed in places, you may need alpine experience and mountain equipment, Source: Österreichischer Alpenverein to use your hands to help balance in some including alpine safety gear, good weather sections. conditions. This terrain is not suitable for For: surefooted and experienced hikers everyone. Requirements: good physical condition, alpine experience and mountain equipment Alpine route: Exposed, unmarked trails There is also a lot to learn about hiking a and unsecured terrain, or on glaciers · www.tyrol.com · Family Hiking in Tirol 2 Keep in mind • Appropriate for children - what are they Emergency numbers Planning a hike capable of? « 140: Mountain rescue service – Alpine • Choose a hiking route and destination to - Aged 0-2: short hikes and walks; ensure emergency suit the children’s needs and allow enough protection against sun and cold « 112: European emergency number time for breaks - Aged 2-4: short hikes but allow many (works with any mobile phone & all available • Include places of interest to children along breaks networks) the route and choose a destination which - Aged 4-6: half-day hikes with many provides variety breaks and time for playing No coverage? • Check the weather forecast and observe - Aged 6-9: easy one-day hikes are possible, If there is no reception and in dead spots, no the current weather situation ideally with playmates; note that children emergency calls can be made. → Go to an area at that age aren’t yet aware of potential with better reception and dial 112 regularly. dangers ahead Euro emergency: Access to all available Equipment - Aged 9-13: Longer mountain hikes and networks if 112 is dialled after switching on • Choose clothing to suit the weather basic instruction on the behaviour in the phone instead of entering the PIN or by conditions (sturdy shoes, waterproof Alpine environments are possible as using the SOS emergency function. clothing) children at that age already have a certain • Food (e.g. fruits, muesli bars, wholemeal risk awareness and hence instinctive Reporting an accident bread) and drinks (carry enough liquid) behaviour. Bear in mind that they can • Who is reporting / call-back number? • First-aid kit concentrate for short periods only. Most • What is the exact location of the accident? • Mobile phone with fully charged battery accidents result from distraction! • What has happened? • Hiking map and guide - Aged 13 or older: Concentration and risk • How many people are injured? • Sun protection (sun cream and glasses, hat) awareness over longer periods; via ferratas • Equipment important to children: toys, and hiking routes or glacier Emergency app Tirolean Mountain torch, camera… Rescue Service • Bivouac sack Smart phone users can install the new First aid emergency app provided by the Tirolean Mountain Rescue Service. It helps making an Tips and information • First-aid kit emergency call and transmits one’s location. • Mobile phone with fully charged battery • Allow enough time during the hike and and charger provide variety, e.g. by building dams or huts • Always carry spare clothes, also for older children · www.tyrol.com · Family Hiking in Tirol 3 Packing Checklist for one day Top Pocket Hiking map Blister plasters fully charged mobile phone (emergency phone numbers: mountain rescue 140, European emergency service 112) Pocket knife Cash Front Snack Drink Bottle Sun protection (sun cream, sunglasses, cap, etc.) Bottom Spare T-Shirt Centre/back Rain jacket Fleece jacket Bivouac sack Optional (depending on weather): First aid kit waterproof trousers and small Gloves and warm hat umbrella Headlamp · www.tyrol.com · Family Hiking in Tirol 4 General recommendations from the Alpine associations 1. Getting fit in the mountains 4. Appropriate footwear concentration and energy levels. Energy Hiking is an endurance sport. It makes the Good hiking boots protect and provide relief drinks are ideal for quenching your thirst. heart and circulation work, which requires to your feet and improve your footing. When Cereal bars, dried fruit and biscuits will satisfy you to be healthy and to realistically assess choosing a pair of shoes, make sure that they fit your hunger while walking. your fitness. Try not to rush and walk at a perfectly, have non-slip soles, are waterproof, tempo where nobody in the group gets out and that they are light. 8. Responsibility for children of breath. Discovering the landscape in a fun and 5. Sure footing is key varied way is very important for children. 2. Careful planning Falls as a result of slipping or tripping are the In passages where there is a risk of falling, Hiking maps, guide books, the internet and most common cause of accidents. Make sure an adult can only look after one child. Very experts can inform you about the length, that you do not lose your footing or concen- difficult hikes, which require long periods of height differ-ence, difficulty and current tration because you are going too fast or are concentration, are not suitable for children. conditions of a hike. You should always tired. Also watch out for falling rocks: by choose which hiking trails you will take walking carefully you avoid loosening rocks. 9. Small groups according to the skills of the group. Pay Small groups are more flexible and allow particular attention to the weather forecast 6. Stay on marked paths members to help each other. Tell everyone in because wind, rain and cold increase the risk In areas without any signs there is an increas- your group your end destination, route, and re- of an accident. ed risk that hikers will lose their way, will fall turn route. Stay together in your group. Atten- or that rocks will fall. Avoid short cuts and tion to those hiking alone: even minor incidents 3. Complete equipment go back to the last point you recognise if you can require serious emergency assistance. Make sure you have the right equipment for stray from the path. Steep old snow fields are the hike you are taking and that your ruck- often underestimated and very dangerous as 10. Respect for nature and the environment sack is not too heavy. Protection from the rain, one can easily slip. To protect the natural mountain areas, do not cold and sun should always be packed in your leave rubbish behind, stay on the paths, do not rucksack, as should a first-aid kit and a mobile 7. Regular breaks disturb wild animals or livestock, do not touch phone (European emergency number 112). Regular rest helps hikers to recover, enjoy the plants, and respect protected areas. Take Maps and GPS will help you find your way. the landscape, and makes the hike more socia- public transport or use carpooling to get to ble. You need to eat and drink to sustain your your destination. © Club Arc Alpin, 2012 · www.tyrol.com · Family Hiking in Tirol 5.