Choose and prepare the hike
Before the hike
Good legs and good breath will take you higher. Going to the mountains means physically preparing yourself to face ups and downs, aware of your limits. For this, training and physical preparation come first. [form]
Choose the destination
Mountain trails are classified by type and degree of difficulty. Choose the route and the elevation gain most suitable to your preparation [form]
Weather & mountain guides
Weather
Appearances can be deceptive, safety is not! This is why it is essential to check the weather before leaving. [form]
Prepare the excursion
It is always better to go hiking in the mountains with at least one companion. In case of an emergency, you will have someone who can provide help or call for help. [form]
Rely on professionals
It is always advisable to hike, trek or climb with a guide who knows the itinerary and the characteristics of the route well, especially on technical and demanding itineraries. [form]
Clothing & gear
Clothing
Wear comfortable and suitable clothing according to the weather and the season. [form]
Backpack
Whether it is a simple or a technical route, your backpack will be your best travel companion. [form]
Gear
Gear
In summer: in addition to an adequate backpack and clothing, mountain poles will help you a lot: they improve stability … [form]
Safety precautions before and during the hike
Safety precautions before the hike
Make sure you have a reliable means of communication, such as a mobile phone to ask for help in case of need. [form]
During the hike / ascent
Acquainted yourself with mountain safety rules, avoid walking too close to the slopes, avoid venturing into unstable terrain, and always follow the designated trails. [form]
Food & hydratation
Food for the hike
Make sure you are well hydrated before you set off and bring enough water with you for the entire hike (check for water points when choosing your route). [form]
Hydration during the hike
Drinking is very important, at high altitudes dehydration is more accentuated also because the air is thinner. [form]
Mountain hut and bivouac
Stop at the mountain hut
If you have chosen to reach a mountain hut, where you’re also going to eat, get in touch with the manager first to check that it’s open, to book your break/lunch and also to ask for advice and information on the route. [form]
Stop at the bivouac
Unlike the alpine hut, the bivouac has much smaller dimensions, is more spartan and is left to the good use of those who rely on it and want to spend the night there. [form]
Experiencing and respecting the mountains
Respect
The mountain deserves respect, just like any other place. Enjoying natural beauties at height also requires more important attention, first of all that of collecting your own waste and bringing it back to the valley, so please leave nothing behind. [form]
Nature
Nature offers us a lot, you know, and that’s why we have to reciprocate. It is not difficult, just observe some little attention: do not light fires, leave everything as you find it, do not rip flowers and plants, avoid annoying noises so as not to disturb local animals. [form]
In the mountains with kids and the dog
In the mountains with kids
The rules of adults also apply to the little ones, in the mountains, however, some extra attention will make the excursion safer and more pleasant. [form]
In the mountains with your dog
Sharing an outdoor adventure with your four-legged friend is great. Before setting off, make sure you have the right equipment and check the accessibility rules for dogs, especially in nature parks and protected areas. [form]
Hazards & emergency
Hazards
Mountains require awareness, in addition to passion and love! There is no shortage of dangers. Before setting off, check the route and the weather. [form]
Emergency – useful numbers
In case of emergency, contact the rescue services. Depending on the type of intervention required, you can call the following telephone numbers … [form]
