Hiking Day in the Mountains: Safety Protocols for Sudden Weather Changes

The weather in the mountains is unpredictable and can change within minutes. It is essential for teachers to know the risks and have clear safety protocols in place.

1. Planning: Respect the Mountain

• Check Specific Mountain Forecasts: A regional weather report is not enough. Use services that provide forecasts for specific altitudes and peaks.
• Adapt the Tour: Choose a route that is well below the abilities of the weakest students and offers several options for turning back or descending.
• Start Early: Thunderstorms in the mountains usually form in the afternoon. Start as early as possible to be back in the valley before the critical time.

2. Equipment: No Room for Compromise

Every student must wear/carry:

• Ankle-high hiking boots with good tread. Sneakers are unacceptable.
• Backpack with: waterproof rain jacket & trousers, warm sweater/fleece, hat, gloves (even in summer!), sunscreen, sufficient water (at least 1.5 liters), and high-energy snacks.
• A small first-aid kit and a charged power bank.

3. On the Trail: Recognize Signs and Act

• Observe Clouds: Watch for rising cumulus clouds that develop into towers (anvil clouds). This is a clear sign of a thunderstorm.
• Wind Direction and Strength: A suddenly picking up, cold wind often announces a cold front and a change in weather.
• Rule #1: Turn back in time! The summit is not the goal; a safe return is. It's better to turn back once too early than one minute too late. Do not wait for the rain to start.

4. Emergency Protocol for Thunderstorms

If you are caught in a thunderstorm:

• Leave peaks and ridges immediately! Find a lower, sheltered depression.
• Keep your distance: Stay away from single trees, metal crosses, wire ropes, and watercourses.
• Crouch down: Squat down, place your feet close together, and wrap your arms around your knees. Never lie flat on the ground.
• Spread out the group: The group should spread out with a few meters between each person to minimize the risk of a multiple strike.