Because of the corona pandemic, some people avoid indoor sports and leisure.
So what could be more obvious than going to the mountains again?
Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen
- You shouldn't approach the undertaking with naive eyes, because it can be dangerous in the mountains at this time of the year, as recently shown again when hikers lost their orientation in the dark on the Geierstein (we reported).
Because: The days are shorter, the conditions more demanding.
The Tölzer Kurier asked the Alpine Club and the mountain rescue service to find out what to look out for.
Pay attention to weather conditions and set off in good time
Tom Heßlinger from the office of the Alpine Club on Tölzer Marktstrasse knows the mountains in Tölzer Land well.
The state-certified mountain and ski guide says that the first thing to do is to “find out how the weather will be”.
This is particularly important "because things can change quickly in the mountains," adds Lina Feile, spokeswoman for the Lenggries mountain rescue service.
And: you have to leave in good time.
"Therefore, in addition to the weather conditions, you should consider when is sunset?", Says Horst Stahl, on-call manager of the Bad Tölz mountain rescue service.
"It then just gets dark and cold very quickly," Feile points out.
Assess your own abilities well - the equipment is also decisive
Not only the external conditions are decisive, your own ability and that of the group must be suitable for the tour. Self-assessment is therefore the be-all and end-all. "It is always the weakest and slowest who sets the pace," says Heßlinger. On the way you should therefore “not stubbornly hold on to your goal”, you have to decide again and again whether to continue or whether it would be more sensible to make your way back. Beginners should therefore look for easier tours. According to Heßlinger, these are more south-facing tours, because the north-facing side has a greater chance and risk of encountering snow and ice. In addition, "some trail markings can no longer be seen" when there is snow, says Heßlinger. Feile from the Lenggrieser Bergwacht: "When it's wet and cold, it's harder to get ahead." She advises:Do not try a new tour when it is snowing. In order to be on the safe side, she recommends that beginners use forest roads, because the rescue works better there. The equipment is also crucial, says Feile, "because we keep bringing people from the mountain who are poorly equipped". Your colleague in Tölz, Stahl, knows: “It starts with warm clothing.” A hat, gloves and food should therefore not be missing on any hike. In addition, there are sensible shoes with good soles and good edges, which are also designed for cold and wet conditions. Heßlinger from the Alpine Club of Grödel also recommends a kind of snow chain for shoes in case you come across icy roads. “The texture is more demanding,” he says. Hiking sticks not only prevent slipping, they also help to save energy.On-call supervisor Stahl from Bergwacht Tölz has another tip: a change of clothes if you work up a sweat.
A charged cell phone and headlamp make sense
In addition, “a cell phone with a fully charged battery” and a headlamp should not be missing, says Heßlinger.
The mountain rescue service and the Alpine Association agree that the flashlight function of modern cell phones is not enough.
So is mountain hiking so demanding in autumn and winter that it is better not to do it alone?
Mountain guide Heßlinger would not agree with that.
Experienced, “you can definitely trust them,” he says, while newcomers to the mountain have “more security in a group”.
Stahl also says that on the Rechelkopf, the Heiglkopf and around the Blomberg, most of the tours are not quite as demanding and well signposted, with well-developed paths.
In the area of the Tölzer Bergwacht “you can't go wrong”, says the on-call manager.
Better not go out alone
It is more difficult in the area of responsibility of the Lenggries mountain rescue service.
Feile: “I would always go up the mountain with at least two people.” Even mountain professionals shouldn't put themselves in unnecessary danger.
You just have to imagine that you are injured, you cannot go any further and there is no cell phone reception at that point, of all places.
If there are two of you, someone can always go and get help.
And a careless step, a fall, "that happens to both beginners and professionals," says mountain rescuer Feile.
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