Mountains hold a special allure. The sheer scale of them, combined with the breathtaking views and the physical challenge of summiting them, makes mountains irresistible to anyone with an adventurous spirit.
They’re also dangerous. Treacherous terrain, exposure, and rapidly changing weather conditions all contribute to a level of risk that comes with climbing mountains.
Of course, that shouldn’t put you off enjoying one of nature’s most spectacular environments.
All it takes is a bit of knowledge and preparation to safely explore the mountains.
We spoke with Mountain Rescue with help from Helly Hansen to bring you 5 must-know safety tips for mountain adventures.
Tip 1: Be prepared
The Scout motto is a good one. Proper preparation pays dividends on any adventure, but especially on a trip to the mountains.
This includes planning your route carefully (along with alternatives in case there’s a closed trail or hazardous conditions), and checking the forecast before you go.
It also means having the right gear for the conditions both present and expected – so don’t leave a waterproof layer at home just because it’s sunny in the morning.
Will Oliver, Deputy Team Leader of the Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team, says that “knowing how to navigate, taking a paper map, a compass, and a few torches or headlights with spare batteries” are all essential skills and tools to have for a trip to the mountains.
Tip 2: Know First Aid
You never expect anything to go wrong, but if it does, it’s important to have the right medical kit to deal with it.
However, most injuries are often fairly minor. Gavin Findlay, who has spent 15 years with Mountain Rescue, says blisters and lower leg cuts and grazes are the most common kinds of injury.
But even these can impact your or someone else’s ability to walk, so plasters, blister pads, and tape are all essential items to carry at a minimum.
Gavin also says that it’s useless carrying a first aid kit without the knowledge to use it effectively, and highly recommends that everyone takes a first aid course.
Tip 3: Learn the Mountain Code
The Mountain Code was developed in Norway by the Norwegian Trekking Association and Norwegian Red Cross in 1952, designed to help people navigate the mountains safely and responsibly.
And although it was developed for the soaring and often harsh Norwegian mountains, it’s relevant for any hill climbing activity across the world.
These are the nine points of the Mountain Code that you should know.
- Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected.
- Adapt the planned routes according to ability and conditions.
- Pay attention to the weather and avalanche warnings.
- Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips.
- Bring the necessary equipment so you can help yourself and others.
- Choose safe routes. Recognise avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.
- Use a map and a compass. Always know where you are.
- Don’t be ashamed to turn around.
- Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.
Tip 4: Know who to contact in an emergency
If something happens that you can’t deal with, you need to know who to contact in an emergency.
In the UK, if you’re in trouble in the mountains, call 999 and ask for the Police, and then ask for Mountain Rescue.
You may get sent a text message with a link from Mountain Rescue, if you are able to receive this, follow the instructions as this will help them to know your location.
Also, if there’s a situation developing, don’t be afraid to call early, even just for advice. Having Mountain Rescue aware of your situation before things get out of hand is immensely helpful for both you and the rescue team.
If you’re climbing internationally, always check and write down the local authorities and rescue teams contacts before you head out.
Also, check the phone coverage maps of the area you plan to be in. If there’s no signal, it’s highly worth considering a satellite device such as a Garmin inReach that will be able to send an SOS and pinpoint your location without phone signal.
Tip 5: Start small, but don’t be afraid!
If you’re just getting started with hill climbing, munro bagging, or mountaineering, don’t think you have to head to Crib Goch or the Eiger straight away.
Vicky Watson from North Tyne Mountain Rescue says to “start small and build up” to the climbs you’ve always dreamed of doing.
Be patient and honest with your skill and fitness levels. There’s still a wealth of enjoyment to be had with easier routes, and the training will make the harder stuff more enjoyable when you get to it.
However, don’t be put off trying it. Vicky says that climbing mountains “really is for everyone. If you want to do it, you should give it a go.”
So don’t be afraid of getting out there! The natural environment in Britain is absolutely worth it, and climbing mountains is one of the most rewarding activities you can do.
Discover more mountain tips with Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen is a leading brand for technical outdoor kit which is the official clothing partner of five mountain rescue teams across Mountain Rescue England and Wales, Scottish Mountain Rescue and Mountain Rescue Ireland.
Working with Mountain Rescue teams, Helly Hansen has developed bespoke best-in-class Mountain Rescue Responder kit utilising real-life feedback of the kit to integrate changes to designs with the aim of protecting the Mountain Rescue volunteers against the UK’s unique weather conditions and varied landscapes.
If you want to learn more about staying safe in the mountains and check out the kit that Mountain Rescue uses for yourself, head over to Helly Hansen’s website here.