Weather in the mountains can change within minutes, and a sunny day can quickly turn into a fight for safety. The most important thing is to stay calm and rationally assess the situation. The procedure depends on what type of weather deterioration catches you.
1. Storm and lightning (Greatest risk)
A storm in the mountains is extremely dangerous. If you hear thunder, the storm may already be close enough for lightning to strike you.
- Descend immediately: Leave ridges, peaks, and open plains. Try to get to the valley or at least below the ridge level as quickly as possible.
- Put away metal objects: Hiking poles, ice axes, carabiners, and also your mobile phone – put them in your backpack and place it at least a few meters away from you.
- Avoid traps: Never hide under lone trees, under rock overhangs (lightning can jump) or near watercourses. Via ferratas (secured paths) with steel cables are a deadly trap during a storm – leave them immediately.
- Assume the „storm position“: If you cannot escape and the storm is directly above you, find a depression (but not one flooded with water). Squat down, keep your feet close together, wrap your arms around your knees, and lower your head. Ideally, squat on a dry backpack or sleeping pad. If you are in a group, spread out at least 3 to 5 meters apart.
2. Dense fog and loss of orientation (Whiteout)
Loss of visibility is the most common cause of getting lost and subsequent falls into exposed terrain.
- Stop: If you cannot see the next trail marker, do not continue blindly.
- Check your location: Use GPS on your phone and offline maps (e.g., Mapy.cz).
- Return on your own tracks: If you don't have GPS, go back exactly the way you came until you find the last known marker.
- If you don't know where to go, wait: If you are completely disoriented and there is a risk of falling off a cliff, it is safer to stay in place, put on dry clothes, and wait for the weather to clear, or call for help.
3. Sudden cooling, rain, and wind
High mountain environments can bring temperatures close to zero even in summer. In combination with strong wind and wet clothing, there is a risk of very rapid hypothermia.
- Dress before you get soaked: Don't wait. As soon as it starts to rain or blow, put on a waterproof and windproof layer.
- Find a lee: Hide behind a large boulder, in dwarf pine, or in a mountain hut. Wind drastically lowers the perceived temperature.
- Maintain energy: Eat quick sugars. If you have to stand still, move your fingers, shift your weight – muscle work generates heat.
When and how to call for help
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Slovakia (Mountains) | Call 18 300 (Mountain Rescue Service). |
| Best method | Use the HZS app (it sends your GPS location). |
| Abroad / No HZS signal | Call the universal number 112. |
| Completely without signal | Try sending an emergency SMS. |
The golden rule of the mountains: The best response to worsening weather is prevention. Always check the radar and detailed forecast before a hike (e.g., SHMÚ, Meteoblue). In summer, set out early in the morning, because storms most often arrive in the afternoon. Knowing when to turn back and give up the summit is a sign of an experienced hiker.
How does the HZS app work?
The app serves as a comprehensive rescue tool. The "Call for help" button automatically sends your precise GPS location, battery status, and health information to the operator and simultaneously dials the 18 300 line. In case of a weak signal, you can use the chat or send a photo of the injury. The app also includes the "Guardian Angel" feature (virtual hike log) and a map of the nearest defibrillators (AED).
Best offline maps for hiking
Google Maps is often unusable in the forest. For safe hiking, we recommend:
- Mapy.cz (Clear Winner): Detailed hiking layer, works 100% offline after downloading maps.
- Organic Maps: Open-source app, saves battery, works great offline.
- Locus Map: Professional tool for advanced mountaineers.
Practical recommendation: Always download maps to offline mode at home on Wi-Fi and, just in case, pack a charged power bank. A phone that constantly searches for a signal in the mountains drains the battery many times faster.
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