, who have had quite some work already this season due to reckless mountaineers.

Rescue teams have already intervened almost three hundred times by helping the injured and other hikers who have called for help. Since the number of visitors usually rises in late summer, the teams dread that 2016 might be even more deadly than previous years. So far, 19 people have already died in the mountains. “The most common cause of accidents is still slips, typically when descending back down, returning from the hike,” explains mountain rescue instructor Jernej Lanišek.

Warm clothing also needed in the summer
Mountain rescuers warn that mountaineers should be in great shape, well equipped, and aware of the fact that the hike is not done until the descent is over. This year in particular, hikers should also be prepared for a sudden weather disturbance.

“Proper equipment is a must – a wool hat or a cap, gloves, anorak. If the hike is long, e.g. 10 or 12 hours, it is also good to have a bivouac, a sleeping bag, astro-foil etc., so that hikers are protected against the cold,” advises rescue pilot Damjan Kočar.

During summer storms, mountaineers need to be vigilant about lightning. “If hikers are located on a ridge, they should try to move away from it as soon as possible, by moving down, into ravines and the like, away from exposed locations,” concludes Kočar.

Miro Štebe, Televizija Slovenija; translated by K. Z.