Accidents are on the rise this summer in the mountains. Hiking, climbing, mountain biking, family walks: the summits are often a good alternative to the heat. But beware, the mountain is also a dangerous playground.
On Wednesday afternoon, a mountaineer was seriously injured after falling while climbing in the Sanetsch sector. On August 1, two people died at altitude: one in the canton of Solothurn, hit by a rock, the other in Schwyz, after a fall. On July 19, two other hikers lost their lives in the space of an hour in the Appenzell Alpstein massif. A 66-year-old German and a 58-year-old Bernese each had a fatal fall in the same area, independently of each other.
Tuesday, it was in the Haut-Valais that a 64-year-old Dutch mountaineer also fell. Another, 77, also died after a fall.
The mountain is a sporting and family destination, whatever the season. However, every year, mountain rescue teams carry out numerous interventions. The figure is significant: last month, Rega recorded a record number of operations: 2,120 helicopter missions. This is 33% more than the average for July over the past 5 years.
This is why, before setting off on high altitude paths, it is important to understand the risks, to be well equipped and to adopt the right behavior.
Emmanuelle Gabioud is a mountain guide. His recommendations:
A group of hikers in the Canton of Grisons. (KEYSTONE/Arno Balzarini)
And in case of an accident
Well-thought-out equipment, to eat and drink, a little wool, an application to follow the weather or even a telephone to call for help in the event of an accident.
Because yes, do not hesitate to contact the mountain rescue teams if you are victims or witnesses of an incident. Emmanuelle Gabioud:
Note that in the face of repeated rock falls, on the French side, we advise against climbing Mont-Blanc. From now on, mountaineers who decide not to follow the instructions will have to pay a deposit of 15,000 euros. A sum which corresponds to the average cost of relief (10,000 euros) and the burial costs of a victim (5,000 euros). A measure taken by the mayor of Saint-Gervais, Jean-Marc Peillex.