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The notice says it all – leave no litter
SAFETY CHECKLIST
Before setting out on a mountain walk check the weather forecast (see above) and be aware that Alpine areas are subject to rapidly changing conditions. When on a long walk watch for signs of a deterioration in the weather, and be prepared for the worst by having suitable clothing.
Study route details beforehand, noting any particular difficulties and the amount of time needed to complete the route. Make sure you can be back safely before nightfall.
On a full-day’s walk carry food (and emergency rations such as chocolate or dried fruit), and at least one litre of liquid per person to avoid dehydration.
Leave details of your planned route and expected time of return, with a responsible person.
Be vigilant when crossing wet rocks, scree, snow patches and mountain streams. Should a section of your path be safeguarded with fixed rope or chains, check that they have not worked loose before relying on them.
Do not stray onto glaciers unless you have experienced companions and the necessary equipment (and know-how) to deal with crevasse rescue. Keep away from icefalls and hanging glaciers.
Avoid dislodging stones onto others who might be below you.
Never be reluctant to turn back in the face of deteriorating weather, or if the route appears to be hazardous. In the event of being unable to reach your planned destination, try to send a message.
Carry map and compass (and GPS if you have one), and know how to use them.
Always carry some first aid equipment, as well as a whistle and a torch for emergencies. The emergency telephone number for rescue is 117 – try not to use it!
Make a note of the International Distress Signal printed at the front of this guide: six blasts on a whistle (and flashes with a torch after dark) spaced evenly for one minute, followed by a minute’s pause; then repeat until an answer is received and your position located. The response is three signals followed by a minute’s pause.
Be insured against accidents (rescue and subsequent medical treatment), for although mountain rescue is highly organised and efficient in Switzerland, it can be extremely expensive for the casualty. (See Appendix A for a list of specialist insurers.)
Finally, please help keep the mountains and valleys litter-free.
Suggested Equipment List
Experienced mountain walkers will no doubt have their preferences, but the following list is offered as a guide to newcomers to the Alps. Obviously some items will not be needed if you envisage tackling only low valley walks.
Clothing
Walking boots – must be comfortable, a good fit, have ankle support and plenty of grip in the soles
Trainers or similar for wear in hotels and villages
Wind- and water-proof jacket and overtrousers
Warm hat and sunhat
Gloves
Fleece or sweater
Shirts – 2 or 3 for a fortnight’s holiday
Warm trousers or slacks (not jeans which can be very cold when wet and take ages to dry)
Shorts (optional)
Socks
Underwear
Miscellaneous
Rucksack – with waterproof liner and/or cover
Sheet sleeping bag (for those who intend to sleep in huts or matratzenlagers)
Bivvy bag – in case of emergencies
Collapsible umbrella – excellent rain protection; especially useful for spectacle wearers
Trekking pole(s) – highly recommended
Headtorch plus spare bulb and battery
Water bottle – minimum 1 litre capacity
Sunglasses, suncream/sunblock and lip salve
First aid kit
Map and compass (and GPS if available)
Whistle
Watch
Guidebook
Penknife
Camera and films (unless digital)
Altimeter
Binoculars
A walker on the Regenboldshorn, a short diversion from the Pommernpass on Route 88
Recommended Maps
The series of maps published by the Swiss national survey – Landeskarte der Schweiz (LS) – are works of art. Open any sheet and a picture of the country immediately leaps from the paper, for by shading, contours and colouring, the line of ridge and rock face, the flow of glacier and stream, the curve of an amphitheatre, the narrow cut of a glen, the expanse of a lake or forest on a hillside all announce themselves clearly. They are a source of inspiration for study at home, and a real pleasure to use in the mountains. Check the LS catalogue on www.swisstopo.ch/en/. LS also produce maps for use with a mobile phone. Check details on www.swisstopo.ch/swissmapmobile.
The yellow and orange-covered Wanderkarte series at 1:50,000 carry the letter ‘T’ with their personal identification number; these have major walking routes outlined in red, mountain huts circled, and postbus stops also shown. Although the 1:25,000 series shows greater detail, the 1:50,000 scale should be perfectly adequate for most walkers’ needs here, while the commercial publisher Kümmerly + Frey produces a series of hikers’ maps at a scale of 1:60,000. Printed on waterproof and tear-resistant paper, detail shown is similar to that of the LS Wanderkarte series.
Snowpeaks on the Lauterbrunnental’s headwall are clearly seen from the path to the Rottal Hut (Route 43)
Map suppliers are listed in Appendix A, but note that some tourist authorities produce their own Wanderkarten that show local walking routes, and these are on sale at tourist information offices. Specific sheets are mentioned in the valley details within the guide.
Using this Guide
The layout
