Live the Mountain

The aim of iGreengo is to encourage the development of environmentally friendly and nature-friendly tourism. Walking in the mountains is a source of well-being for many people, but there are some issues that it’s good to respect and know before, for your own safety and for the protection of the environment. Here is a list of good advice and behavior that we think are important to put into practice:

 

Sustainability

  • Avoid crowded areas during high season: excessive pressure alters the balance of the habitat. If possible, prefer hiking during the week rather than at the weekend, there will be more tranquility
  • Reach the shelters using the paths, avoiding moving away from the paths, and always follow the signs.
  • Respect local culture and traditions, remember that you are a guest of mountain people.
  • Produce less waste as possible and bring it home.
  • Don’t light fires.
  • Don’t pick flowers, which have their own function in nature, for the balance of biodiversity. In the mountains, for many types of plants, there is a real prohibition of harvesting. Other behaviors are not yet prohibited by law but rely on common sense.
  • Avoid yelling and making loud noises.
  • Do not approach or disturb wild animals. Observe them from a distance and in silence. We can’t predict how they’ll react, maybe attack us, just out of fear and self-defense.
  • Practice the plogging! Invented in Sweden by Erik Ahlström, it consists in collecting waste while running or hiking, combining physical exercise with the cleanliness of the environment. It is enough to carry a bag in which to throw what is on the path, then put in the differentiated collectors once downstream.

How to choose the route

  • Inquire first about the difficulty of the trail, also through the detailed hiking maps, and always choose the excursion suitable for the physical preparation of the weakest person in the group.
  • Stay on the marked paths.
  • Always inform someone about your destination.
  • If you plan a stopover or overnight stay in the shelter call first to inquire about the actual opening or availability.
  • If you are not used to going to the mountains, be accompanied by someone with experience or participate in organized excursions.

During the excursion

  • Haste and speed are counterproductive, better a slow but safe pace. Be careful where you lean your feet, especially on exposed trails.
  • The slowest person defines the rhythm to the group and never leaves anyone behind
  • Take breaks and drink water regularly.
  • Limit your phone usage and turn off all settings that consume your battery.

The weather

  • Check the weather before leaving. In winter it is important to inform yourself in advance about the avalanche risk.
  • Remember that in the mountains the weather can change quickly, and temperatures can drop a lot, even in summer period.
  • If there is a thunderstorm go back, stay away from isolated trees, and do not stay on top. If there is a possibility, enter a closed building.

Clothing and equipment

  • Wear comfortable mountain boots, avoid starting with shoes with low or smooth sole
  • Better use a waterproof backpack or equipped with a cloth to cover it.
  • Have a piece of warm clothing, which protects from the wind and spare linens.
  • Bring plenty of fluids, energy food, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap.
  • Always carry a topographic map, or a GPS device, mobile phone and first aid kit.
  • Do not forget the headlamp if you leave for long hikes, especially in the winter months when the days are shorter.

In the event of an accident

Any person who becomes aware of an accident or intercept a distress signal must assist by informing the rescue station or the manager of the nearest shelter.

App for tracking and rescue

GeoResQ is an app managed by the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (CNSAS) and promoted by the Italian Alpine Club (CAI), with a geolocation and forwarding of rescue requests.

The app tracks in real time the excursions that can be stored later the dedicated portal and, if necessary, forwards alarms and rescue requests.

First aid number

Emergency: 118

Tell the operator where you are: location and province.

International distress signals

Calling

Launch SIX times within one minute an acoustic/optical signal and repeat the same signals after one minute has elapsed

Response

Launch THREE times within one minute an acoustic/optical signal and repeat after one-minute interval