Tips and rules for staying safe in the mountains

Safety in the mountains

Safety always comes first – especially when you’re out and about in the mountains. After all, you should return relaxed, healthy and happy from your eventful holiday at the foot of the Zugspitze. That’s why we’ve summarised the most important tips and rules of conduct in the mountains for summer and winter sports enthusiasts for you. Please heed this advice – for your own safety but also for the safety of others who are enjoying nature in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena!

In Case of Emergency

In case of emergency, you should:

stay calm
call for help – either by dialling the emergency number or by shouting, blowing a whistle or calling attention to yourself otherwise
protect yourself first
never leave an injured person, and stay at the site of the accident in a safe location
avoid summits, ridges, via ferratas or isolated trees in case of a thunderstorm – if possible, seek shelter in your car or in a house or hut

Emergency numbers

The two most important emergence numbers are:

140: Alpine mountain rescue services
112: European emergency number (works on any kind of phone and on any available network)

Emergency calls are not possible without network coverage. This might leave you with only two options: Either try to find a location where you have coverage or use the SOS emergency call function on your mobile phone!

A local alternative is the emergency app of the Tyrolean mountain rescue services: It lets you make an emergency call and – at the same time – sends your location to the operator. You can download the app by searching for “Notfall App Bergrettung Tirol” in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).

All emergency services at a glance

Code of conduct for …

… hikers & mountain bikers

Keeping in mind the level of difficulty of the route and your own experience as well as your individual skills, make sure you act responsibly!
Respect closures and accept that the trails are primarily used for farm and forest work! Please close all gates to pastures, etc.!
Show consideration for nature and the region’s wildlife, and don’t leave the signposted routes! Avoid walking or cycling off the open trails!
End your tour before dusk!
Don’t litter!

… mountain bikers in particular

Go at a slow and controlled speed and be ready to stop at any moment if necessary – especially as you’re approaching curves! There might be unexpected obstacles in your way.
Protect your head by wearing a helmet!
Watch out for hikers and pedestrians, and slow down to walking pace if you decide to pass them!
Check your bike and equipment ahead of every tour (brakes, bell, light, etc.)!

There are several additional rules and guidelines for using the single tracks:

Slow down to walking speed on single tracks! The trails aren’t regularly being checked for hazards, so downhillers use them at their own risk.
Watch out for hikers, pasture animals and wildlife, and don’t leave the trails!
Keep in mind there might be certain dangers in alpine terrain!

… skiers and snowboarders

The official code of conduct on the slopes by FIS states:

Show respect for others: Skiers or snowboarders must behave in such a way that they do not endanger or prejudice others.
Skiers or snowboarders must move in control. They must adapt their speed and manner of skiing or snowboarding to their personal ability and to the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density of traffic. Be ready to stop at any moment!
Skiers or snowboarders coming from behind must choose their route in such a way that they do not endanger the skiers or snowboarders ahead of them.
Skiers or snowboarders may overtake other skiers or snowboarders above or below and to the right or to the left provided that they leave enough space for the overtaken skiers or snowboarders to make any voluntary or involuntary movement.
Skiers or snowboarders entering a marked run, starting again after stopping or moving upwards on the slopes must look up and down the slopes that they can do so without endangering themselves or others.

Unless absolutely necessary, skiers or snowboarders must avoid stopping on the slope in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in such a place, skiers or snowboarders must move and clear of the slope as soon as possible.
Skiers or snowboarders either climbing or descending on foot must keep to the side of the slope.
Respect all signs and markings!
At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist.
Bring your ID! Every skier or snowboarder and witness, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident.

Discover the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena

Summer in the mountains

Hiking, biking, lakes and public pools, special family offers, and countless different leisure activities: That's what makes summer in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena a highlight for all holiday guests!

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