It’s highly uncommon to find the words safe and adventurous used one after the other. After all, adventures reek of risk-taking and adrenalin-pumping activities. So, how can you possibly make an adventurous mountain getaway safe? Safety is the first and foremost priority, and seasoned adventures never fail to prioritize their safety.
Before embarking on rip-roaring adventures, adventurers and alpine trekkers equip themselves with safety tools and protective gear. Travelers bound for remote mountain destinations contact local authorities and law enforcement to update their location and prevent unforeseen tragedies. Finding a safe, hygienic, and comfortable accommodation is also a safety measure that will make your mountain adventure less risky.
It all boils down to assessing your target destination for risks that can compromise your safety. For some, these risks include crime rates and overly conservative cultures, while others are scared of potential wildlife encounters. If you want to plan a safe and rewarding alpine adventure, you need to research and ensure preparedness.
Please keep reading to explore our detailed guide to planning a safe and adventurous mountain getaway.
1 Prioritize your Comfort & Safety
Most travelers plan mountainside vacations with overly ambitious plans to camp under the stars and trek miles under the sun. However, when exposed to the lethal forces of the elements and poisonous pests, they realize that their plans are unfeasible. To enjoy a rewarding vacation, you don’t have to force yourself to sleep inside a humid tent, fully exposed to dangerous insects.
Suppose you’re headed to a popular alpine attraction, such as the Great Smoky Mountains. In that case, it’s wise to book luxury accommodation so you can relax and unwind after your outdoor excursions and hiking. For instance, you can explore hotels in Pigeon Forge with indoor pool to cool off after hiking the nearby trails.
Destinations like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg serve as resting points for avid trekkers and alpine hikers looking to recharge. There’s nothing more comforting than laying your aching back and feet on soft pillows after an exhausting hiking adventure. Most adventurers bound for the Great Smokies are interested in mapping the Appalachian heritage along the Appalachian Trail. But such ambitious mountain adventures demand you to remain physically active and recuperate your energies.
Therefore, adventurers book comfortable accommodations to recharge their energies and hit the trails with a renewed vengeance each day. Aside from prioritizing your comfort, camping alone in remote destinations is highly ill-advised. And suppose you’re not fully equipped or familiar with the wilderness. In that case, camping alone can compromise your safety in the worst way imaginable. Imagine a family of grizzly bears conducting a nocturnal raid on your campsite while you’re fast asleep.
So, prioritize your comfort alongside safety and choose a decent and reputable accommodation to avoid risking your wellbeing.
2 Pack Protective Clothing & Safety Gear
Are you fully equipped for your adventure deep into the wilderness? Have you packed enough warm layers to stay cozy against the chilly alpine winds? Are you carrying extra batteries, flashlights, cooking gear, and other camping essentials?
Seasoned alpine adventurers never underestimate the vitality and aggressiveness of the wilderness. Mountain treks and meadows are wild ecosystems, unlike our urban settlements. We love controlling tiny aspects of our lives to maximize our comfort. But the wilderness robs us of all control, forcing us to comply with its forces.
Stepping outside your comfort zone is healthy, but doing so without carrying protective gear and safety supplies is reckless. You may have heard stories about a man who climbed Everest without an oxygen tank, but can you achieve this feat? The travel industry is abuzz with rumors of bravado and adrenaline-raising activities that encourage travelers to take unnecessary life-threatening risks.
But an experienced mountain climber or wilderness lover would never encourage beginners to indulge in behaviors that compromise safety. Instead, all seasoned experts carry protective gear to prioritize their safety, from biker gangs and trekkers to mountain climbers and cliff divers.
So, what items do you need to carry? It depends on your chosen activity, such as rock climbing, high-altitude trekking, mountain biking, or river rafting. Each demands distinct protective clothing, accessories, and safety equipment. Camping enthusiasts should equip themselves with insect repellents, camping stoves, and sunscreen.
You cannot head out to explore the mountains without lathering your skin with sunscreen unless you want to get sunburned. It’s also wise to pack ample food and nutrition supplies to plan an extensive alpine journey.
3 Do your Research
It’s common for locals and service providers to downplay the risks of using their equipment or indulging in adventure sports. They want to attract tourists to make money instead of scaring them away with facts and figures around safety protocols. So, don’t expect the company you’ve chosen for a rock climbing tour to lay down the risks and safety hazards.
It’s crucial to note that tour companies and local businesses won’t alarm their customers by sharing accident rates and safety hazards. So, do your research to substantiate the credibility of your chosen service providers. For example, suppose you’re booking a tour company to hike up the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. In that case, it’s wise to read reviews and explore the account of tourists who have traveled with the same company.
Reading authentic reviews on Yelp or Trip Advisor will offer transparency into your chosen tour operator’s efficiency and customer service.
4 Don’t Venture out Alone
Unless you’re a seasoned alpine trekker with ample experience mapping mountain cliffs and nature trails, don’t venture out alone. GPS coverage and YouTube vlogs have empowered us to take the DIY route and start exploring on our own. But it won’t take long for your devices to lose connectivity and lead you deep in the middle of nowhere.
It’s wise to hire local guides and porters and avoid venturing alone in remote areas. Guides and porters help beginner trekkers, and aspiring adventurers make the most of their vacation. With a local guiding your way, you won’t worry about getting lost or encountering hungry grizzly bears.
Final Thoughts
Think of it, adventure and safety go hand in hand to make a rewarding and unforgettable mountain getaway. Prioritizing your safety is crucial to avoid unforeseen mishaps and complications that undermine your wellbeing. It’s vital to plan your adventure carefully and examine all the hazards that can risk your safety.
