Safety in the mountains

Respectful behaviour and mutual consideration form the basis for good interaction and the protection of the diverse interests of nature.

• Regional restrictions, such as trail closures, restricted forest areas, protected and conservation areas, wildlife rest areas, etc. must be complied with without exception.
• Warning signs in the terrain must be taken seriously; "No trespassing!" applies to restricted areas.
• Only use open and marked trails / routes (follow the signs!). Do not take shortcuts!
• Good tour planning in advance (itinerary, weather forecast, essential information such as restrictions) ensures safety and an all-round positive experience in nature.
• Using forest areas away from approved routes is prohibited. Special caution applies to forest plantations below 3 metres in tree height (no trespassing!).
• Camping, setting up camp after dark and making fires in the forest/on mountain pastures is prohibited by law. Please use designated places!
• Fences must be respected - pasture fencing and gates must always be closed after passing through.
• A general obligation to keep dogs on a leash applies, as dogs are always perceived as a threat by other animals (grazing cattle).
• Do not leave anything behind! Waste cannot always be avoided - but it should not be left behind in nature and must be disposed of properly. This also applies to dog poop.
• Please be considerate! Wildlife is particularly active at dusk and dawn and must not be disturbed. To protect the animals, you should therefore refrain from tours at dusk or dawn and/or in the dark.
• Only pick valuable (forest) ingredients such as wild mushrooms and berries with moderation and

    purpose! Comply with Carinthian regulations on picking wild mushrooms!

• The specified opening and operating hours must be observed and adhered to.
• Designated car parks must be used and any parking fees must be paid.
• The level of difficulty and speed (walking and cycling) must be adapted to your own ability and the weather conditions. Please do not overestimate your skills!
• Ability to self-assess: If you go into the mountains, you should know what you are doing and what you

    are capable of!

• Equipment must be checked for functionality and completeness before each tour.
• The consumption of alcohol, medication and addictive substances impairs your ability to react, and reduces your ability to correctly assess risks.
• If necessary, first aid must be provided.

CLIMBING

• Only use the designated access points to the rocks/tours.
• If out and about in terrain without trails, be careful and considerate (vulnerable plants, wildlife)!
• When ice and mixed climbing in winter, pay attention to sensitive wildlife habitats (avoid disturbance!).

VIE FERRATE

• Plan carefully
• Self-assessment
• Use complete, standardised equipment
• Do not climb if there is a risk of thunderstorms
• Partner check at the start
• Thoroughly check wire rope and anchoring
• Maintain sufficient distance
• Clear agreement when overtaking
• Climb carefully to prevent falling rocks!

HIKING

• Walking on agricultural land (meadows, fields, forests) away from marked trails is prohibited.
• Do not leave hiking trails on mountain pastures and meadows.
• Avoid contact with grazing cattle. Do not feed the animals and keep a safe distance.
• Leave the grazing area quickly at the first sign of restlessness.
• Stay calm, do not frighten grazing cattle, and do not turn your back on the animals.
• If grazing cattle block the path, keep as far away as possible.
• Suckler cows protect their offspring, dogs are always perceived as a threat. Therefore, avoid encounters between suckler cows and dogs.
• Always keep dogs under control and on a short leash. If an attack by a grazing animal is unavoidable – unleash the dog immediately.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

• Only ride on marked, signposted trails! The protection of plants and animals comes before sport!
• Opening hours/operating hours (depending on contractual agreements) of the trails are specified and must be complied with (check information boards)!
• Avoid heavily used trails - especially at weekends!
• Forest roads and the forest are operating areas and workplaces, so working machines, workers, motor vehicles, stored wood and potholes should be anticipated.
• The trails run through nature and are exposed to a wide variety of factors, so the ground conditions can change at any time.
• Always ride at a controlled speed and with half visibility, especially in bends, as obstacles should be anticipated at all times.
• Compliance with road traffic regulations is a matter of course.
• Pasture fencing and gates must always be closed after passing through.
• Unnecessary emergency braking must be avoided, as it damages the trails.
• Part of the trails and bike tours are shared by hikers and mountain bikers (e.g. shared trail). Hikers always have priority over mountain bikers.
• Others enjoying nature must be respected and only overtaken at walking pace.

SNOWSHOE HIKING and SKI TOURING

• Follow existing regulations. Take information about game reserves, restricted areas and reforestation areas into account when planning your tour.
• Observe and follow information boards during the tour.
• Stay on the established routes (ski routes, hiking and forest trails)!
• Only undertake ski tours when there is sufficient snow - damage to the vegetation and soil cover must be avoided.
• Fast downhill skiers in particular scare wildlife, causing it to flee in panic. Respect the habitat of wildlife - keep your distance in case of encounters.
• Keep dogs on a leash, even when skiing downhill.
• Do not downhill ski through forests. No skiing through sapling and reforestation areas!
• Plan your ski tour carefully, taking weather conditions and the avalanche situation into account.
• Personal emergency equipment must be carried along.
• Ability to self-assess: If you go into the mountains, you should know what you are doing and what you

    are capable of!