After the demise of two international hikers in Spain in current weeks, we go over Spanish rescue employees’ recommendation for planning a mountain climbing journey right here, from the emergency numbers to have in your cellphone to the gear you need to carry with you.
Tragically, Spain sees a number of mountain climbing fatalities amongst international guests yearly, with current incidents primarily brought on by unintended falls and treacherous mountain climate.
In mi-Might, a 61-year-old British hiker was discovered lifeless after being lacking throughout a 48-hour rescue try throughout the Picos de Europa Nationwide Park. The person reportedly contacted emergency companies to say that he was misplaced and had little gear, however was not discovered till he had died.
Simply days later, one other British nationwide died on a mountain climbing journey within the Pyrenees. The 42-year-old lady “fell round 500m (1,640ft) from the Balaitús Peak within the Huesca area of Spain.
That is to not say that Spanish nationals don’t get into hassle for not taking sufficient precautions whereas out in nature.
Within the area of Aragón, 30 folks misplaced their lives in mountain accidents in 2025, most Spaniards.
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The rise in path operating, mountain climbing and out of doors sports activities actions has led to a pointy improve in mountain rescues usually, however logically locals are typically extra aware of the terrain, climate and what to do in an emergency when in comparison with vacationers.
For these coming to Spain not for the coast however fairly the mountains, there are a number of vital security suggestions taken from Spain’s Mountain Rescue and Intervention Group (GREIM) to remain protected in your rutas throughout the nation.
Emergency numbers
Clearly, earlier than heading out be sure to’re conscious of Spain’s emergency numbers — 112 or the Civil Guard’s 062.
Typically, GREIM attempt to make phone contact through the handlers to acquire first-hand info and supply recommendation, info essential in deciding whether or not to make use of the helicopter with the winch or to attend for circumstances to enhance throughout the rescue.
Let family and friends know the place you are going
Equally, let different folks know the place you are going and do not set off on a hike with out anybody sle figuring out the place you’re.
Pablo Reanda, a GREIM member, notes that it is best to be “very particular… telling shut associates or household precisely which route you will take, and giving an estimated time of return”.
That is very important info, he provides, as a result of “if you happen to don’t know the place you’re, it’s unimaginable to search out you”.
Deliver acceptable gear
Carry a torch with spare batteries, a cell phone with an additional battery and a first-aid package.
Thermal blankets are additionally extremely really useful, whether or not in a case of hypothermia or heatstroke.
At all times carry heat clothes, gloves and a hat in your rucksack, even in summer time.
Consultants additionally advocate carrying an emergency whistle to draw consideration must you get misplaced.
Maps & cellphone sign – old fashioned or offline
Bringing a map virtually goes with out saying, however the primary problem dealing with a hiker these days is shedding connection in distant or mountainous areas.
On this situation, having offline maps is important. The undisputed go-to app for out of doors lovers is Wikiloc.
Nonetheless, there are a lot of different offline map apps that obtain maps on to the cellphone’s reminiscence, permitting you to navigate utilizing the gadget’s GPS fully offline, making certain you will discover your approach even in essentially the most distant locations the place cell knowledge protection is unavailable.
Backup energy
On that, in case your cellphone is dropped, dies, will get moist or shuts as a consequence of chilly temperatures, you will want one other approach of charging your units.
The primary important merchandise is a high-capacity exterior battery or energy financial institution, protected in a water-proof pouch, to make sure your cellphone doesn’t run out of energy on the most inopportune second.
In fact, holding telephones on airplane mode will save battery life.
Control the climate
Test the climate.
The mountains are identified for the way shortly climate circumstances can change. Counting on the generic climate apps that come pre-installed on telephones is usually a mistake, as they don’t take into consideration the particular circumstances at excessive altitudes.
For real-time climate tailor-made to the terrain, hikers use apps like Meteoblue for a extra dependable and updated forecast.
