Styria mountain rescue reports 10 percent rise in summer callouts

Steiermark mountain rescue teams recorded about 10 percent more callouts this summer than during the previous summer, ORF reported on Sunday. Rescue officials said careful planning was essential as hiking and outdoor sports continue to grow in popularity.

“This summer has shown that outdoor sports and hiking are booming, and we have again recorded an increase in callouts,” said Jannis Staud of Mountain Rescue Styria.

Many operations involve hikers on supposedly easy routes who become unable to continue because they lack the necessary fitness, run out of water or are otherwise overwhelmed by the trail. Staud said many of these incidents could be avoided with better preparation.

He urged hikers to check the weather forecast, assess whether they are fit enough for the route and consider the difficulty of the trail or climbing route. “Tour planning is really the most important thing,” he said.

The increase has placed a significant burden on the volunteer rescuers, with beginners who are insufficiently prepared accounting for much of the demand.

On Friday, two hikers died in accidents in the Liezen district. On Saturday evening, two German mountaineers fell about 15 metres into a crevasse on Hoher Dachstein. Strong winds and fog prevented a helicopter rescue, and the operation lasted 10 hours.