Every winter in Ukraine, the number of tragic incidents involving tourists in the Carpathians increases, with many getting lost in the mountains or even freezing to death. Since the start of the full-scale Russian war, the usual vacationers have been joined by draft evaders attempting to escape across the border through the mountains.
"Since the beginning of 2024, mountain search and rescue units of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) have rescued 579 people who got lost in the mountains. Additionally, 283 tourists received first aid. Unfortunately, over the course of 11 months, 18 people have died in the mountains," – reported during a briefing at Media Center Ukraine by Alexander Khorunzhiy, a press officer of the SES.
As the winter tourist season approaches in the Carpathians, the SES reminded travelers of the dangers they often face in the mountains and how to protect themselves from misfortune.
According to rescuers, the most common reasons for accidents involving tourists in the mountains include:
- underestimating the difficulty of the route and overestimating one's own abilities
- insufficient preparation for the trip (lack of necessary equipment, poor planning)
- disregarding weather forecasts and warnings from meteorologists
- skiing or snowboarding outside designated trails
At the same time, the SES noted that dangers in the mountains can be avoided by following a few simple rules.
"Follow the advice of safety specialists when traveling in the mountains, be sure to assess your capabilities, consider the weather forecast, and register in the mobile app "Rescue in the Mountains" or "Rescue." Remember, the responsibility for your own safety begins with you," – emphasized Khorunzhiy.
In particular, tourists are advised to choose routes that match their physical abilities and preparation, planning them in advance while also having a backup plan for unforeseen situations.
For winter hikes, it's advisable to wear warm clothing in bright colors to ensure visibility against the snow. Additionally, it's important to take GPS navigators, offline maps, a first-aid kit, and a sufficient supply of water and food.
Before heading into the mountains, you should definitely inform the local search and rescue service about your plans, particularly using the mobile apps "Rescue in the Mountains" or "Rescue," as well as notifying a family member or the owners of the hotel/guesthouse where you are staying.
If you do get lost in the mountains, follow these rules:
- calm yourself and try to find a trail, stream, or creek that will lead you to populated areas
- as soon as you have a signal, call the Emergency Service (101 or 112) and provide as many details about your route as possible
- avoid steep slopes to prevent triggering an avalanche
- if you cannot make it out before nightfall, create a shelter in the snow, and it is strictly forbidden to fall asleep to avoid hypothermia
As reported by UNIAN, earlier in the State Tourism Agency, the main rules for safe travel during wartime were outlined.
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