Summer has reported high temperatures in Austria, but the susceptibility to storms should increase from Friday. Before a mountain tour, prudent tour planning is now particularly important: “On hot days, an early start time is crucial. This means that ascents can be completed in cooler temperatures and, if possible, in the shade, before the midday heat,” knows Jörg Randl, head of the Bergsport department in the Austrian Alpine Club. And further: “If an exceeding is planned, it must be considered whether the rise from west via east or north over south is, for example. So you are mainly in the shadow -side area and only when you descend in the heat.” According to Randl, good preparation also includes checking weather reports.
Protection against sun and heat
A headgear with neck protection or a shield cap and a thin neckerchief offer optimal sun protection on the mountain. Light and air -permeable clothing ensures cooling. The Alpine Club recommends always having a change shirt in your backpack – especially if you sweat or it gets windier on the mountain. Long, thin clothing can also protect against the sun. Sun cream with a high sun protection factor should already be applied at home.
Drink enough
Heat requires consistent hydration. In addition to water, isotonic drinks are ideal. Jörg Randl recommends a mixture of apple juice and water in a ratio of 1: 2, supplemented with a pinch of salt. Alcoholic beverages are to be avoided.
Correct behavior during thunderstorms
Those who start early enough can often avoid thunderstorms. “If the weather forecast announces, for example, thunderstorms or heat stagger for the early afternoon, I should have taken this into account in the planning,” recommends Randl. “If dark clouds quickly show up in the sky, the wind refresh and the first storm gusts occur, I shouldn’t wait until the predefined time. A thunderstorm can use earlier. If you want to be on the safe side, you have to be ready to cancel the tour prematurely in doubt.”
But what to do if mountaineers are still surprised by a thunderstorm? Jörg Randl: “The following applies: setting the backpack, setting yourself, put your feet closely together on the floor and crouch together. It is also important to stick to free -standing trees, surveys and other people at least ten meters.” Exposed areas such as the summit or burrs should be left as soon as possible. The Alpine Association advises to always pay attention to the site to avoid slicing or crashes and thus additional risks.
Behavior on the via ferrata when thunderstorms
When thunderstorms on the via ferrata on the via ferrata: If you are secured with the via ferrata set on the steel rope, you remain secure, but it is as sideways as possible so as not to touch the steel rope directly. A complete hanging from the steel rope is not recommended, since the risk of falling is often greater than the risk of being hit by lightning.
“It is also important to be equipped on the mountain for an emergency: a bivouac bag should be in the backpack as well as a first aid package,” says so Randl Finally.
Further information and photos:
https://www.alpenverein.at/portal/service/presse/2025/2025_08_14_Hitze-am-Berg.php :