High-altitude mountaineering made safer

Abstract

Mountains all over the world are attracting a steadily growing number of visitors due to the increasing number of cheap flights; the construction of new roads, railways, and cable cars; and commercial offers of trekking tours and expeditions to attempt even the world's highest peaks. However, one must not forget that mountains are typically inhospitable areas characterised by cold and hypoxic environments and rapidly changing weather and track conditions associated with a relatively high risk of accidents and emergencies. Beside the objective hazards, subjective hazards, for example physical fitness and health status, mountaineering skills, and equipment, contribute substantially to the risk. Whereas in some regions, for example the Alps, rescue operations and medical emergency interventions can be performed rapidly and effectively, this is absolutely not the case in most of the very remote areas and on very high mountains. Therefore, the understanding of the risk associated with the various modes of mountaineering as well as knowledge about how to optimise prevention is of the utmost importance. Ultimately, it is the informed mountaineer who has to decide whether the risks are acceptable or not. Continuing joint efforts of scientists, medical and alpine institutions, expedition organisers, and mountaineers will help to make high-altitude mountaineering safer.