• Check the snow and avalanche bulletins, updated daily by Arpa Piemonte and understand the information.

• Check the weather bulletins, including those from previous days, to assess snow conditions.

• If in doubt about your ability to handle the desired experience, rely on Alpine Guides, Ski Instructors, or Hiking Guides depending on the activity you intend to undertake.

• For all off-piste activities (including hiking and snowshoeing), equip yourself with an ARTVA self-rescue kit, shovel, and probe, mandatory by law, learn and practice their use.

• Always carry a map of the area where you are undertaking your activity with all the indications regarding the route you wish to follow marked on it. Do not rely on the possibility of checking the route online: connectivity is not guaranteed in mountain environments.

• Check for updates on accessibility/the conditions of the route you want to undertake on specific portals and local reference bodies. Keep in mind that some trails, even those marked as usable in winter, may be icy and difficult to traverse. If the trail includes staircases or rocky sections, evaluate based on weather conditions and exposure the possibility that these may be icy and difficult to access.

• Equip yourself with appropriate gear and clothing for winter mountain conditions (wool/thermal clothing). It is essential to stay warm and dry to avoid frostbite that can ruin our experience and in some cases cause serious harm to the extremities. Always carry spare clothing (socks, underwear in particular) in your backpack.

• Properly protect your head and hands. Additionally, equip yourself with suitable shoes for your activity on snow, which should be warm and waterproof. If you anticipate challenging sections, consider bringing some crampons. The use of poles is recommended.

• If it's a sunny day, remember to bring your sunglasses, especially if moving over snow-covered ground: the light reflected from the snow is very bothersome and can cause damage to your eyesight. For activities on snow and glaciers, it is recommended to wear sunglasses with high protection category. Pay particular attention to the type of lenses: it's highly discouraged to ski or practice sports in the mountains with glass lenses; plastic lenses are preferred.

• Bring along a beverage (preferably warm) and snacks to recover energy.

• Communicate your route to family/friends/refuge keepers/hotel managers indicating an estimated arrival/return time

• In case of extreme difficulties, illness, or accidents (traumas, landslides, avalanches, etc.), contact the mountain rescue at the emergency number 112

• If hiking in a group, do not separate or leave behind participants. Stay compact and ensure that everyone is in optimal condition to continue the activity.

• Carry a first aid kit containing the essentials for cleaning any wounds or responding to personal emergencies. Do not base your day's intentions on the possibility of receiving help in case of difficulties.

• Be aware that at low temperatures, electronic device batteries drain faster. Ensure that your ARTVA device and cellphone are fully charged and keep them warm (e.g. under your jacket).

During your hike, always keep in mind that mountain weather conditions are subject to sudden changes. Also, always remember that the temperature varies by about 1 degree for every 100 meters of altitude gain and that there can be strong winds at the peaks. Therefore, if you are considering a challenging hike at high altitudes, it is always good to have an extra warm and windproof layer with you.

Some people above 2500 meters may suffer from "mountain sickness" (AMS Acute Mountain Sickness), which manifests with headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, tachycardia, and a general decline in psycho-physical condition. 

To prevent it, acclimatization often helps, dividing the activity over several days at progressively higher altitudes.

In case of mountain sickness, the only solution is a rapid, albeit always cautious, descent.

• Inform yourself about the weather conditions and check the weather bulletins before and during your hike; if unsure about the weather developments, it is a good rule to evaluate your return.

• Plan the itineraries considering your abilities, evaluating the elevation gain, the length, and the indicated travel time. Often, the itineraries, even relatively easy ones, include exposed sections that could be challenging for those sensitive to heights; also, some trails may have technical difficulties.

• Check for updates on accessibility/the conditions of the route you wish to undertake on specific portals and local reference bodies.

• Bring a map of the area where you are undertaking your activity with all indications related to the route you wish to follow marked. Do not rely on the possibility of checking the route online: connectivity is not guaranteed in mountain environments.

• If you are not sure you can tackle the chosen path, turn to mountain professionals (Alpine Guides, Hiking Guides, Cycle Tourist Guides...).

• Bring along sufficient water for the duration of the hike (generally at least 1.5 liters) and check for water points along the way before setting off.

• Keep some food and snacks in your backpack in case you need more energy than expected.

• Equip yourself with suitable equipment and clothing for the mountain; particularly, equip yourself with shoes suitable for mountain activities (no flip-flops, no high-heeled shoes, no tennis shoes). Dress in layers and consider an additional layer even on the warmest days.

• Remember to protect yourself from the sun, especially at high altitudes. Hat and sunglasses (at least category 3/4 if you are near snowfields/glaciers) are highly recommended.

• Communicate your route to family/friends/refuge keepers/hotel managers indicating an estimated arrival/return time

• In case of extreme difficulties, illness, accidents (traumas, landslides, avalanches, or others), contact the mountain rescue at the single emergency number 112



• If hiking in a group, do not separate or leave behind participants. Stay compact and check that everyone is in optimal condition to continue the activity.

• Bring along a first-aid kit containing the essentials for cleaning any wounds or responding to personal emergencies. Do not base your day’s intentions on the possibility of receiving help in case of difficulties.

During the excursion, always keep in mind that mountain weather conditions are subject to sudden changes. Furthermore, always remember that the temperature varies by about 1 degree for every 100 meters of altitude gain and that there might be strong winds at the peaks. Therefore, if you are considering a challenging hike at high altitudes, it is always good to carry a warm and windproof layer in addition to a hat and gloves, even on the hottest days. 

Some people above 2500 meters may suffer from "mountain sickness" (AMS Acute Mountain Sickness) that manifests with headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, tachycardia, and a general decline in psycho-physical condition. 

To prevent it, acclimatization often helps, spreading the activity over several days at progressively higher altitudes.

In the event of mountain sickness, the only solution is a rapid, albeit always cautious, descent in altitude.