Recklessness? Just in the mountains

Thousands of tourists a day, changing weather, applications instead of maps and bravado instead of humility. Mountains are becoming more and more accessible to tourists – and less and less safe. Jan Krzysztof, the head of the Tatra Volunteer Ambulance Service, tells us where the limit of responsibility is to take with him in the mountains and humility towards the element.

When the weather is good and the queues to Giewont or Tarnica become kilometer, you get the impression that the mountains are a recreation place available to everyone – regardless of fitness, equipment or knowledge. This is an illusion.

– The mountains do not forgive the lack of humility. But it is a man who packs himself in trouble – says Jan Krzysztof, head of TOPR – the most common mistakes? Overpaying your own abilities, going too late, disregarding weather forecast, no basic equipment.

Smartphone instead of a map

Mountains attract like magnesium – from families with children to “instagram conquerors”. Unfortunately, many go to the trail without preparation. Technology – although helpful – can sleep vigilance.

– People go to the mountains with the application on the phone. Although applications are helpful, the paper map is still recommended as an element of equipment. When we lose the range or the batteries are unloaded – we will not be helpless. In the mountains, we will not have coverage everywhere – emphasizes Jan Krzysztof – that’s why it is crucial for us to inform loved ones about the planned route of hiking in the mountains, and preferably do not go to lonely trips. Let’s have the “Rescue” application installed, saved phones: 985, 601 100 300 or 112 as well as a charged phone and powerbank. And if we feel that something is wrong, let’s not risk and turn back.

Mountains are not a city park

The weather in mountain areas is characterized by high variability and unpredictability also in summer. Although we have access to better weather forecasts that should make it easier for us to make a decision about going out on a route or giving up hiking, the matter is not as simple as it might seem. The weather in the mountains may change rapidly within a few minutes, passing from sunny aura to hail, and the dry trail can quickly turn into a rushing stream.

– In the summer, injuries are most common: slipping, stumbles, joint injuries, as well as illness, dehydration and the most serious – i.e. falls from a height. Storms carrying the risk of paralysis are a serious risk. A rapid cooling often comes after the storm. And people do not even take a sweatshirt or rain jacket with them, assuming that it is summer – adds Krzysztof.

Dangerous statistics

The number of those who treat mountains as a “tourist attraction” without risk aware is increasing. TOPR statistics leave no doubt about this. 2024 turned out to be a record -breaking tourist attendance, which translated directly into the number of people saved. Last year, in the Polish Tatras, TOPR provided as many as 1330 people, which is 36 percent. growth compared to 2023.

Not always within reach

Every now and then the media describe the dramatic stories of accidents in the mountains. Quite recently, in May 2025 there was a dramatic incident in the Bieszczady Mountains – a tourist suffered a serious trauma of ankle in the Kopa Bukowska region. Unfortunately, there was no GSM network range at the scene. The man, fighting with pain and hypothermia, was crawling in search of a signal for over two hours to call for help. Rescuers managed to save his life. But it was close to the tragedy.

– It is worth remembering that in many regions of the mountains there is a lack of mobile telephony. This means that you won’t always be able to call for help quickly. That is why it is so important to inform loved ones about the planned route, have a paper map and the ability to cope in emergency situations – emphasizes the head of TOPR – one of the most outstanding mountaineers and climbers in history, Reinhold Messner, said that the mountains are not fair or unfair – they are simply dangerous. Let’s remember these words every time we go to the mountains. And let’s be prepared to meet them.