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c) a small wooden stake indicator (but also some older ones made
of metal).
The markings on the routes along the alpine hiking way in the
regions of Veneto and Trentino (South Tyrol) are regularly checked,
area by area. Path checks are also carried out in Austria. Where the
triangles and other markings are destroyed, missing (unfortunately
sometimes due to vandalism) or completely illegible you should
refer to this guide.
Experienced hikers will have no difficulty in finding their bearings
if they have bought a proper map (available locally) or have a
good guide with them. It is always recommended to speak with the
owner of the mountain hut who will give you tips about the path
and any steep sections that you may be likely to encounter.
Safety Precautions
Since these paths can be very challenging in parts, at times reaching
an altitude of 3,000 m, it is essential that the hiker has a certain
degree of experience behind him coupled with good quality equipment
and a well stocked first aid kit. Trekkers should be in good
physical condition and have a good head for heights in order to
overcome the many potential difficulties.
The possible dangers in the mountains are often underestimated.
For example, an unforeseen change in the weather, a sudden thunderstorm,
a premature snowfall, icy patches or an unusually strong
current in a stream can turn a walk on even the most well marked
of paths from a pleasant day out into an extremely unpleasant,
potentially life-threatening experience. All of these meteorological
conditions can have a negative effect on even the most pleasant of
footpaths. In such situations, the ability to exercise a high level of
self-control is indispensable.
An essential prerequisite for going hiking that also allows the
hiker to relax whilst walking the “Alta Via n. 2” is, of course, good
weather conditions! It is therefore necessary to stay informed about
the weather conditions by consulting the local meteorological office.
Should you be unlucky enough to have an accident despite following
all of these preventative measures and the using the recommended
equipment (slide, break - fracture, injuries after falling rocks
or lightning, stroke, nausea - sickness, and fits of dizziness) it is essential
that you remain calm. Keep a clear head (this will give yourself and
others around you some added protection) and – wherever possible
- follow the instructions outlined in each of the following chapters.
The C.N.S.A.S. (Corpo Nazionale del Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico
is a division of the Club Alpino Italiano which can be reached round
the clock by dialling 118) work in remote or inaccessible areas. This
includes not only classic rock faces or fixed rope route climbing, but
also operations on névé, glaciers, and ice cascades or during an avalanche.
Some rescues are made on ascent and descent and in caverns,
canyons, gullies, ravines with fast-flowing streams, gorges and other
terrains (hills, forests etc.) or simply on ski slopes. Some operations are
only carried out by specialists due to the specific nature of the environment
and the meteorological conditions or because of the difficultly in
accessing the terrain where technical operations and a specialist knowledge
of first aid in alpine areas or in potholing is required.
All refuges and mountain huts along the Alta Via n. 2 are equipped
with public telephones. The owners of these huts are able to establish
a fast and efficient connection with the rescue team.
International Safety Principles in the Mountains
Any dangerous activity carried out in, around the
mountains is not without risk (e.g. mountaineering, hiking,
rock climbing and potholing, skiing, mountain-biking,
hunting, collecting mushrooms, hang-gliding, paragliding
etc.), and should never be underestimated. Rapid changes
in the weather, the difficulty level and length of the path
etc. must always be taken in to account.
According to the type of activity undertaken, the participant
should be in a corresponding physical and emotional
condition. The necessity of adequate preparation cannot be
stressed enough.
14 FROM BRIXEN TO FELTRE THE DOLOMITES “ALTA VIA” N.2 15