Visiting the park during winter

In winter, nature rests in the mountains. Life settles down and the mountains are covered in a thick blanket of snow.

Winter mountain visits are characterised by lower temperatures, shorter days, closed huts and specific snow conditions, for which we need to be properly prepared and go to the mountains in a planned and responsible way, while respecting nature.

Avalanche warnings

Source: CROSSRISK/ARSO

Safe in the mountains in winter

You need the complete winter kit for the mountains - avalanche triplets, an axe, climbing irons and a helmet.

Before each tour, you should check the condition of your equipment, the snow conditions in the area you are visiting and the openness of the mountain huts.

In addition to special equipment for winter mountain walking, you need all the same equipment as for mountain walking in summer, terrestrial conditions, plus good winter mountaineering boots, gaiters to prevent snow from getting into your boots, good quality clothing that protects against wind, cold and moisture, and has good insulating properties.

Protection from the strong sun is also necessary, but let's not forget spare clothes and the fact that most mountain huts are closed and therefore we need more warm liquids and food in our rucksacks.

In a world of various equipment, it is important to remember that it is not only important to have equipment, but also to know how to use it. We often meet mountaineers who have all the equipment they need, but are not using it properly. Walking in the mountains in winter requires an individual who, in addition to good physical fitness, also has a great deal of knowledge of mountaineering technique, experience and knowledge - of avalanches, walking on different types of snow and ice, protection against cold and wind, orientation, etc.

Otherwise, it is better to choose easier objectives and go to more difficult ones with a PZS guide or mountain guide.

When visiting the mountains in winter and spring, there are a few simple rules to follow:

In winter, few animals are on the open slopes above the tree and forest line. Here you can move freely. However, avoid rocky and snow-covered areas or crevices: this is where animals prefer to hide.
The more you move in wooded terrain, the more likely you are to startle animals. Therefore, do not make big turns in the forest and limit your area of movement as much as possible.
Only move in the forest on forest tracks or marked paths. Avoid the edge of the forest, as this is where animals prefer to stay.
Always keep your dog on a lead, especially in woods: wild animals run away from loose dogs.
Ski and walk in silence. If you see an animal, move away calmly.

If we behave respectfully and follow these few simple rules, nature gives us plenty of space, both for us and for animals to hibernate and breed peacefully.

In winter, let's be mindful visitors of nature, because in the mountains we are just guests.

Be part of the mountains

Animals need to adapt to harsher living conditions to survive the winter. To promote responsible mountain visiting in nature-sensitive areas, the Triglav National Park is taking part in the awareness-raising campaign of the network of protected areas in the Alps, Alparc, with a short video called Be part of the mountains.

In the run-up to the festive season, a reminder that the use of pyrotechnics in the national park and in nature in general is out of place is also in order. In the Triglav National Park, the use of pyrotechnics is regulated not only by the Explosives and Pyrotechnics Act but also by the TNP Act, which prohibits their use in the natural environment. Say NO to pyrotechnics!

On the trail of winter wanderers

Animals survive winter differently. Some hibernate, hibernating, others spend the colder part of the year either napping or sleeping, while others move to warmer places in autumn. Some animals are active in winter, others do not survive the winter.

For fun and informative content on how animals survive the winter, whether they get cold and how to track them, take a peek at www.triglavskazakladnica.si