Climate change is making certain risks even worse. The European Alps, for instance, have warmed twice as fast as the global average. Thawing glaciers and permafrost are now causing more rockfalls, as previously stable rock formations become loose. Additionally, avalanches have become wetter and more dangerous due to rising temperatures. These “wet snow” avalanches pose new challenges for rescuers, as the snow is denser and more suffocating, reducing the critical survival window after being buried.
Research shows that rescuers are improving their techniques, with the survival rate for avalanche victims increasing by 10% over the past few decades. However, the window of time to rescue someone from an avalanche has shrunk—from 15 minutes to just 10 minutes—highlighting the urgent need for faster response times and more efficient methods.
Beyond traditional mountain sports, newer outdoor activities are also bringing unexpected risks. With the rise of e-bikes, for example, mountain cyclists are increasingly getting into trouble, especially those without proper training. Many inexperienced riders struggle with descending steep, difficult terrain after reaching the summit easily with the assistance of their e-bikes.
Skiers and snowboarders face dangers, too. While safety gear like helmets has made a difference, risky behaviors such as skiing too fast, ignoring slope rules, and consuming alcohol remain serious threats. Strapazzon, who also enjoys skiing, advises against speeding, breaking safety rules, or skiing under the influence.
As rescue operations become more frequent, the strain on emergency responders grows. In some places, such as the U.S., the increasing number of rescue calls has led to volunteer burnout. To address this, researchers like Marika Falla at Eurac Research are studying how altitude affects rescuers’ performance, particularly the cognitive effects of operating at high altitudes. Their work suggests that providing oxygen could improve rescuers’ attention and reaction times during critical missions.
In the future, technology may play a larger role in mountain rescues. Drones, for example, could replace helicopters in some situations, particularly when terrain or weather conditions make helicopter access difficult. Drones are faster and more accessible, and they could carry life-saving equipment such as defibrillators to the scene of an emergency.
Strapazzon emphasizes that while the mountains come with risks, these should not discourage people from enjoying them. Being aware of the dangers—such as the unpredictable weather, avalanches, or even simple missteps—can help mitigate accidents. He believes that with proper training, equipment, and mindfulness, we can continue to enjoy the beauty and thrill of the mountains, while keeping safety a top priority.