Events
Participants
Countries
The increasing popularity of hiking in the West Carpathian Mountains has led to a concerning rise in accidents, including fatalities. Many people are drawn to hiking due to its accessibility and the numerous physical and mental benefits it offers, such as improved fitness, better sleep, and stress reduction. However, this accessibility can lead to an underestimation of the potential dangers involved.
The good news is that most of these accidents can be avoided. Hike Smart is a Sport Cooperation Partnership Project co-funded by the European Union. It seeks to address this issue by promoting safety in hiking activities throughout the West Carpathian Mountains. This project aims to improve the knowledge and expertise of staff members from partner organisations and to develop a series of educational videos that contribute to hiking safety.
Activities
One of the project’s key components was an international training program in Slovakia that brought together 20 participants (5 from each partner organization) for a four-day intensive learning experience. This training focused on facilitating the exchange of best practices among participants, enhancing their skills in organizing safe hiking activities in diverse terrains, equipping them with the knowledge to handle emergency situations effectively while on a hike, and strengthening the capacity of partner organizations to promote hiking safety.
The project will also involve local activities to promote safety in hiking in Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia and Portugal. These will involve a combination of safety workshops, hike activities, and evaluation and feedback sessions, aiming to engage 35-55 participants in each location.
Educational Videos
Another important aspect of Hike Smart is the development of two educational videos, each approximately 4-6 minutes long, that will address the root causes of most hiking accidents: poor packing and insufficient knowledge of weather forecasting. The videos will be voiced over in English and subtitled in the partner languages to ensure accessibility for a wider audience.
EP. 1 – Weather Awareness and Preparation
In the first episode, we focus on the importance of understanding and preparing for bad weather. From learning how to read weather forecasts and use weather apps, to researching about locations, conditions and how to identify and mitigate potential risks, join us as we explore the essential steps to ensure you’re prepared for any weather conditions.
EP.2 – Preparation and Packing
In our second episode, we focus on the importance of preparation and packing for a hike. Learn more about the essential gear and equipment you should pack with you, the proper clothing and footwear and how to pack all of it in your backpack. A proper preparation will make sure you are ready for any kind of circumstance and allow you to prevent the most common risks.
Photo Gallery
Below you can see some of the best moments of our project so far.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.