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.

Another important aspect of Hike Smart was the development of two educational videos, each approximately 4-6 minutes long, that addressed the root causes of most hiking accidents: poor packing and insufficient knowledge of weather forecasting.

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.

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.

Presentation by Four Links Team during Sport Conference Erasmus+ organized by DZS (National Agency in Czechia), focused on Exchange of Good practices in the field of Sport.