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Zehrudin Isaković: All dangers in the mountains and how to avoid them

Many hikers choose to conquer mountain peaks in winter conditions. This brings numerous benefits such as an indescribable feeling of freedom, beautiful winter landscapes, and clean air… However, the mountains in winter also hide many dangers that threaten the health and often the lives of hikers, especially those inexperienced who often see ascents as an irresistible adventure.

We spoke with Zehrudin Isaković, a journalist, publicist, passionate and one of the most well-known hikers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, about the dangers that snow-covered mountains hold and how to prevent unwanted consequences. Isaković notes that recently, on numerous mountains in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the region, and Europe, mountain rescue services have been exceptionally active.

The Most Dangerous Mountains

“Troglav, Prenj, Bjelašnica, Kamnik Alps, Swiss Alps… On these mountains, hikers have suffered injuries, gone missing, and experienced trauma… and unfortunately, there have also been tragic outcomes,” Isaković tells us. 

Because of this, he wants to share several important facts with all visitors to the mountains during the winter period. 

“To begin with, the most dangerous mountains are Prenj, Čvrsnica, Bjelašnica, Dinara, and Maglić. I would also particularly highlight Vlašić, Vranica, Visočica, Zelengora, Lebršnik, Velež, and Volujak. Any routes with slopes steeper than 40 degrees, karst terrain with holes covered by unstable snow, and cliffs or edges with potential snow eaves should ultimately be avoided during this period,” emphasizes Isaković. 

For similar reasons, he mentions regional mountain ranges such as the Slovenian Alpine peaks, the peaks of Prokletije with steep and exposed approaches, and the Montenegrin mountains in the Durmitor, Kučki, and Morački regions… 

“In our areas, winter trips to the mountains are much more dangerous than in summer, and the key winter dangers include cold, avalanches, hurricane winds, hidden holes in the snow, slips, falling chunks of ice and snow eaves, as well as frostbite and potentially snow blindness,” he emphasizes. 

He adds that avalanches typically occur when there are large temperature differences between night and day, following fresh snowfall. He highlights that one should not venture into avalanche-prone areas after significant snowfall, particularly in the afternoon when avalanches tend to “start working.” It is important to carry equipment that will leave a trace behind, which can be learned about through mountaineering schools, from more experienced colleagues, in mountaineering literature, or online… 

“If you are not an experienced hiker, do not go to areas with slopes steeper than 35 degrees, especially not alone. Climbing almost all peaks above 2000 meters in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, as well as some lower peaks in winter conditions, requires the use of an ice axe and crampons. It is common to be misled by the first part of the ascent, which is usually less steep with softer snow. Everything seems fine until after a few hundred meters, when you realize that the snow has turned to ice, that the slope is much steeper, and that you can no longer go up or back down,” Isaković concludes.

Equipment is Not Enough

He emphasizes that it is not enough to simply have winter equipment; one must also know how to use it properly. 

“Take the time to complete a mountaineering school or climbing course and consult with members of the Mountain Rescue Service. Proper and expert use of an ice axe is critical, especially in the case of a sudden slip. The same goes for crampons. If you are a beginner hiker, do not climb steep peaks without protection and without experienced partners. This includes winter climbing on peaks such as Prenj, Maglić, Čvrsnica, Zelengora, and Volujak… If you want to climb serious mountains in winter, a climbing course is mandatory,” he advises. 

He adds that it is of utmost importance to listen to the weather forecast. If you are going somewhere for the first time, be well informed about the ascent—how long it takes, technical details, access routes, and descent… and “look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are ready for this, if you have enough experience…” 

“Avoid putting your own life into the full load of other people’s worries. You must be responsible, for yourself as well as for others. Do not endanger others through your recklessness. The best prevention of accidents is to respect the mountain. The mountain is respected by acknowledging the dangers it hides. The second part of accident prevention on the mountain is knowing yourself and your capabilities. Be honest with yourself; do not let your ambition exceed your abilities, and the mountain will be merciful to you,” says Isaković. 

In conclusion, he advises: “Be sensible. Before every trip to the mountain, remember all those who love you and whom you love; prepare for the worst, and it may never happen.”