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Eagle Walk Safety

All stages of the wonderful Eagle Walk – no matter of which difficulty level they are – require a certain physical shape, an average level of stamina and a good head for heights.

The signposting system and the classification of the single hiking stages refer to the Tirolean Walking & Hiking Trail Concept issued by Tirol's provincial government: yellow signposts and white and red trail markings can be found throughout the country. The trails are divided into walking trails and mountain trails (red or black). A red trail requires a good physical shape, a basic stamina and a basic hiking equipment; at least one person per group must have sufficient alpine experience. The difficult black trail is recommended only to surefooted hikers with a good head for heights. The situation is different with walking trails where no alpine experience or special hiking equipment are needed. All Eagle Walk stages are marked with red or black signposts, featuring also a detailed pictogram of the trail.

Talking about fitness and stamina you should never forget that the altitude of a location strongly influences a hiker's physical shape. If someone has a good stamina in the lowlands it is not said that this person can also master the Eagle Walk without any problems. The quickly changing levels of altitude are a challenge as well.
A hiker with enough alpine experience is someone who makes high alpine tours above the timberline on a regular basis.
Surefootedness means that a hiker can walk safely without following laid tracks in high alpine terrain.
A good head for heights can not be defined generally: some hikers still feel at ease when ascending a steep ridge while they start feeling insecure if they have to cross a steep rift valley. Others are afraid of strenuously climbing mountain peaks or steeply descending summits. Therefore it is of utmost importance to check every stage description accurately and to plan the tour in advance. Eagle Walk trail maps and brochures only help you in planning the tour! You are strongly recommended to use more detailed hiking trail maps of the region or to trust in a local hiking guide!

A detailed route description and trail maps of the single Eagle Walk stages can be found downloaded as pdf files. Additionally, you should provide a topographic trail map (on a scale of 1:50.000 and smaller) in order to plan the tour safely. The weather conditions are very important as well, always check the latest weather report!
You should decide in a self-critical and independent way if you meet the tour's requirements and if you are in a good physical shape. Your rucksack should not be too heavy but filled with enough snacks and drinks (drinking is most important!). What's more, always take emergency equipment with you (first aid kit, mobile phone, bivouac, flashlight). Wear appropriate hiking gear such as sturdy hiking boots (grip sole) und weather-proof clothes suitable for high alpine regions. Rainwear, cap and gloves are absolutely required also in summer – especially in alpine areas above 1,500m. Telescopic hiking poles can be very helpful with steep ascents or descents; not to forget the sleeping bag for overnight stays on alpine huts.
Hiking times are based on average hikers. All detailed information regarding difficulty levels etc. is valid in good weather only. With rain, wet grounds, (freshly fallen) snow or fog the difficulty level is much higher. As the Eagle Walk is a high-elevation trail alpine hazards are always present. Always keep informed about the high alpine risks described in specialized mountain guides.

Emergency Phone Numbers
European emergency call: 112
(if you enter 112 instead of your mobile phone's pin code your phone searches automatically for the best network)
Mountain rescue: 140
Weather report – Alpine Association: +43.512.291600 (personal advice)