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The hike is won the night before
Most trail accidents don't happen by surprise but by poor preparation. A 10-minute checklist the night before saves you 4 hours of stress next day.
1. Check the weather (night before and morning)
Summer Elba storms are brief (30-60 min) but intense. Check two different apps: Open-Meteo for raw data, Yr.no for cumulative forecasts. If thunderstorm is possible after 1 pm, start very early and return by noon.
2. Choose a trail matching your level
For an untrained hiker: max 4 hours total and 500 m positive elevation. For experienced: up to 8 hours and 1000 m. Rule: 1 flat km = 12 min, +100 m elevation = +10 min.
3. Plan the start time
Summer: start by 7-8 am. Later you're in full sun at 11 on exposed trails = heatstroke guaranteed. Winter: after 9 am (late dawn, cold).
4. Tell someone
Tell a friend: "I'm on trail X, leaving at Y, back by Z, if no news at Z+1, call 112". Also leave a note in the car with trail address.
5. Emergency contacts
- 112 European single number
- 118 medical emergency
- 1530 sea emergency (Coast Guard)
- Alpine Rescue: call 112 and ask for CNSAS
6. Load offline map
Download the GPX track before leaving Wi-Fi. Save the area offline map. Check phone battery 100%.
7. Pack the night before
Packing in the morning means forgetting things. Pack the night before, leave by the door.
Bonus: plan B
For every long hike pre-decide a "retreat point": a junction or village where, if health or weather aren't ok, you can shorten the route safely.