Person of the Month: Giorgio Gajer

: Tuesday, 01 July 2025

Person of the Month: Giorgio Gajer

July, time for hiking: the nature of the medium and high mountains is an irresistible temptation for anyone staying in Bolzano for a few days of vacation. The fresh air and breathtaking views are good for both body and soul. A leisurely walk can be enjoyed even by families with children and older people, but if you are attracted to more challenging hikes, it is important to keep in mind some fundamental precautions. We asked Giorgio Gajer, a great mountain enthusiast with 30 years on the board and 9 years as President of the CNSAS (National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps) of South Tyrol, for some tips on how to safely enjoy the mountains.

"In summer, our beloved mountains, the famous highlands, are usually crowded by thousands of tourists who flood the numerous trails, more or less equipped, often with inadequate gear, little preparation, and no planning. Sometimes risks are underestimated, even the simple ones. In summer, for example, one of these risks is exhaustion and heatstroke caused both by clothing and the lack of sufficient water supply, which must never be missing. I want to emphasize that during the summer months, it is important to start early in the morning to avoid the hottest central hours of the day because the sun at high altitudes is particularly intense; it is also necessary to plan the time to return from the hike carefully."

What about shoes and clothing?

Clothes must be comfortable and breathable. The backpack should have room not only for a warm jacket but also for a rain jacket and a spare shirt, even though technical fabrics are made of water-repellent fibers.

A special note goes to footwear. Who hasn’t come across hikers, even on difficult trails at high altitude, wearing unsuitable shoes such as sandals or flip-flops? Footwear is crucial: it must be of good quality, equipped with a proper sole like “Vibram,” and support the ankle. Suitable equipment ensures not only comfortable walking but especially the grip and stability that can make the difference between coming home safe and slipping down a cliff with often tragic outcomes.

Given your long experience, what can still be done to improve mountain safety?

From the point of view of rescue workers, toponymy (place names) is a matter of safety. One must know the area precisely and have unambiguous terminology to indicate one place rather than another. It is important to learn the names without forcing nonsensical translations, but rather seeking an intelligent agreement aimed at mutual understanding.

Another point concerns the use of smartphones, which are very useful in emergencies as long as they are always functional and ready to use. One tip is not to use Bluetooth as it accelerates battery drain. It’s useful to carry a power bank and also to download the GeoResQ app, a free service for CAI members, which, through the “location” function, can provide geographic coordinates of your position and forward a help request—vital information for rescuers.

In conclusion…

The mountains belong to everyone and can be enjoyed by carefully planning each outing and gathering information about the weather conditions as well as the route you intend to take. Avoid relying on internet searches or online forums; instead, turn to those who know these places well because they live and work there: the Alpine Guides. Also, it is important to have the proper equipment and, if necessary, to know when to give up. Zero risk does not exist.

Image: Courtesy Thomas Rötting