Dizziness in the mountains: an underestimated risk for cross-border workers

Di Valerie Linc ·

Almost a third of hikers in Switzerland suffer from dizziness, increasing the risk of falls. Here's how to tackle the problem

Contesto

In brief - 29% of hikers suffer from vertigo - Only 18% consider vertigo an important requirement - 40,000 people need medical care annually ## Key facts - What: UPI survey on vertigo in the mountains - When: May 7, 2026 - Where: Over 20 locations in the Confederation - Who: UPI (Swiss Council for Accident Prevention) - Amount: 29% of hikers suffer from vertigo - Amount: 18% consider vertigo an important requirement - Amount: 40,000 people need medical care annually The hiking season has already started for many Swiss cross-border workers, but a risk often underestimated is vertigo. According to a survey conducted by the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (UPI), almost one third of hikers suffer from fear of heights and vertigo. This data emerges from a survey that involved 1,387 hikers in over 20 locations in the Confederation. Despite the risk, only 18% of those surveyed consider the absence of vertigo an important requirement for going to the mountains. UPI warns that fear of heights compromises safety during walks and significantly increases the risk of falls. According to the entity, not suffering from vertigo is a necessary condition to face high-altitude routes. Most hikers indicate as fundamental requirements adequate shoes (70%), good physical condition (56%) and a sure step (32%). ### Planning hikes In planning a mountain hike, most people take into account factors such as the weather, the total distance to be covered and the elevation gain. However, they often overlook the danger of the chosen route. UPI reminds us that the hiking trail should be suitable for one's own abilities. In case of doubt, the principle applies: 'Turning back should not be considered a failure, but the right approach to adopt in the mountains.' Every year, about 40,000 people...

Dettagli operativi

Practical Analysis: Implications for Cross-Border Workers Vertigo in the mountains represents a significant risk for hikers, including cross-border workers who live in Italy and work in Switzerland. According to the UPI survey, nearly one-third of hikers suffer from a fear of heights and vertigo. This data is particularly relevant for cross-border workers, who often go hiking in the mountains during weekends or holidays. ### Comparisons Before and After the Survey Before this survey, the risk of vertigo in the mountains was often underestimated. Many hikers did not consider vertigo as an important factor in planning their hikes. However, the UPI data has highlighted that vertigo can compromise safety and increase the risk of falls. This shift in perspective is fundamental for cross-border workers, who must be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions. ### Concrete Scenarios Imagine two scenarios: a cross-border worker who suffers from vertigo and one who does not. The first might choose less exposed and safer routes, while the second might tackle more challenging paths. However, both must be aware of their limits and weather conditions. In case of doubt, it is always better to turn back and choose an alternative route. ### Comparison Between Safe and Dangerous Paths Here is a comparative table between safe and dangerous paths: | Safe Paths | Dangerous Paths | |-----------------|-----------------| | Wide and well-marked trails | Narrow and exposed trails | | Moderate slope | Steep slope | | No exposed sections | Exposed and vertiginous sections | | Good maintenance | Poor maintenance | ### Practical Tips For cross-border workers who want to tackle mountain hikes safely, here are some practical tips: 1. Assess your abilities: Before embarking on a hike,...

Punti chiave

Concrete actions for cross-border workers For cross-border workers who want to tackle mountain hikes safely, it's important to follow some concrete procedures. Here's a step-by-step guide to planning your hike: 1. Assess your abilities: Before embarking on a hike, assess your physical and technical abilities. Choose routes suitable for your level of experience. 2. Check weather conditions: Always check the weather forecast before you leave. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. 3. Adequate equipment: Make sure you have adequate equipment, such as hiking shoes with anti-slip soles, trekking poles, and clothing suitable for the weather conditions. 4. Route planning: Plan your route in detail, taking into account the distance, elevation gain, and danger of the route. Use maps and hiking guides to help you plan. 5. Don't hesitate to ask for advice: If you have doubts about your ability to tackle a particular route, don't hesitate to ask for advice from experienced mountain guides or to participate in hiking courses. 6. Use the hiking calculator: To help cross-border workers plan their mountain hikes, you can use the hiking calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool will help you assess your abilities and choose the route most suitable for your needs. ### Deadlines and procedures There are no specific deadlines for mountain hikes, but it's important to plan ahead and be aware of the weather conditions. Here are some procedures to follow: 1. Check the weather forecast: Before you leave, always check the weather forecast to make sure the conditions are favorable. 2. Inform someone of your route: Let someone know your route and the expected time of return. This is essential in case of emergency. 3. Bring an emergency kit: Make sure...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"What should I do in case of vertigo during a hike?","a":"If you experience vertigo during a hike, it's important to stay calm and find a stable place to sit down. Avoid looking down and focus on a fixed point on the horizon. If possible, ask for help from a hiking companion or a mountain guide. In case of need, do not hesitate to call for rescue."},{"q":"How can I prevent vertigo in the mountains?","a":"To prevent vertigo in the mountains, it's important to choose routes suitable for your abilities and physical condition. Make sure you have adequate equipment, such as hiking shoes with anti-slip soles and trekking poles. Additionally, inform yourself about the weather conditions and plan your route in detail."},{"q":"What are the symptoms of vertigo?","a":"Symptoms of vertigo can include a sensation of dizziness, instability, nausea, sweating, and difficulty maintaining balance. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to stop and find a stable place to sit down. Avoid looking down and focus on a fixed point on the horizon."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do in case of vertigo during a hike?
If you experience vertigo during a hike, it's important to stay calm and find a stable place to sit down. Avoid looking down and focus on a fixed point on the horizon. If possible, ask for help from a hiking companion or a mountain guide. In case of need, do not hesitate to call for rescue.
How can I prevent vertigo in the mountains?
To prevent vertigo in the mountains, it's important to choose routes suitable for your abilities and physical condition. Make sure you have adequate equipment, such as hiking shoes with anti-slip soles and trekking poles. Additionally, inform yourself about the weather conditions and plan your route in detail.
What are the symptoms of vertigo?
Symptoms of vertigo can include a sensation of dizziness, instability, nausea, sweating, and difficulty maintaining balance. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to stop and find a stable place to sit down. Avoid looking down and focus on a fixed point on the horizon.

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