Hiking in the Alps and trekking on the Hiker’s Haute Route is about as safe and worry-free as any outdoor adventure can be. Still, it comes with the risks inherent in any outdoor activity. Alpenwild guides are experienced outdoor leaders and have received advanced emergency wilderness medical training as Wilderness First Responders. As a result of this preparation and a concern for your safety, we have never had a serious accident or injury on one of our trips.
The safest hiker in the Alps is a prepared hiker. So as you prepare for your trip, review the following instructions. Additionally, self-guided hikers should carry with them the following contacts for emergency medical services and hospitals in the areas they hike.
Emergency Evacuation Instructions
In the event of a serious accident or medical emergency, have someone remain with the participant.
If there is a mountain hut, inn, farm, or house nearby, seek assistance there.
The international distress call is a series of six signals (blasts on a whistle or horn, and after dark, flashes with a light) spaced evenly for a minute, followed by a one minute pause. Then repeat with an additional six signals. The reply is three signals followed by a minute’s pause.
Call the Police (117) or 1414 which calls out a helicopter rescue (REGA). This should be used only if absolutely necessary.
Medical Services
Medical Services in Valais
Warning sign in Meiringen
Steven Kugath, Alpenwild Trip Leader
Verbier Cabinet Médical Square Poste Medical Centre – Dr F Gay-Crosier (English speaking) Verbier, CH 1936 +41 (0) 277 71 70 01
Le Chable (Between Verbier and Martigny; closest doctor to Fionnay & Louvie) Dr. Gilbert Bruchez (English speaking) La Châble, CH 1934 +41 (0) 277 76 22 23
Zermatt Dr. Christian Bannwart Bahnhofplatz 6, Zermatt, CH 3920 Tel. +41 (0)27 967 11 88
Martigny (Western Valais – About 20 minutes from Verbier) Hôpital Régional de Martigny Avenue de la Fusion 27 Martigny, CH 1920 Tel. +41 (0)27 603 9000
Sion (Central Valais – about 20 minutes from Arolla, Dix, Val d’Hérens) Hôpital Régional de Sion Avenue Grand-Champsec 80 Sion, CH 1951 Tel. + 41-(0)27 603 4000
Sierre/Siders (Central Valais – about 30 minutes from Grimentz, Gruben, Val d’Anniviers) Hôpital de Sierre/Spital Siders Rue de Plantzette 51 Sierre, CH 3960 Tel. +41 (0)27 603 79 68
Visp (Upper, Eastern Valais) Regional Spital Santa Maria Terbinerstrasse 45 Visp, CH Tel. +41 (0)27 946 8099
Nearby Medical Services in Jungfrau Region
Lauterbrunnen Dr. Bruno Durrer (English speaking) Dokterhu (near the Jungfrau Hotel) 3822 Lauterbrunnen +41 33 856 26 27
Wengen Dr. U. Allenspach (English speaking) Haus Arba Wengen, CH 3823 Tel. +41 33 856 28 28
and essential travel tips
