For the first time in years, 2024 did not set a new record for mountain rescue incidents. A total of 633 rescue operations were carried out—54 fewer than in 2023, when we responded to 687 emergencies. “The impact of preventive efforts by GRZS, other organizations, and media awareness campaigns is becoming visible,” we note with cautious optimism. However, the work is far from over. With more and more people venturing into the mountains, our goal remains clear: to ensure that the number of accidents does not increase at the same rate as mountain visitors.
Slips remain the leading cause of mountain accidents in 2024 (25%), closely followed by lack of familiarity with terrain (24%). Physical unpreparedness, often linked to overestimating one’s abilities, ranks third (17%). Alarmingly, inadequate personal or technical equipment was the main factor in 22% of cases—a persistent issue despite ongoing efforts to raise awareness.
When looking at activities involved in accidents, the majority occurred during hiking on marked trails (58%), followed by off-trail navigation errors (10%). Climbing incidents accounted for 6%, while 7% were related to air sports. Interestingly, ski touring accidents dropped to just 1%, compared to 3% in 2023—a decline likely due to significantly lower snowfall this season.
The percentage of rescues involving uninjured individuals dropped slightly in 2024, with 41% of cases compared to 43% the previous year. We hope this reflects greater awareness among hikers about their limitations. However, the figure remains high, reinforcing the importance of thorough preparation and responsible mountain visits.
The number of foreign nationals requiring rescue also declined by 15%—289 cases in 2024 compared to 335 in 2023. Most were from Germany (58), followed by the Czech Republic (31), the Netherlands (28), Poland (19), and Belgium (17). These visitors often come from regions with less challenging mountains, which can lead to underestimating the demanding conditions of the Slovenian Alps.
Tragically, fatal accidents increased in 2024, with 37 recorded deaths compared to 28 in the previous year. This painful reminder reinforces the fact that mountains are inherently dangerous, and even the most skilled rescuers cannot eliminate all risks. Unpredictable circumstances are part of mountain environments, but careful planning, proper route selection, and close monitoring of weather conditions can help minimize these tragedies.
The 2024 statistics show that progress is possible, but only with persistent effort. We believe the decline in overall incidents is, at least in part, the result of ongoing awareness campaigns and preventive measures implemented by various organizations across Slovenia.
Mountains will always present challenges, but with responsible behavior and respect for nature, they can also be safer. Choosing routes that match one’s abilities and ensuring proper equipment are essential. In the end, we all share the same goal: to create lasting memories of mountain adventures—ones that are both enjoyable and, most importantly, safe for everyone.
We thank our long-time supporters who help us on our way.
