Some words about hiking

There is a mandatory, seemingly arrogant warning on every hiking website that is often ignored:

Be aware what you are getting into!

This issue was very well formulated on the now-offline alpi-ticinesi.ch website (archive.org). There is also a dedicated website sicher-bergwandern.ch (multi-lingual) about this issue.

In the alps, a comfortable hike can turn quickly into a life-threatening situation. Do not think that there is somebody there to rescue (if even find) you. Read online hike descriptions before going on a hike, and make sure to understand in which context they are written. When you go to a completely new area, take an easy approach rather than a challenging one.

Modern clothes and equipment, weather forecasting, mobile networks and GPS and digital maps make hiking a very comfortable experience nowadays. But one has to use it correctly and be aware of where it cannot help.