With inexperienced hikers flocking to the Alps, French authorities are facing a public safety challenge. Instead of just reacting to emergencies, they are now taking a proactive and unconventional approach to prevent disasters before they happen, including monitoring social media for potential trouble spots.
This innovative strategy involves mountain rescue workers “trawling social media” to identify locations that are trending among unprepared tourists. By spotting a viral photo of a dangerous ledge or a remote lake, they can anticipate where crowds of ill-equipped visitors might be heading and potentially deploy resources or issue warnings in advance.
This digital foresight is combined with extensive on-the-ground education in places like the Vallée des Belleville. The tourist office runs a variety of programs, from kids’ mountain skills days to wildlife talks, all aimed at instilling a culture of safety and preparedness. They stress the importance of fundamental skills like map reading, especially in areas with no phone signal.
The goal is to empower hikers with knowledge rather than restrict their freedom. By encouraging the hiring of guides, promoting accessible trails for novices, and providing clear information about the risks, the region is creating a safer environment for everyone. This proactive stance is a smart and necessary evolution in managing the modern-day rush to the mountains.