Austria is one of the great mountaineering countries. Since more than two thirds of its total area is occupied by the Eastern Alps and their outliers, it offers an almost inexhaustible range of climbs and rock climbs at all grades of difficulty. Mountain railroads operate in many places making it easier to reach the climbing areas.
In particular it is important to have sturdy boots, well "broken in", giving support to the ankles. Proper climbing breeches are also to be recommended, together with some protection against the rain and covering for the head.
Inexperienced walkers should bear in mind that the body has to acclimatize to the different conditions before being able to function at its full potential. Alpine hazards such as rapid changes in the weather and rock falls should not be underestimated.
In case of emergency, despite having taken adequate precautions, help can be summoned by the Alpine distress signal.
This consists of a series of six signals given at regular intervals over a minute by whatever means are available (blasts on a whistle, shouts, flashing a torch or a mirror, waving some easily visible article), followed by a minute's pause. The rescuer acknowledges by three signals at regular intervals over a minute and followed by a minute's pause and a repetition of the signals.
Many of the climbs suggested require an expert guide. Guides are available at all the mountain resorts and climbing areas. At many places there are climbing schools offering mountaineering courses.
Founded in 1862 the Austrian Alpine Club (Österreichischer Alpenverein, ÖAV) has been instrumental in the opening up of the Eastern Alps. It maintains various Alpine refuge huts which are also open to non-members. The German Alpine Club also has many huts in Austria (DAV; head office: Praterinsel 5, D-8000 Munich 22).
The Austrian Alpine Club maintains sections in many resorts. The Alpine Club in Innsbruck houses a museum containing pictures and models of mountains and climbers.
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