On the subject of "mountain safety...".

Organisation, Security and Accountability should be the main factors that reduce the likelihood of mountaineering accidents.

The principle, the rule of life as a mountaineer is "prepare everything".

Do not let improvisation get you down, for improvisation in any field can only lead to problems.

The hiker or mountaineer should not be afraid of long evolutionary processes, the initiation or development of sacrificial stages, which are, however, the only ones capable of lasting success.

Success belongs only to those who have prepared for it through their own merits. In mountaineering, we must therefore attach great importance to the athlete's will and the value of his efforts. He must be able to get out of the most complicated situations, based on an optimal physical and technical preparation according to his level of practice, i.e. gymnastics, on elementary meteorological knowledge, on basic first aid, on the right nutrition for the moment and on knowing how to use with ease all the personal elements, i.e. "personal equipment".

In addition, during the course of the route, the sense of orientation, appreciation of distances, calculation of the estimated time to be spent and visual speed must be constantly exercised.

This will help considerably in terms of promotion and relegation, and in terms of going and coming back.

To act otherwise is "dangerous and reckless", improvisation and we insist on the lack of gymnastic preparation, basic knowledge, inadequate equipment and clothing, does not offer the certain possibility of resolving favourably any problem generated in the mountain.

Whoever has in mind to taste triumphs in this sport, whoever dreams of standing on an Andean summit, whoever does not wish to be a martyr of the mountain, must study the experiences and take advantage of the knowledge of the competent people in the field; all this is achieved with the passing of practice.

Mountaineering has the value of generating the highest virtues, the principle of Efficiency and Responsibility. The mountaineer is the master of his own destiny, his is the risk and his is the benefit.

When you are perfectly prepared you experience a feeling of strength, security, confidence. If you are ill-prepared, you are exposed to this type of accident,

guilt, doubts, insecurity and finally the helplessness of not being able to find the way back, for example.

There is a conviction that it is more important to use and exercise forms or techniques aimed at avoiding accidents than to learn or exercise rescue and salvage techniques or forms, both actions are important, one more than the other.

This is a form of mountain safety that is organised, planned and projected in the city, in a conscientious, measured, responsible and reasonable manner.

So that every excursion, climb, hike or outing in nature is a beautiful and unforgettable experience and not a bitter and painful return.

Let us not forget that in the aftermath of an accident, the amount of resources, expenses, equipment and personnel involved in the rescue effort is no small matter.

A contribution from the Mountain Instructors of the Aconcagua Valley - Chile - National Mountain School: Jorge Venegas Montenegro - Ricardo Serrat Palacios.

Cover photo: Jon Ander (Unsplash)