Unlike past rigid regulations, on the 28th, the Snow Mountain National Park Administration released a set of lively and simple comics titled "The Ten Hiking Commandments," which incorporate hiking guidelines. These help hikers clearly understand the basics of hiking safety, which stem from pre-hike risk assessments and self-discipline among hikers. With consecutive holidays approaching, they urge hikers to remember the motto: “Reaching the summit is only half the journey; returning to the trailhead is the real goal.”
The administration stated that, drawing inspiration from the "Ten Precepts for Mountain Safety" by the Nagano Prefecture Mountain Accident Prevention Council in Japan, the adapted comic version of the "Ten Hiking Commandments" is not only essential for those hiking within the Snow Mountain area, but also applicable to other high-altitude regions or wilderness environments. This includes towering peaks above 3,000 meters, rugged mid-altitude mountains, approachable suburban hills, or chilly and refreshing valley stream trekking.
The Ten Hiking Commandments include: always plan a complete hiking itinerary in advance; choose a suitable route according to your physical condition; prepare mentally for hiking risks; train in advance for physical endurance, load-carrying capacity, and necessary gear and skills; assess weather conditions beforehand and make full preparations; maintain a positive hiking attitude and observe mountain hut etiquette; descend promptly if symptoms of altitude sickness appear; proceed with caution on both ascent and descent to ensure safety; wear a helmet during winter climbs and on dangerous sections; and take personal responsibility for hiking safety by considering purchasing hiking insurance.
The administration calls on everyone to recognize that having the right mindset about hiking is a way of respecting both the mountains and life. Hiking is not easy, and the administration hopes that every visitor to Snow Mountain will read the "Ten Hiking Commandments" repeatedly beforehand, keep them in mind, bring them along on the hike, conduct proper pre-hike risk assessments, and take ultimate responsibility for their own actions.
(China Times)