Accidents in the mountains: Increase in climbing accidents this year

A noticeably high number of climbing accidents have occurred in Saxon Switzerland this year. Of the 83 mountain rescue missions in the region so far, 25 have been called out for climbing accidents, according to the German Red Cross (DRK). "Compared to previous years, this is an above-average number," it stated. Some fatal accidents have also occurred.

It's still unclear whether this increase is a trend or an outlier. What's certain, however, is that climbing has grown in popularity. And the more people go climbing, the more accidents occur. In addition, some people overestimate their abilities, said a German Red Cross spokesperson. Just because someone can handle a bouldering gym doesn't necessarily mean they can climb safely in the mountains.

According to the report, the mountain rescue service was called out to 591 missions across Saxony in the first half of 2025. In the long term, the number of missions remains consistently high, with a slight upward trend. In addition to Saxon Switzerland, the rescuers also care for injured or missing persons in the Zittau Mountains, the Eastern Ore Mountains, the western Ore Mountains, and the Vogtland region.

In the Ore Mountains, the helpers are especially in demand during the winter months – when they work as ski patrols. In addition to serious falls among skiers, another issue is causing them concern: sledding. "Unfortunately, the potential for sledding accidents is often underestimated," they said. In addition, children are often involved in sledding accidents.

The German Red Cross Mountain Rescue Service reported that a lack of equipment is less of an issue in winter. However, some visitors lack suitable winter clothing. "Jeans, for example, are not suitable for cross-country or downhill skiing."

In Saxon Switzerland, the busiest month of the year is still to come. According to the mountain rescue service, it's traditionally October. Besides climbing accidents, mishaps and missteps while hiking most frequently call out rescuers. In the Zittau Mountains, for example, this year they had to search for an elderly couple who had gotten lost.

Carelessness is often the cause of accidents. "Tourists who are not from Saxony, in particular, underestimate the local low mountain ranges. However, that doesn't mean that Saxon nature lovers are free from overestimation."

The mountain rescue service estimates that two-thirds of the calls could be avoided if visitors acted less carelessly. "Many situations could be avoided with appropriate preparation for hiking. A mentality of being unfamiliar with the terrain and not approaching hiking slowly is increasingly leading to accidents," it said.

All members of the German Red Cross Mountain Rescue Service in Saxony are volunteers. They are integrated into the rescue service and are responsible for rescuing and providing care to mountaineers, hikers, cyclists, and skiers in difficult terrain.

Currently, 386 emergency personnel are active in 19 mountain rescue teams. They must not only be exceptionally fit and mentally resilient, but also have completed extensive mountain rescue training.

© dpa-infocom, dpa:250818-930-924054/1