What should you do if you get lost while hiking?
Stop, Think, Observe, Plan (STOP) — and in most cases stay where you are. Call your emergency number if you have signal, save your phone battery and signal for help: the alpine distress signal is 6 signals a minute (whistle, light or shouts), then a minute's pause. The most important step happens before the hike: leave your route plan with someone.
STOP
Stop, Think (where did you last know your position?), Observe (terrain, weather, daylight), Plan — and most often: stay, shelter and signal. Walking on usually takes you farther away.
Signal for help
- Alpine distress signal: 6 signals a minute (one every 10 seconds), then a minute's pause. Rescuers answer with 3 a minute.
- A whistle carries farther than your voice and saves energy.
The one thing before every hike
Leave your route plan with someone: where you go, when you expect to return, and when they should call for help. It can cut a search from days to hours.
Navigation with a phone and a paper map, signalling to a helicopter, the "hug a tree" rule for children and a fill-in route plan are in the guide.
If You Get Lost
Navigation and signaling — map, compass, a phone with no signal, and how to help rescuers find you fast
Worksheets (appendices)
- I'm Lost — What First?
- Cut-Out Signal Card
- Route Plan
- Skills Check — Navigation
- Equipment by Priority
- Local Information Card
- Worked Example — Fog on the Ridge and a Separated Child
Sources: International Commission for Alpine Rescue (IKAR-CISA) — alpine distress signal; national mountain rescue services. Sources are listed on the last page of every guide.
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