The increasing popularity of hiking in the West Carpathian Mountains has led to a concerning rise in accidents, including fatalities. Many people are drawn to hiking due to its accessibility and the numerous physical and mental benefits it offers, such as improved fitness, better sleep, and stress reduction. However, this accessibility can lead to an underestimation of the potential dangers involved.
The good news is that most of these accidents can be avoided. Hike Smart is a Sport Cooperation Partnership Project co-funded by the European Union. It seeks to address this issue by promoting safety in hiking activities throughout the West Carpathian Mountains. This project aims to improve the knowledge and expertise of staff members from partner organisations and to develop a series of educational videos that contribute to hiking safety.
Key Results
- Training Participants
- 20
- Partner Countries
- 4
- Educational Videos
- 2
- Local Participants
- 140+
Objectives
One of the project’s key components was an international training program in Slovakia that brought together 20 participants (5 from each partner organization) for a four-day intensive learning experience. This training focused on facilitating the exchange of best practices among participants, enhancing their skills in organizing safe hiking activities in diverse terrains, equipping them with the knowledge to handle emergency situations effectively while on a hike, and strengthening the capacity of partner organizations to promote hiking safety.
The project also involves local activities to promote safety in hiking in Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia and Portugal. These involve a combination of safety workshops, hike activities, and evaluation and feedback sessions, aiming to engage 35-55 participants in each location.
Activities
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Sport EventHike in Zvolenska kotlina
Despite unfavorable weather conditions, participants attended this event, including students from the secondary school in Banská Štiavnica together with their teachers.
Erasmus + Hike Hike Smart SK Slovakia -
Sport EventHike in Veporske vrchy
A group of young people explored Slovakia’s Veporské vrchy in July 2025, enjoying nature, building friendships, and learning how to hike safely through the Hike Smart project.
Hike Smart Hiking Slovakia
Educational Videos
EP. 1 – Weather Awareness and Preparation
In the first episode, we focus on the importance of understanding and preparing for bad weather. From learning how to read weather forecasts and use weather apps, to researching about locations, conditions and how to identify and mitigate potential risks, join us as we explore the essential steps to ensure you’re prepared for any weather conditions.
EP. 2 – Preparation and Packing
In our second episode, we focus on the importance of preparation and packing for a hike. Learn more about the essential gear and equipment you should pack with you, the proper clothing and footwear and how to pack all of it in your backpack. A proper preparation will make sure you are ready for any kind of circumstance and allow you to prevent the most common risks.
Photo Gallery
Dissemination Events
Prague, Czechia, Oct. 2025
Presentation by Four Links Team during Sport Conference Erasmus+ organized by DZS (National Agency in Czechia), focused on Exchange of Good practices in the field of Sport.
