Hike Smart

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

Events

15

Participants

240

Countries

4

Location: West Carpathian Mountains

1

Activities

One of the project’s key components was an international training programme in Slovakia that brought participants together for an intensive learning experience. The training facilitated the exchange of best practices, enhanced participants’ skills in organising safe hiking activities across diverse terrains, equipped them with the knowledge to respond effectively to emergency situations, and strengthened the capacity of partner organisations to promote hiking safety.

The project also involved local activities to promote safety in hiking in Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia and Portugal. These involved a combination of safety workshops, hike activities, and evaluation and feedback sessions, aiming to engage 35-55 participants in each location.

Educational Videos

Another important aspect of Hike Smart was the development of two educational videos, each approximately 4-6 minutes long, that addressed the root causes of most hiking accidents: poor packing and insufficient knowledge of weather forecasting.

Episode 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.

Episode 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.

Photo Gallery

Check out the photo album of this project!

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.

Our participants were involved in multiple dissemination and exploitation events across Europe, where they shared the knowledge, skills, and experiences acquired during the activities within their communities.