В това детайлно ръководство сме събрали всичко необходимо, за да бъдете подготвени – от преките телефони на спасителите до най-модерните софтуерни решения за локализация. Преди да се качите на лифта в Bansko или да тръгнете към върховете, уверете се, че имате тези данни в телефона си.
1. Emergency Phones: Your Direct Connection
These numbers should be saved on your phone's Speed Dial. In the mountains, coverage can be variable, but knowing who to call is the first step to survival.
- 📞 1470 – Direct short number to Mountain Rescue Service (MRS). Valid for all mobile operators.
- 📞 02 963 2000 – Central duty post of the MES in Sofia. This number works around the clock and coordinates all actions in the country.
- 📞 112 – Single European number. Use it if your operator has no coverage, but you see that there is a signal available from another network.
2. Protocol for sending a distress signal
One of the biggest problems in accidents is the lack of clear information. When contacting rescuers, follow the “Five R’s” principle:
| Question | What can you say? |
|---|---|
| Who? | Your name and phone number for feedback. |
| Where? | Exact location (coordinates) or landmark. |
| What? | The nature of the incident (fall, getting lost, health problem). |
| How much? | The number of injured and their condition. |
| What is it? the weather? | Fog, wind, visibility (important for sending a helicopter). |
3. Mobile safety applications in Pirin
Technology has transformed mountain rescue. Today, your smartphone is a powerful tool for navigation and signaling.
📱 PSS (Mountain Rescue Service) application
This is the most important application for every tourist in Bulgaria. Its main function is to send an SMS with your exact GPS coordinates directly to the MES base. The SMS often goes through even with a very weak internet signal.
📱 OruxMaps and Locus Map
For professional safety in Pirin, rely on offline navigation. Install the maps on BGMountains. They are extremely detailed and include even the small paths and markings that are missing from Google Maps.
📱 Fatmap: For freeride and off-piste skiing
If you are an adrenaline junkie in Bansko, Fatmap is a must-have. The app offers 3D visualization and a specific layer for “Slope Steepness.” This is critical for avoiding avalanche danger zones with slopes over 30 degrees.
4. Avalanche danger and meteorology
Before leaving your chalet or hotel, check the current weather conditions. Pirin is known for its “wind boards” and capricious weather.
- pss-bg.bg – Up-to-date information about the condition of the slopes and the mountain.
- avalanche.bg – Bulgarian Avalanche Association. Here you will find detailed snow profiles and danger levels.
- Meteoblue – Използвайте “Meteogram” функцията за връх Вихрен или Тодорка. Тя дава най-точна прогноза за поривите на вятъра.
5. Expert advice on software and hardware durability
Cold is the worst enemy of electronics. Here's how to ensure your phone will work when you need it most:
- Airplane Mode: In areas with weak signal, your phone will constantly search for a network, which will drain your battery in minutes. Keep it in airplane mode and turn on GPS only when needed.
- Body heat: Carry your smartphone in an inside pocket of your jacket, as close to your body as possible. Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity at temperatures below 0°C.
- External battery (Power Bank): Never leave without it, even for a short hike.
Important: Mountain insurance
The MES campaign is not free unless you have valid mountain insurance. It costs as much as a coffee (about 5-10 leva for a few days), but can save you thousands of leva if you need transport or a helicopter.
You can take out insurance online in just a few minutes via your smartphone before you step on the trail.
Conclusion: Respect for the mountain
Ensuring safety in Pirin is a combination of good equipment, up-to-date information and a correct assessment of one's own capabilities. Do not underestimate the conditions and always inform a relative or a staff member at the hut about your planned route and expected return time.
English (UK)