A 52-year-old Polish man has died after slipping and falling from a great height in the Western Tatras, according to HZS, Slovakia’s Mountain Rescue Service, which reported the tragedy on Sunday.
Mountain rescue teams were called to the scene on Saturday afternoon following reports of an accident involving a tourist. The incident took place in the Skrzyniarki area, a difficult and exposed section of the mountain range equipped with chains to assist hikers navigating the challenging terrain.
According to HZS, the hiker slipped and fell from a considerable height, sustaining severe injuries. Rescuers and a mountain emergency doctor were airlifted by helicopter to the accident site, where they pronounced the Polish national dead.
Hazardous conditions at high altitude
The Skrzyniarki area is located on the main ridge of the Western Tatras, at an elevation of approximately 2,000 metres above sea level, between Spalona Kopa and Salatyński Wierch peaks. The terrain in this section is known for its steep, exposed character, requiring the use of fixed chains for safe passage.
While weather conditions in the Tatras were generally good on Saturday, HZS had issued a first-degree weather alert for the highest parts of the mountain range. Snow was lying at higher elevations and ice could be present, creating treacherous conditions for hikers.
The combination of snow, ice and exposed terrain significantly increases the risk of slips and falls, even for experienced mountain walkers. The Western Tatras straddle the border between Poland and Slovakia, and are a popular destination for hikers from both countries.
What this means for Poles in Poland
This fatal accident serves as a reminder of the serious risks posed by early winter conditions in the Tatra Mountains, which can catch hikers off guard when lower elevations appear safe. Anyone planning to hike in the Tatras during autumn and winter should check weather forecasts and mountain conditions carefully before setting out.
HZS issues weather alerts on its website and social media channels, with first-degree warnings indicating potentially dangerous conditions. At elevations above 1,800–2,000 metres, snow and ice can be present even when valleys enjoy mild weather. Proper equipment, including crampons and an ice axe, may be necessary on exposed ridges and chain-assisted sections during this period.
Hikers should assess their skills honestly and be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate or prove more challenging than expected. Routes featuring chains, such as the Skrzyniarki section, demand concentration, good footwear with grip, and dry conditions for safe passage. Official mountain rescue services recommend travelling in groups and informing someone of your planned route and expected return time.
Current mountain conditions and weather alerts for the Polish and Slovak Tatras can be checked through TOPR (Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue) and HZS before any trip into higher terrain.
