This story is from France but it resonates here in Australia too.
Mountain rescue teams in France are urging hikers to plan ahead, as callouts for ill-prepared and inexperienced walkers are rising — largely driven by "Instagram tourism."
Hikers, often lured by stunning images seen on social media, are heading into mountainous areas without researching the routes or understanding the difficulty involved.
Many of these picturesque locations require several hours of challenging hiking, but some travellers — often with no hiking experience—attempt them unprepared, focusing solely on capturing a photo. This trend has led to an increase in rescue operations for people stranded or overwhelmed by difficult terrain.
“There are quite a few people who set off on a whim... relying too much on social media or user-generated apps for routes,” said Jérémie Pesenti, a mountain rescue officer with CRS Alpes de Grenoble.
He warns that these platforms often omit vital information, such as technical difficulty or the need for specialist equipment.
Some of the trails followed by social media users aren't even official hiking paths. The problem is exacerbated by travellers using unsuitable equipment, unfamiliar with basic mountain safety. Mr Pesenti says many have “never set foot in the mountains” before attempting advanced hikes.
Rescue teams now monitor social media to identify popular but dangerous spots. In one case, an influencer documented their "nightmare" after setting out on a difficult route late in the day, hoping to recreate a photo they'd seen. They ended up stranded overnight in terrain they mistakenly believed was inhabited by wild bears. Officers later confirmed it was one of the area's most challenging hikes, far beyond the influencer's capability.
The issue isn’t limited to summer. In winter, hikers also misjudge the conditions, says fellow officer Lionel Chatain. He recalls rescuing people who arrived from Paris to photograph a snowy summit sunset, unaware that the trail was buried under snow and required crampons. “They used phone flashlights to light the path, but that doesn’t work,” he noted.
Rescuers emphasise the need for proper planning, awareness of conditions, and realistic assessment of one’s abilities—social media shouldn’t be the sole guide.
Read the full story here.