The Swiss Alps are the portion of the Alps mountain range that lies within Switzerland. Because of their central position with the entire Alpine range, they are also known as the Central Alps. The entire Alps mountain range stretches from Austria and Slovenia in the east; through Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany; to France in the west. There are more than 40,390 active miles of hiking in the Alps.
Known as the birthplace of mountaineering it has been a extreme adventure locale for centuries. In 1865 a team ascent Lead by Edward Whymper scaled the Matterhorn which was one of the last mountains to be conquered in the Swiss Alps. Although Whymper was the first to reach the top the trip was bittersweet, on the decent a rope broke and 4 of his team members were killed.
The variable conditions when hiking in the Swiss Alps need to be monitored for safety and in order to have a successful trip. Nowhere the weather is more variable than in the mountains. A mountain chain often forms the separation between different kinds of weather. While the sun is shining in one valley it may be raining at the other side of the mountain.
The PAW1300-1V has many built in features that can monitor altitude, weather, location and time. The PAW1300-1V features a slim design, a black resin band and these digital features: Atomic Timekeeping, Tough Solar Power, Digital Compass, Barometer, Altimeter, Thermometer and EL Backlight.
The Altimeter feature will help you track changes in elevation as you make you way to the top of the mountain. As you gradually ascend up the mountain and oxygen becomes thinner, many people suffer from Altitude Sickness above 6500 feet. The only remedy is to decent back down the mountain.
Air pressure can be monitored by the Barometer feature will come in very handy since most weather forecasts are only for a specific altitude and are not accurate as you ascent or descent a mountain range.
Using the Thermometer function, temperature can be tracked throughout the day since average temperatures in the mountains can fluctuate anywhere from 25 to 75 degrees (F) or greater.
Most hikes and trails are posted well with signs and directions but in the instances of glaciers, avalanches and rock slides the trail may become hidden or have to be detoured.The Compass function will help you keep on track in such situations.
