Kate Clow, of the CRS attended the 4th conference, held jointly by the European Hikers Association (ERA), the European Mountaineers Association and the Italian Mountaineers Association (CAI).
The conference built on the sustainability focus of the 2024 Paris conference; but this year explored the theme “Digitalisation for Hiking and Mountain Trails”. Over 20 presentations from 15 countries looked at how digital tools, data standards, and innovation can enhance sustainable trail management across Europe.
The speakers presented remarkably different solutions to trail mapping. From Hungary and the Balkan countries, where trail mapping has to be negotiated and recognised by respective governments, to French commercial schemes which offer the user an easy gateway to the trails, there seems little in common. However, the dependence on Open Street Map as a basic platform was reinforced by CAI and EUMA support. In addition, all the ERA cross-European trails are mapped on OSM. The interface between base data and cross-border GIS platforms, cultural and heritage routes, accessibility projects, sustainable mountain villages, and digital tools for safety and infrastructure was illustrated by most speakers. Kate talked about the DETOUR project and the marketing potential of linking the service providers along the trails to the standard databases used by trekkers.
A common message emerged: digitalisation should connect, not replace, human engagement — empowering local communities, volunteers, and hikers while preserving natural and cultural heritage.
Key outcomes included:
- The need to establish shared European standardsfor digital trail data;
- Stronger integration between mapping, sustainability, and community engagement;
- Closer collaboration between public institutions, local stakeholders, and digital innovators;
- Strengthened cooperation between ERA and EUMAto represent Europe’s hiking and mountaineering community.
The conference concluded with optimism and a clear sense of direction: digital innovation is not an end in itself, but a bridge between hikers, mountains, and communities.
Finally, local and national politicians, mediated by Eleanora Berti, were invited to comment on the importance of mountain routes and communities. The result was dispiriting – mountain villages don’t represent enough votes! so the best way to influence government is by educating visitors, who currently take trails and their infrastructure for granted. DETOUR, however, has the potential to revitalise villages and provide a variety of interfaces to visitors.
For the concluding charter for Hiking and Mountain Trails, https://www.european-mountaineers.eu/blog/post/4th-european-trails-and-paths-conference-macugnaga-2025
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