TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s National Park Service issued a winter safety warning Sunday, urging the public to exercise caution when hiking or mountaineering in snowy and cold conditions, as recent weather has increased risks in high-altitude areas.

In a press release, the park service said hiking and mountaineering during winter, when snow accumulates, are inherently risky and potentially dangerous. It warned that low temperatures can significantly reduce mobile phone battery life, advising hikers to carry backup power sources to avoid losing communication or access to GPS navigation.

The agency said those entering mountainous areas must be familiar with terrain that combines ice, snow, and rock and be equipped with appropriate clothing and gear to prevent hypothermia. It urged the public to assess weather conditions and their own abilities and to make thorough preparations before each trip to ensure a safe descent.

Park authorities said recent sharp temperature drops and snowfall in high-altitude regions have led some people to enter the mountains without sufficient equipment, resulting in hypothermia and situations that seriously endangered their lives.

Citing forecasts from the Central Weather Administration, the park service said another strong cold air mass is expected to move south during the New Year’s holiday, bringing continued low temperatures, snowfall and strong winds to higher elevations. Under such conditions, mountaineering activities are considered high-risk, it said.

Those planning winter climbs were urged to prepare full cold-weather equipment, including warm clothing, waterproof layers, snow travel gear, and emergency supplies. The park service also advised climbers to realistically assess their snow travel experience and physical condition before setting out.

The agency noted that communication is poor along some mountain routes and recommended hikers carry GPS or similar devices. It also encouraged use of a park service mobile application that offers location tracking and reporting functions, allowing family members to monitor trips.

Park authorities added that in current conditions, climbers should be familiar with three essential pieces of snow equipment: crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet.

There is no room for complacency when it comes to safety, the park service said. It added that in extreme environments, safety must be the top priority and that postponing or canceling trips may be necessary to avoid tragedy.