Everyone has probably done hiking in spring, summer and autumn. But some are perhaps still unsure whether to explore the snow-covered landscapes. Of course it is in winter cold , snowy , often it gets too icy and slippery . In addition, it will be faster dark . Therefore, some factors must Hiking in winter get noticed. We give you ours here best tips for a great winter hike in the snow.
Tip 1 - Know your hiking route
Snow-covered slopes, icy trees and snow-covered paths make the surroundings look different from photos on the internet. So choose one hiking trail you already from summer trips know . So you have a good chance of finding yourself Not so easy to get lost .
A cell phone with a offline map (if that GPS does not work on the mountain (e.g. Maps.me) or a printed one hiking map you definitely should too always have with you.
As with summer hikes, the paths are on tree barks mostly with colored ones inspect or with ribbons marked , so you can also take care of it orient .
Tip: If you feel safer, you can also "draw" something in the snow with a branch every hundred meters. Unless it's snowing or there's a strong wind, you'll have an extra clue on the way back.
As with summer hikes, the paths are on tree barks mostly with colored ones inspect or with ribbons marked , so you can also take care of it orient .
Tell someone
It doesn't matter if you're alone on road are or with your hiking buddy, give to a trusted person know which route you will take. This can act in an emergency and call for help. Get in touch with the person when you go and also when you approximately are back .
Important information:
- Where are you traveling?
- Which route do you want to take?
- when you start hiking
- When do you intend to be back (at the latest).
Tip 2 - Know the weather forecast
Before you decide on a route, you should first decide weather condition check. The weather on the mountain is always different than in the valley. For this reason, it is important that you know what the weather is like. You can then decide for yourself whether you prefer to choose a different route or choose an alternative program.
For popular hiking destinations there is sometimes Websites where you can find info about current weather get or even live webcams find. On various social media sites, local hiking groups or hiking forums you can also ask if anyone has recently chosen the same route and if there were any obstacles or other difficulties.
Tip 3 - Better safe than sorry
There are a few things you should have with you on every hike. In wintry There are a few special conditions must haves the special important . Not only because there are fewer hikers who could help out with a plaster. Good preparation often saves a lot of nerves and nerves unnecessary additional stress when it matters most.
- First aid kit
- emergency blanket (the ones with the gold and silver sides!)
- headlamp with charged batteries (+ spare batteries)
- Electric hand warmers
- suncream (never underestimate the reflection of the snow!)
- Lip Balm (Vaseline, UV and cold protection balm )
Pro tip: When it comes to sunscreen, it's good to know that traditional sunscreen (the kind you use in the summer) contains more moisture. This moisture freezes faster in winter and can lead to skin irritation or even cold damage.
Therefore, special sunscreen is better suited for the winter. Because they own one higher fat content , so cold and UV radiation can be blocked more easily.
Good to know: The UV radiation increases all 1,000 meters of altitude around. 15% .
Tip 4 - Check avalanche forecasts
you about the avalanche danger You should not omit to inform yourself in the respective area. Also with hikes it can become dangerous landslides come, even if you are not on the highest mountain. For this reason, it is all the more important that avalanche warning services to take seriously. Here are a few information pages:
avalanche warning services
Tip 5 - Bring the right gear
walking boots
Hiking in winter doesn't necessarily mean having huge snowshoes to stomp through the snow. Simple ones are usually enough winter hiking shoes . This must be a very good one profile have to be able to cope with snow, icy paths and steeper slopes. Besides, they should not too hard and of course warm be.
Hiking sticks with snow attachment
Trekking poles are not only a hit in summer, they also help with that hiking in winter . With the correct essay you can master snow conditions more easily.
You definitely know that feeling when you take a step in the deep snow and you literally in it sinks . The subsequent step is much more difficult too master , because when you lift one foot you sink even lower with the other. A fall over is not uncommon.
trekking poles give you exactly for such situations better grip and provide more balance in the snow .
<< Here >> you find one helpful article how you die suitable walking sticks and/or trail running poles find .
Spikes and Gags
In any case, both have one thing in common: They should give you a good grip on ice and snow .
What are spikes?
Roughly said, (Shoe) spikes give you in icy and steeper terrain and ensure that you don't slip. These are very advantageous both on flat surfaces and when walking up and down hills.
Basically, spikes can not only on hiking shoes , but also on running or trail running shoes to be attached. So on shoes with a less pronounced or softer sole. Spikes become easy "pushed" over the shoes .
When buying, you should make sure that they fit different shoe models, one elastic have rubber belt and off stainless steel chains are made.
When to use spikes for shoes?
In icy and hilly terrain, icy and slippery hiking trails, rather flat, not too demanding (steep) mountains.
What are gnomes?
junk are a simple shape of crampons . This they have something more pronounced Spikes that can anchor more firmly in the ground. In contrast to spikes, mules are " strapped " over the hiking boots. Clogs are not suitable for running shoes, they need one stable and solid shoe sole .
When do you use Grödel?
In icy and snowy terrain, on narrow and steep hiking trails in winter, mountain trails.
spats
Waterproof walking shoes are good. Dry feet are better. One waterproof base from below is one of the most important fundamentals. Do you move in deep snow or does it start to get strong rain , then do spats the huge difference . So can no water from above intrude and you're all around ahead wetness and cold good protected .
sunglasses
Not just your skin, yours too Eyes must before the strong Protected against UV radiation will. Watch out for one qualitative Sunglasses with high UV protection. You can snow blindness and other significant damage to the eye minimize .
Tip 6 - Cold weather = dead batteries
In winter, the battery of your mobile phone usually discharges a lot faster. Therefore, you should take a power bank with you to be on the safe side - and of course the right charging cable!
Pro Tip: Carry your electronic items (mobile phone) at the body . Your body heat can prevent your batteries from cooling down too much.
a bigger one camera you should be good in cloth towels pack and the battery pack possibly in the inside jacket pocket to store.
To protect your charging batteries from sweat and to protect against moisture , you can do it in one zip pouch keep safe.
Tip 7 - Strengthening in between
energetic food before and during the winter hike are the same important like drinking plenty of fluids. Gummy bears, nuts, energy gels, energy bars or chocolate….
It should fit in your jacket pockets and easily accessible be. Sandwiches and fruit should well packed be kept, since food can also be stored quickly in a backpack freeze be able.
Dark chocolate not only gives you energy, but also extra motivation 🙂
Tip 8 - Take breaks - short instead of long
It makes more sense when hiking in winter several short breaks to do instead of less long. Shorter breaks keep the body warmer for longer and don't let you cool down so quickly.
Anyone who has ever been frozen knows how difficult it can be body temperature to boost again. An inflatable pillow, reusable shopping bag or newspaper can be used seat pad serve around wet and cold to hold off for a while.
Tip 9 - Warm up from the inside
Enough liquid is just as important in winter as in summer. The choice of drink and its temperature may be different. One thermal bottle is therefore a must-have when hiking in winter.
A hot tea holds, in a well isolated Drinking bottle, even for hours the temperature. A warm sip of tea warms from the inside , down to the tips of the toes and is a real wonder weapon if it gets colder than planned.
One warm soup – stored in a thermos bottle – is the perfect combination of liquid and heat supplier .
Pro tip: A few slices of ginger and a bit of lemon juice not only boost your metabolism and give you new energy. Due to the spiciness of the ginger, your body warms up a bit faster. If you spice up the soup with a bit of chilli, an extra portion of warmth is guaranteed.
For a sufficient fluid intake you can also do one along the way hydration bladder use. through the You can have a drinking tube that reaches up to your mouth comfortable and drink water without much effort.
We wish you have fun at your next winter hike . You're welcome to #atacamafamily use or ours Instagram account mark on your picture. we be happy us about yours photos 🙂