Walking in a winterwonderland!
If you think hiking is boring, then it's time to think again! Spending time in the great outdoors is now all the rage and, what's more, it's also good for your physical and mental well-being. And this doesn't just go for the summer: With the right preparations, a winter hike is the perfect opportunity to recharge your batteries in the long, dark winter months.
The sky is icy blue, the air is clear and freezing cold. The warming rays of the sun cast a stunning light on the wintry landscape. Now, more than ever, is the time to get outside, forget the stresses of everyday life and get rid of the dry heating air from your lungs.
At the latest since the Corona pandemic, hiking has become hugely popular. And this is not only true in spring and summer. Both the body and mind benefit from exercising outdoors in the fresh winter air. By hiking regularly, you not only strengthen your cardiovascular system and stabilise your bones, tendons and ligaments, but you also burn around 320 kilocalories per hour.
Numerous scientific studies all confirm that getting active outdoors lifts your mood, reduces anxiety and also improves your memory. And if you choose to put on your hiking boots in winter, you will be rewarded with stunning vistas and an opportunity to truly wind down. With the right preparations, you can turn your next winter hike into a relaxing mini break.
In order to make the most of the available time, keen hikers need to be up with the lark. By setting your alarm early, you can make the time to eat an energy-packed breakfast and still be out before sunrise to enjoy the magical atmosphere of a winter morning. What's more, this also means you can get the most from the few hours of daylight before dusk.
It's always better to plan in more time when choosing a route since hiking in the snow and ice takes longer and you will definitely want to have reached your destination before it gets dark. It is also important to check whether the planned route is accessible before starting off.
Choosing a winter-proof outfit
To ensure your trip doesn't end in wet, freezing feet and painful blisters, choosing the right shoes is essential. Whilst at other times of the year the focus when hiking is primarily on comfort and a perfect fit, in winter your feet also need to be protected against the cold and wet. Hiking boots with a good tread and which reach above the ankles offer the right grip.
Choosing the right shoes is essential.
When walking in the snow, it is vital that no moisture can enter the shoes from above. Gaiters are a great way to prevent just this as they create a "seal" between the trousers and shoes. If you will be hiking on icy terrain, then light crampons are a must. These can be attached to the soles and prevent you from slipping.
The secret behind a good winter hiking outfit is layering. The first layer should comprise tight-fitting functional underwear which wicks sweat away from the skin and thus regulates the body's temperature. On top of that, a long-sleeved top made of merino wool or a somewhat thicker fleece jacket and comfortable trousers provide insulation against the cold. Soft or hardshell jackets can be used as the third and outermost layer to protect against snow, rain and wind. A hat, scarf and gloves are all vital in winter. In icy temperatures, it is also a good idea to apply cold protection cream before setting off. And on clear, sunny winter days, you also need a layer of sun screen on your skin.
A comfortable rucksack is also vital on shorter hikes. To guarantee maximum comfort, the carrying system should be as light as possible and adapt optimally to the back. For day hikes, a lightly padded rucksack with a capacity of 20 to 35 litres is usually sufficient. As of five kilos or more, a carrying system with a hip belt is recommended to take the strain from the shoulders.
Whilst hiking is an ideal time to take a break from your phone, you should certainly take it with you in case of an emergency. And if you plan to go on a longer hike, you should take a spare battery or power bank with your Phones can also be useful for GPS navigation to guide lost winter hikers to their destination as quickly as possible. After the tour, special apps provide information on the exact route, duration and much more.
