How to prepare for winter hiking

Winter hiking is a great opportunity to find something new in familiar routes. There is a common misconception that hiking tours are not organized in winter, and some special training and extensive experience are required for it. Many mountaineers go hiking in wintertime to enjoy the indescribably beautiful landscapes.

It is known that the success of any enterprise depends not so much on the season, but on the degree of training of its participants, as well as the availability of the necessary equipment.

In addition, winter hiking has a number of advantages.

Advantages of winter hiking

The first and most obvious advantage of winter hiking is the weather conditions. Another common misconception people still believe is that it is always very cold in the mountains. 

In fact, it may be so warm during winter mountain hikes (especially if it snowed the day before) that a person who is wearing light clothes (thermal underwear, fleece and a T-shirt) feels comfortable.

Fewer people

There are a lot of tourist groups in summer, but everything changes in winter.  There are fewer people during the winter season and it is the main advantage of winter hiking.

In addition, the chance to see wild animals in their natural habitat is higher. And footprints in the snow immediately attract your attention.

Landscapes

Landscapes are especially picturesque in the winter season.

Whatever you choose, a regular hike or an ascent to the top of the mountain, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience and great photos.

Calmness

Nature seems to freeze and many animals hibernate during the winter. So there is a peaceful silence all around.

You hardly meet some people from other groups but your friends only. Thus winter hiking is a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of a big city and put your thoughts in order.

Physical activity

Any hike gives you the opportunity to get new impressions and train your body muscles at the same time.

Physical activity is even more intense in winter, especially if you walk in the snow.

Two main rules for winter hiking

In addition to the basic rules (follow the formation, keep up with the group and go along with other participants), there are two main rules for winter hiking. Please, remember that the rules exist to make your hike more comfortable and relaxing.

Choose the appropriate clothes

Before going on a hike, you need to take care of the clothes for the winter season. The perfect clothes for winter hiking protect you from wet and wind and keep your body warm.

Dress in layers

To avoid wet and hypothermia, it is important to adhere to the following rule: dress in “layers”. There are three main layers of clothes for winter hiking:

• The main (thermal layer)

Thermal underwear is the first layer that effectively dries sweat and maintains an optimal temperature of your body.

• Medium (fleece)

Fleece and a light jacket should be worn over thermal underwear. The middle layer retains heat for a long time.

• Waterproof (windproof)

The third layer is designed to protect against wind, rain and snow. It is recommended to choose a jacket made of waterproof material.

To summarize, let’s notice that hiking in winter is as pleasant as in summer. However, it is important to take care of your safety. When choosing clothes for winter hiking, follow simple rules. Remember that each layer of clothes should maintain dryness and the body heat and provide reliable protection against frostbite and hypothermia.

Winter hiking gear

Do not forget about such items of equipment as hiking boots, a warm hat, etc.

Hiking boots

Hiking boots are a mandatory element of hiking equipment, which we recommend purchasing first.

Mountain hiking boots come in a variety of styles: from simple but functional to “fashionable” and rather expensive. Read more about how to choose boots for mountain hiking in our article.

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Travel gaiters

Gaiters are designed to protect against snow and moisture and prevent your feet from getting wet.

Gaiters should be selected for hiking boots.

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Thermal socks

Thermal socks perform the same task as thermal underwear: they effectively remove sweat and keep your foot dry.

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Hiking trousers

When choosing hiking trousers, it is recommended to adhere to the same “principle of three layers”. However, if you are going for an ordinary hike  (not in the high mountains), wearing thermal underwear and ordinary waterproof trousers is enough.

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Thermal underwear

Wearing thermal underwear during a winter hike is vital. No other clothes remove moisture and retain your body heat so effectively.

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Fleece

It is recommended to give preference to fleece made of synthetic material, as it retains the body heat more effectively. It still keeps you warm for some time even after getting wet.

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Hiking jacket

It is the third and the last layer. Wearing your hiking jacket is extremely important. It performs several functions at the same time – prevents your body from getting wet and provides warmth and wind protection.

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Besides the clothes mentioned above, you need some additional items of equipment for winter hiking.

Gloves

The cold is felt in the extremities, so it is important to protect not only your feet, but also your hands. So, in addition to thermal socks and hiking boots, you need hiking gloves. It is recommended to buy two–layer gloves, the inner layer of which is made of fleece, and the outer layer is made of any waterproof material. The fleece layer provides warmth, and the outer layer protects from moisture.

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Buff

The buff is a multifunctional scarf made of lightweight fabric to protect you from the sun and dust in summer, or of thick fleece to protect you against wind and snow in winter.

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Hat

The most suitable models for winter hiking are lined with fleece, which provides additional protection for your head and forehead.

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Sunglasses

Contrary to a popular misconception, sunglasses are needed not only in summer but in any season. Ultraviolet radiation in mountainous areas is so intense in winter that it may even cause snow blindness.

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Hiking and trekking tours in Armenia