Winter Hiking – How to prepare

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.

Winter hiking

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.

Winter hiking

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.

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.

View of Ararat

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.

Frozen Trchkan

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.

Winter hiking

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.

Thermal underwear

Medium (fleece)

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

Fleece

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.

Hiking jacket

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.