Ice crystals glistening in the sun, snow crunching underfoot — the air is clear, the mountain panorama vast. Winter hiking slows you down and relaxes you wonderfully, and even gives your whole body a gentle workout! Whether on groomed, secured winter hiking trails or with snowshoes in open terrain — as beautiful as the experience is, the choice of route should be carefully considered. Because: not every marked summer tour is also suitable for a hike in winter, whether with or without snowshoes.
With these ten equipment & planning tips, you are well prepared for winter tours! The right hiking equipment is important, a first aid kit and a bivouac sack are useful in an emergency. In winter, hikers should also note the following:
- Adapt shoes to the activity — over-ankle-high shoes make trudging through the snow much more comfortable, a good tread sole ensures the right grip on the paths (and also in snowshoes) when winter hiking. Goretex material keeps feet dry and warm. And: it’s better to go hiking in functional clothing than in jeans — having a light, warm insulating jacket in your rucksack is worth its weight in gold on windy sections!
- Grödel (lightweight spikes to pull over your shoes) ensure safety, weigh next to nothing and take up hardly any space in your rucksack — they are a prerequisite for icy spots and crossings when winter hiking. Wearing snowshoes offers even better grip and a safer hike. If the snow is high enough, this is a very special experience.
- Sticks (with snow plates) make walking on unprepared paths easier!
- Think about the shorter days in winter & make sure you pack your headlamp!
- The cold can be hard on your cell phone battery, so always take a map of the area with you to make it easier to find your way around — these are often available free of charge from local information offices.
Careful planning should precede every winter hike
- Stay on designated winter hiking trails & snowshoe routes — so your own experience in the snow is nature-friendly and the animals also say thank you. You should always avoid feeding or resting areas, young forest and sunrise and sunset tours in open terrain.
- Take the current avalanche report into account when planning your tour if you want to venture off the groomed trails.
- If you are moving in open, unsecured terrain, you should also carry complete avalanche equipment (avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel) when snowshoeing. Of course, with the knowledge that they can also be used in an emergency.
- Guided hiking and snowshoe tours are particularly suitable for winter hiking beginners. But also for friends of leisurely hiking.
- Warm tea and a small snack for a well-earned break — a hike often takes a little longer in winter. The unfamiliar walking with snowshoes or trudging through fresh powder snow takes more energy and makes you tired more quickly. A good self-assessment of fitness and alpine experience contributes to your own safety!
Ready for a break in the snow?
Book, arrive & enjoy the selected winter program! These three offers take you to the picturesque Tegernsee, the romantic Isarwinkel and the heart of the Salzkammergut:
- 8 days winter dream at Lake Tegernsee
- A foray through the wintry Salzkammergut
- Isarwinkel and Blue Land
