tips for hiking with children in winter

"IT'S SNOWING, IT'S SNOWING, COME OUT OF THE HOUSE!"

Hiking in winter is also appealing for children. However, the peace and quiet then comes to an end, as it is replaced by children's laughter during fast-paced sledge runs and snowball fights. And, of course, the odd nag or two. With the right equipment, good tour planning and motivational tricks, even the little ones can get excited about winter hiking.

LOTS OF EXERCISE AND SHORT BREAKS

EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN PERCEPTION OF COLD - WHETHER BIG OR SMALL

Practically speaking, children get enough exercise when hiking so that they are nice and warm inside, but they love lying in the snow during breaks. It's better to take several short breaks so that nobody starts to freeze. If a break does last longer or it is very cold due to the lack of sun and wind, how about a snowball fight? This is sure to lift your spirits and warm you up from the inside. Of course, a thermos flask of warm tea or children's punch is a must in any hiking pack.

Children already know exactly when they are too warm. Our inner warmth is not the same as their inner warmth.

THE PERFECT "WINTER ONION LOOK"

THE RIGHT CLOTHING MAKES HIKING EASIER FOR CHILDREN

In addition to warmth from the inside, the right clothing and the right shoes play an important role when winter hiking with children. A relaxed day of hiking can be over very quickly if the kids are too warm or too cold. The best way to prevent children from getting too cold or too warm in winter is to wear the right clothes and use onion tactics.

First layer

Go for thin leggings and a thin longsleeve. It's best not to wear cotton, as it absorbs a lot of moisture and dries poorly. This means you are bound to get cold. Products made from merino wool or polyester are the better choice.
Second layer

Of course, various carabiners, slings and clamps are important.
Cosy trousers, e.g. jogging trousers and a jumper or fleece jacket that you can simply unzip if necessary, score points here.
Third layer

The final layer is of course the snowsuit or winter jacket with snow trousers. Of course, gloves, hat and scarf are also essential. If the sun is shining, be sure to pack sun cream and possibly sunglasses.

"Under no circumstances should you buy trousers and a jacket that are too big. If the jacket is too big, the gloves will constantly slip down and no child will want to hike for long periods in trousers that are too long and big."

Steffi, a daily travel mate

WARM FEET ENSURE A GOOD MOOD

PAY ATTENTION TO THE RIGHT FOOTWEAR

When hiking in winter, several points are important when choosing the right shoes.

The shoes must keep children's feet dry and warm. Therefore, when buying shoes, make sure that they have a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX lining as well as an insulating layer. Soles with coarse studs and grooves on the heel and toe ensure good grip in the snow. The shoes should not hang like a "block" on your foot, they should feel as light as possible and you should be able to feel and move well in them.

"Winter shoes should never be too tight, otherwise your feet will get too cold. So it's better to buy shoes one size bigger."

Steffi, a daily travel mate

WHEREVER YOU LOOK, ONLY ICE AND SNOW

PREPARE THE SNOW HIKE WELL

As with any hike, the right route planning is the be-all and end-all for motivating children to hike.

The otherwise boring forest paths are perfect for a winter hike, especially if you have a sledge with you. Hiking over and through the snow is strenuous, especially for children, so avoid too many metres in altitude. There may also be a hut on the way. A hot soup will quickly warm up the cold little ones and lift their spirits.

The real highlight of a snow hike is the toboggan ride. The snow-covered forest paths are also ideal for this. The incline is usually gentle enough to prevent the sledge from travelling too fast. Icy paths should be avoided. The ride can be really dangerous here.