Winter hikes

A FROSTY EXPERIENCE

Hiking in winter?

Yes, you read that right! Even if rainy autumn storms herald the end of summer, that's no reason to give up your love of nature until spring. The fourth season offers many advantages: it gets quieter again and the sun no longer beats down on our heads quite so mercilessly. Those who are too tempted by the sofa season in winter are missing out on a lot.

SHOE CHOICE

TOP PRIORITY: SAFETY AND WARM FEET

As the primary point of contact with the ground, special attention must of course be paid to suitable winter footwear. The right winter hiking boot is at least ankle-high, stable and has a stiff sole construction with a clear profile. Whether it is a specially lined winter shoe or a thicker pair of socks in your usual boots is up to you.

PREPARATION FOR THE ACTIVITY

GET ON YOUR SOLES AND HIT THE PISTE

Even the best "winter shoe sole" reaches its limits at some point. Icy paths and snow-covered trails can be too much even for the Vibram Arctic Grip®. If you don't want to end your adventure prematurely, you are well served with Grödel. These flexible climbing aids are like the crampon's little brother and provide the necessary grip for winter adventures. However, they never replace crampons!

Snowshoes offer another way of travelling safely. Thanks to their wide contact surface, they prevent you from sinking too deeply into the snow, allowing you to cross even deep snow fields. Snowshoes are available in various designs and fastening types and can be used with practically all sturdy LOWA winter boots.

PREPARATION FOR THE ACTIVITY

BEFORE YOU SET OFF: CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST

The weather in the mountains is all too often erratic in nature. The weather factor plays a particularly important role in winter. In the cold season, a brief shower can quickly turn into a snowstorm and there is also a risk of avalanches.

It is therefore important to check the weather conditions right from the start of the planning phase, at regular intervals and before the start of the tour. You should also always keep an eye on the sky when you are out and about.

ON THE MOVE

ORIENTATION IN WINTER

How beautiful it is when the glistening blanket of snow lies over nature. Everything is soft, white - and looks relatively the same. In winter in particular, finding your bearings on a hike can be tricky. Trail markings often quickly disappear under the blanket of snow - as do potential dangers in the form of slopes, holes and loose debris. Special care is therefore required. In order to enjoy your winter hike to the full, it is essential to have up-to-date maps and a GPS device with you. If you want to be on the safe side, think about spare rechargeable batteries (mobile phone) and spare batteries. The freezing cold drains the energy from your devices. The shorter days should also not be underestimated. In case of doubt, less daylight means less time to correct a wrong turn in the path. Carrying a good headlamp is therefore a must!

ON THE MOVE

BREAKS AND CATERING

The long walk through snow-covered paths can make you break out in a sweat. It is often tempting to take a longer break to recover. But beware: if you don't use hot drinks and extra layers of clothing, you can get hypothermia very quickly! A cold nose is almost inevitable. It is therefore better to take several short breaks during which the body cannot cool down completely.

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