Love Winter Trekking? Here Are the Most Important Safety Tips



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Since the first snowflakes start dropping, trekking and other outdoor activities enthusiasts start packing for new snowy adventures.

Although hiking might be less demanding than other snow sports (such as skiing), the context is almost the same. Often times, because of the enthusiasm, we organize these trips in a hurry. But if you intend to climb a mountain throughout winter, it is a great tip to carefully prepare everything for any situation you might encounter.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when planning a snow expedition:

  1. Have an itinerary

During this season, while doing this kind of activities, you might encounter a number of dangers. Especially from November to March and April, you might have to face the most difficult snow routes, and most of the roads disappear under layers of snow.

It’s a good idea to be extra cautious, and besides warm clothes to add to your backpack a map, a compass and other seemingly insignificant items, that might make a big difference in difficult adventures.

  1. Check the weather forecast

As you know, at the mountains the weather is far from stable, and can be subject to major changes from hour to hour. Even if weather forecasts are relative, always review the climatic conditions for the day you plan your exploration trip.

Learn to read temperatures and wind speeds and you should know a lot about the dangers of avalanches. If the conditions are unfavorable in the areas you want to explore, simply delay the trip. This is always much better than putting yourself at risk.

  1. Do not take on an adventure by yourself!

Sometimes risks can come from nowhere, be it due to whether or even getting injured. That is why most people recommend to always have a friend with you, preferably one who has experience in hiking.

Even if you have taken all the safety measures and you’re an experienced trekker, group trips will be much more fun than being entirely on your own.

  1. Have thick layers of clothing

Throughout winter, the weather at the mountains is very unstable (low temperatures, fog, wind, etc). For this reason it is extremely important to wear thick layers of clothing during expeditions, so that you can adapt to weather changes.

The underwear layer will help wick sweat off your skin, keeping your body warm. Equally important is the insulating layer which can be a cotton and woolen layer such as an inner jacket for example.

  1. Choose the right footwear

In this kind of adventures, choosing the right shoes is extremely important. Taking into account this cold season, the possibility of frequent snowfalls and snow layers reaching a few centimeters is very likely. Although there’s no “one-product-fits-all” kind of footwear, you need to check some technical details before deciding.

The shoes must be warm and waterproof, but comfortable as the same. A good pair of shoes should not prevent your fingers from moving and at the same time not put a lot of pressure on your feet.

  1. Bring a first aid kit

If you intend to travel on roads that are considered dangerous and prone to avalanches, you should always make sure that you bring a full first aid kit with you.

  1. Invest in quality

Trekking, hiking, skiing — the list of sports that involve some costs can go on. All the tools and special clothing used in these sports are often priced high. And that’s for a reason.

Unfortunately, many outdoor sports enthusiasts choose to save money, opting for lower end products. When it comes to mountain trekking equipment, it is always the best choice to go for quality equipment that ensures comfort and protects you from potential risks. You never know when you might run into an unpleasant situation, and at that point, we guarantee you’ll be happy you paid the extra money.

  1. Final Recommendations

If you’re not a professional athlete, hiking may not be the easiest thing to do. That’s why, preparing in advance for a planned trip might go a long way in ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

There is no need to exhaust yourself as if you were competing with the pros. Just practice basic exercises, like running or light weight lifting, in order to strengthen your muscles a bit and get ready for the outdoor challenge.

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