A trip to the mountains always calls for proper preparation. In winter even more so, because of the harsh weather conditions. What should you take on a winter mountain trip? How do you prepare for the trail? Where’s the best place for a beginner hiker to go in winter? Read on!
What do you need for a winter trip to the mountains?
A mountain trip requires proper preparation, especially when it comes to equipment that can save your life in harsh winter conditions. What should you take on a winter mountain expedition? Check the list below:
- A backpack – ideally with a capacity of 20 to 40 litres. Pack it with food, water, a flask with a hot drink and the essential equipment.
- Food – chocolate and anything that’s edible at low temperatures will come in handy. Don’t forget hot tea or coffee. Don’t bring alcohol – its effect is deceptive: it warms you up, but it also weakens the body.
- Equipment – it’s good to have trekking poles or an ice axe with you. You can also take snowshoes if it has snowed recently and the trails haven’t been broken yet. If the paths have already been polished smooth by other mountain enthusiasts, pack crampons.
- A climbing helmet – if you’re heading into rocky terrain, you need to have one with you – it’s a matter of safety!
- A torch – a head torch works best, but you can take another kind too. What matters is that the batteries hold up in low temperatures.
- A smartphone – with the GOPR and TOPR mountain rescue emergency number (601-100-300) saved in it. Keep it close to your body. You can also install the Ratunek (“Rescue”) app, which puts you in touch with the emergency services and enables them to locate you.
- A GPS tracker – it lets you follow your route and locate your position in the app on your smartphone. In addition, a Bluetooth tracker attached to your keys or wallet, or tucked into your backpack, will protect your valuables against theft in a crowded mountain hut, or help you find them if you lose them on a busy trail.
- A map and compass – they can come in handy in all sorts of situations.
- Spare clothing – especially socks and gloves.
- Body warmers – they weigh next to nothing and can be useful, especially in emergencies. Hand and foot warmers can be a lifesaver on long mountain hikes.
- A first-aid kit – a basic one will do, but make sure it contains an emergency foil blanket.
How to dress for the mountains in winter?
Winter hiking in the mountains calls for the right clothing. The best approach is layering, or dressing “like an onion”. This has a huge advantage – it lets you regulate the temperature under your outer layer by removing some of the middle layers. How do you choose the right layers? Here’s our advice!
- Layer I: : thermal underwear, e.g. a long-sleeved top, warm fleece long johns or leggings, and warm socks.
- Layer II: : a thin fleece top.
- Layer III: a thicker fleece, a jumper or a down jumper.
- Layer IV:: an outer jacket, waterproof trousers with a waterproof membrane made from breathable fabric, plus proper trekking boots, a hat, gloves and a neck warmer.
How to prepare for a winter mountain trip?
Planning a mountain trip before the year is out? Or maybe during the winter school break? Whenever in the winter season you intend to conquer the peaks, you need to plan the trip properly.
Your mountain route – plan it in advance!
The first step should be to decide on the route – get out the maps and guidebooks, and read about other people’s experiences online. Always match the length of the route to the experience and fitness of everyone in the group, as well as the snow conditions on the trail and the length of the day. It’s better to choose a shorter trail if dusk falls early.
The hike – set off as early as possible so you can get back to your accommodation at a reasonable hour – in winter, the mountains are treacherous at night and it’s easy to get lost.
Before you set off – check the weather forecast once more, leave a message at your accommodation about your route and planned return time, and sign the departures book at the mountain hut. If the forecast predicts a break in the weather, give the summit a miss.
On the trail – remember that winter trails differ significantly from summer ones, and sometimes they may even follow a different course. Avoid avalanche-prone areas!
In a group – stick together, and put someone at the back to make sure nobody gets left behind. It’s also worth hiring a guide. Remember, too, to adjust your walking pace to the weakest member of the group.
Where to go in the mountains in winter as a beginner?
The first time is always the hardest, but if you’ve already decided to take on the mountain trails this winter, here’s what we recommend to start with:
- The gentler parts of the Beskidy or Sudety mountains – routes without hard rock.
- The Pieniny mountains – they’re incredibly charming at this time of year, and less crowded too.
- The Tatra mountains – choose the gentler trails, which will let you get used to winter hiking without any extreme experiences.
We strongly advise against venturing into the higher parts of the Tatras – Rysy in winter is a huge challenge even for experienced winter hikers, and the same goes for the frozen Orla Perć ridge.
