Winter Hiking: A Voyage of Self-Discovery

Thermal inlays made of lambskin or felt will help stop the cold from the ground.

Gaiters prevent snow from dropping into your boots from above and will keep your lower legs dry. The best gaiters are those that can be secured by an under-the-heel strap.

We recommend mountaineering or trekking socks made of a mixed fabric combining the positive properties of natural fibres and those of synthetic fibres. They’ll keep you warm and will dry quickly.

Best-dressed like an onion - plenty of layers:

• First layer: Functional underwear
• Second layer: A fleece pullover or jacket that takes moisture away from the body
• Outer layer: a functional jacket, which should at least be water-repellent. Important: an integrated or zip-off hood.

• A drink (e.g. hot tea in a thermos) and a snack.
• Small seat pad for taking a break on wet and snow-covered benches.
• Forehead lamp. Normal hand-held torches are not suitable as you will need to hold your walking poles.
• Mobile phone. By the way, the European emergency number 112 works even without a SIM card.
• Hiking map

Walk economically, rhythmically and slowly. Especially in deep snow, you can get tired quickly at a higher pace. Basic rule: If you sweat or can't talk because you are short of breath, you're going too fast.

Only use marked trails! If you move away from them, you disturb the flora and fauna.