Many tourists come to Davos for the wide range of winter activities: mountain hiking, skiing, and walking along the picturesque trails of the Alps. Winter hikes are especially valued by those who love extreme outdoor activities, as they help strengthen health, harden the body, and fill it with fresh air. To make your hike as comfortable as possible, it's essential to choose the right gear and clothing. In this article, we will review the necessary gear for mountain hiking in winter and provide practical advice for selecting the best equipment for your winter adventure.
Clothing Selection
Before heading into the cold, the most important thing is to ensure warm clothing. It's recommended to dress according to a three-layer system consisting of the following layers:
- Base Layer:Simply put, this is your thermals, t-shirts, and undergarments. This layer is in direct contact with the skin and its primary task is to manage moisture by wicking away sweat. Choose fabrics like merino wool or synthetic materials as they are best at absorbing moisture. These materials will keep you warm and dry, even during intense physical activity. It’s also recommended to avoid cotton in the base layer, as it retains moisture and loses its insulating properties when wet, leading to hypothermia.
- Mid Layer: Responsible for insulation, it should retain warmth without causing overheating. Fleece jackets are ideal for this purpose. Fleece is a lightweight, breathable material that works well in cold conditions and moderate activity.
- Outer Layer: Serves as protection from external elements. It should be both waterproof and windproof, as winter hikes are often accompanied by snow, rain, and strong winds. Jackets with waterproof membranes are perfect for such conditions. These jackets should also have ventilation zippers, allowing you to regulate your body temperature during more intense parts of the hike.
In addition to the basic layers, you will need winter accessories such as hats, scarves, gloves, and socks. A good hat will help retain warmth, while a scarf can be pulled over the nose and mouth to protect against cold winds. Gloves are essential, and multi-layered gloves with fleece inserts or mittens with additional insulation provide extra warmth. Merino wool socks are the perfect choice for winter hikes as they are warm, moisture-wicking, and comfortable.
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Winter Hiking Footwear
Footwear is extremely important in cold conditions. Choose boots with sufficient insulation to keep your feet warm and comfortable. The boots themselves should be made of durable, waterproof material, such as leather. Before heading out on a hike, check to ensure your boots do not allow moisture to seep in. The sole should be non-slip, and the presence of spikes will be a great advantage, as they will provide excellent grip on icy and slippery surfaces. Moreover, the boots should be comfortable, not too tight and not too loose. Try wearing them for a day to ensure they don't cause blisters while walking, and if you feel comfortable, confidently take them on your hike.
Winter Hiking Gear
In addition to clothing and footwear, several other items will significantly enhance your safety and comfort during a winter hike.
- Trekking Poles: These tools are indispensable for winter hiking and are used by professionals on long expeditions. Don’t think they won’t be necessary — without proper support, it’s much harder to hike through mountains and loose snow. They also provide balance and stability, especially on slippery or uneven sections. Trekking poles help reduce strain on your knees, which is especially important when carrying a heavy backpack or descending. Look for poles with adjustable lengths and rubberized grips for comfort and stability in cold conditions.
- Microspikes and Crampons: For more challenging sections of the trail, you will need microspikes or crampons. These devices attach to your boots and provide additional traction on slippery surfaces. Microspikes are sufficient for most winter hikes, while crampons are suitable for mountaineering or areas with heavy ice. Choose according to your hiking route.
- Backpack: What would a hike be without a backpack? Of course, none! A backpack is a trusty companion for any traveler, and your winter hiking backpack should be durable, comfortable, and resistant to weather conditions. It should have enough space for extra clothing, food, water, and emergency supplies. We recommend choosing professional backpacks with water pockets, trekking pole attachments, and ample interior space. Amateur backpacks are not suitable; they are better left for casual city walks.
- Food and Water: Take food based on the length of your hike. If it’s a long distance, stock up on high-calorie food such as energy bars. Store regular food in insulated containers. Make sure to bring water in several thermoses. Hot water or tea will help you stay warm in the cold and maintain hydration, which is especially important during extended physical exertion.
- Headlamp or Flashlight: Winter days are short, and you may need additional lighting during hikes in the dark. Always carry a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
- Emergency Gear: No winter hike is complete without emergency gear. Include a first aid kit, multi-tool, map and compass, as well as an emergency blanket or bivy sack. It's also wise to take a portable phone charger and a whistle for signalling in case of an emergency.
Check the Weather Forecast
Before heading out on a winter hike in the Swiss Alps, it’s important to check the weather forecast for the area you will be hiking in. If there’s a risk of snowstorms, avalanches, or particularly low temperatures, don’t risk your life and postpone your hike to another time. If you’re still planning to go to areas where avalanches are possible, take an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel with you, and make sure you are trained in how to use these tools. Avalanche safety courses are highly recommended for anyone planning to hike in mountainous or remote areas during the winter.
