Itinerary, equipment, clothing... our 5 tips for hiking in winter

1. Choose the right route

Before the big departure, it is essential to check that the chosen hiking trail is passable in winter. Find out about the altitude of your route, as it not only influences physical exertion, but also weather conditions.

For example, if you want to walk the Via Francigena, know that the Saint-Bernard Pass (2469 m), located in Switzerland and opening the doors to Italy, is very difficult to cross in winter. Very few pilgrims venture there! It is therefore preferable to avoid it at this time, and to make another stage of this pilgrimage.

On the Camino Francés which leads to Compostela, the first stage towards Roncesvalles is different depending on the season. If you go there in winter, be sure to take the variant! The Route de Napoléon via the ridges, normally used the rest of the year, is closed in winter. The markings invite you to take the Valcarlos route, more suited to seasonal conditions.

Conversely, trails such as the Normandy or Breton coastline, the GR11 (grand tour of Paris), the tour of the Luberon Massif, or the GR30 and its Auvergne lakes, are entirely passable in winter and offer ideal conditions! There are a lot of trails to discover during this beautiful season.

2. Organize your walking day

First of all, be sure to check the weather the day before your hike, as conditions can change quickly, especially in winter. Do not rely on the forecasts from previous days: the weather can deteriorate within a few hours depending on the region. And above all, accept the idea of not leaving if the weather is harsh and the conditions are too difficult. Too much fog, too much snow, can make hiking dangerous.

Once on the road, don’t forget that the days in winter are shorter! Calculate your walking time carefully and make sure to finish your stage around 4 p.m. This will give you a margin of safety in the event of a delay. If you notice that the weather is getting worse, don’t hesitate to shorten your route.

Finally, remember to equip yourself with a headlamp in case night falls. Likewise, if you want to leave early and enjoy the sunrise.

3. Clothing: Adopt the right technique to protect yourself from the cold

One of the keys to walking in winter is to dress correctly and with the right method. So adopt the three-layer technique:

The first should keep you dry and be breathable, to avoid sweating.
The second layer is the one that will keep you warm. For example, you can choose to wear a comfortable fleece.
Finally, the last layer protects you from wind and rain. Choose a good waterproof windbreaker.
Remember to protect the extremities of the body with gloves, thermal socks, waterproof shoes, gaiters, and a hat.

The trick is to wear breathable clothes that dry quickly. The ideal textile remains merino wool, but you can also opt for synthetic clothing. Note that sweat is your worst enemy in winter. You can get sick or quickly get cold if you leave room for humidity. By dressing properly, you will see that walking will be very pleasant!

4. Take suitable equipment for winter hikes

In winter, you need to add a few items to your backpack (also waterproof or equipped with rain protection):

We remind you, but it is very important, remember to take a headlamp. Both for walking early in the morning and returning in the evening.
A survival blanket, in addition to being light in the bag, is always useful in an emergency.
Of the sunglasses, especially if you walk in the snow, are essential to protect yourself from the reflection of light.
Don’t neglect your skin: cream for the cold and a product to protect your lips chapping is a plus not to be underestimated!

If you wish to bivouac, a completely different organization must be put in place. Ask equipment specialists to find the ideal sleeping bag suitable for low temperatures, a well-insulated mattress, warm and breathable nightwear, a stove to prepare your meals, a sturdy and waterproof tent, etc.

5. Take care of your body

Last little advice, take care of yourself and your body. In winter, with the cold, the body burns more calories. For this reason, it is important to eat hot but also richer meals!

If you can, bring a hot drink in a thermos to warm you up. And finally, remember to hydrate yourself. In winter, we too often forget to drink. But it is essential to make it automatic, because hydration allows your body temperature to regulate itself correctly.

Winter hiking, when well prepared, can be an enriching and revitalizing experience. All you have to do is get started!