How to Prepare for Hiking in the Swiss Alps

12 May How to Prepare for Hiking in the Swiss Alps

The Alps are one of the most popular and renowned regions for trekking. In today’s guide, we will be showing you how to prepare for hiking if you plan your next trip to the Swiss Alps.

Keep Updated with the Local Weather Reports

Before starting your adventure, make sure to check the local weather forecasts to be prepared for anything. When it is announced that the weather will be bad, avoid hiking at high altitudes. Instead, opt for trails in the valleys, which are situated near villages so that you can quickly retreat if the weather gets really bad. It is important to refrain from high altitude hiking on misty days, as you will not only miss the good views, but you will also have a hard time finding your way around.

Find the Best Track for Your Level

Mountain trails often vary in height. If you are a novice, you should start out with a route below 2000 m (6500 ft) to not get altitude sickness. Instead, pick a trail with a moderate ascent to slowly adjust to the altitude. If you did well the first time, you can then move on to a more challenging route on your next trip.

You should also check the height of the route, as the distance doesn’t tell you much about its difficulty and its total time for completion. There are different types of trails; some are wide paved roads, narrow rocky paths, valley floors, or high alpine terrain.

Get the Gear You Need

One of the best tips in our how to prepare for hiking guide is to pack the best gear. This includes hiking shoes/boots, a hip belt, sternum strap, hydration system, and trekking poles. The key thing is to choose what is most comfortable and useful to you in order to have a safe hiking experience and increase your skill level. Also, remember to pack clothes that are suitable for all types of weather and to not carry as many in your backpack, use the onion-layering system.

Get in Shape Before the Trip

Hiking is a physical challenge, so before booking a trip, make sure you are in a healthy condition. Carrying a few extra pounds can greatly slow you down, so make healthier meal options.

You should also do some cardiovascular training to improve your endurance and fortify your ankles and thigh muscles, which will help you adjust to the challenges of the Alps’ rugged trails. Even if running or other cardio activities are not like hiking, it will keep you from feeling exhausted in the first minutes of your trek.

Prepare your back and shoulder for carrying over long distances by first practicing with a light-loaded backpack. Slowly increase the weight of the bag so that your joints and muscles can adjust to the change in weight.

Now you know how to prepare for hiking in the Alps. Make sure to be in shape and ready for any kind of unexpected situations.