Winter Hiking on Your Winter Holiday: Equipment, Rules and Planning

• Winter hiking takes you along snow-covered paths and designated winter walking trails.
• Snow, ice, darkness and visibility affect your pace and return journey.
• Trail markers help with navigation; local closures and warnings also apply on marked routes.
• Grippy footwear, warm layers and lighting are essential when planning a hike.
• Choose a route and duration that suit your fitness and allow for the shortest safe return.
• If visibility deteriorates, a route is closed or you become exhausted, it is sensible to turn back in good time.

Winter hiking means walking on snow-covered paths, along forest edges or on specially designated trails. Sure footing and a suitable route are essential. Snow and ice can slow you down on familiar sections of a trail or hide the ground beneath. A short local loop with an easy-to-follow return route may therefore be a better choice than a long trail where navigation is uncertain.

Alpine and unmarked slopes require a different assessment of hazards than paths near towns and villages. Stay on routes that are open and observe local closures. Share your route and planned return time with someone, especially if your hike takes you to a remote area.

Waterproof shoes with grippy soles and warm, flexible clothing help on snow and during longer breaks. Walking poles can provide extra stability on uneven ground. At dusk or on short winter days, pack a headlamp; a charged phone, water and a small supply of energy-boosting snacks are useful on longer routes. Make sure you can change wet gloves or socks.

Your equipment should match the route, weather and your experience. A short walk near town does not require the same preparation as a remote high-altitude trail. Children and less experienced hikers benefit from short stages, regular breaks and a destination from which the group can return safely.

Before setting out, check the temperature, wind, precipitation, visibility and whether the local trail is open. The German Weather Service publishes warnings about severe and hazardous weather conditions.

If visibility deteriorates, the trail is closed or you are running out of energy, turn back while the return route is still easy to see. Stay together as a group. Avoid avalanche-prone slopes and observe local closures.