For many, winter means staying indoors and waiting for spring. But the cold season offers unique experiences that are impossible in summer.

Snow-covered landscapes, silence, fewer people, clear air. Winter tours – whether on foot, on skis or with snowshoes – have their own unique charm.

At the same time, winter brings challenges: cold, short days, changing conditions, and higher risks. Good preparation is not optional, but vital for survival.

This guide shows you how to enjoy the outdoors safely and in winter. From equipment and techniques to fitness – everything you need for your winter adventure.

Winter opens up activities that are not possible in summer.

Winter hiking: On cleared paths or groomed winter hiking trails. Easy to get started, no special equipment needed (except good shoes and clothing).

Snowshoeing: Ideal when the snow is deep. Snowshoes distribute your weight, so you sink in less. A moderate entry point, allowing you to venture off-trail.

Ski touring: Ascending on touring skis or a splitboard, then skiing down. Requires equipment, technique, and avalanche knowledge. The ultimate winter outdoor activity.

Cross-country skiing: Classic or skating style on groomed trails. Excellent endurance training. Lower entry barrier than ski touring.

Winter camping: Spending the night in a tent or bivouac in sub-zero temperatures. For experienced campers with the right equipment. An intense nature experience.

Trail running in winter: With spikes or trail shoes. Less demanding than on snow, but the cold and slippery conditions are challenging.

Clothing determines comfort and safety in winter. The layering principle is key.

Base layer (directly against the skin): Wicks sweat away from the skin. Merino wool or synthetic performance fibers. No cotton – it retains moisture and then cools you down.

Insulation layer: Keeps you warm. Fleece, down, or synthetic insulation. Thinner or thicker depending on activity and temperature.

Outer layer: Protects against wind, rain, and snow. Waterproof and breathable (Gore-Tex or similar) for changing conditions. Wind protection is often more important than complete waterproofing.

Adjustments during activity: If you get warm during the ascent, open or remove layers. Add layers again during breaks or if the temperature drops. Active layer management prevents both overheating and hypothermia.

Head and hands: A lot of heat is lost through the head and hands. Hat, gloves (bring spares if possible). Buff/neck gaiter for neck and face.

Feet: Warm, moisture-wicking socks. Gaiters to keep snow out of your shoes. Shoes large enough for thick socks and good circulation.

Winter requires specific equipment. Here's the most important stuff.

Footwear: Insulated, waterproof, with a good sole. For snowshoeing: stiffer sole. For ski touring: special ski touring boots.

Snowshoes: For deeper snow. Choose size according to weight (including gear). Climbing aid for steep terrain. Models with front crampons for firmer snow.

Poles: With large baskets for snow. Adjustable for different terrain. Essential for balance and propulsion.

Backpack: Large enough for spare clothes, food, and emergency equipment. 25-40 liters depending on the length of the trip. Hip belt and chest strap for stability.

Navigation: GPS, map, compass. In winter, familiar paths can be unrecognizable. Don't rely solely on marked trails.

Emergency equipment: bivouac sack (lifesaving in case of forced bivouac), first aid kit, headlamp (short days!), lighter, emergency blanket.

Avalanche equipment: For tours off-trail: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe. AND the knowledge of how to use them.

Avalanches are the greatest danger in winter terrain away from slopes and trails. Basic knowledge is essential.

Reading avalanche reports: Daily situation reports from the avalanche warning services. Learn to understand the danger level (1-5), problem areas, critical slope angles and aspects.

Terrain assessment: Steepness (it becomes critical above 30°), aspect (north, south), terrain features (depressions, gullies, hilltops). The map can tell you a lot before you set off.

Reading the snowpack: Recognizing wind-drifted snow, identifying weak layers. This requires experience and training – don't underestimate it.

Behavior in the field: Maintain safety distances and dispersal distances. Do not all enter critical terrain together. Have retreat options.

Equipment: Avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe – the avalanche trilogy. ONLY useful if you know how to use it. Practice regularly.

Attend courses: Avalanche courses offered by alpine clubs or mountain schools. Theory and practice. Lifesaving. For everyone who wants to venture into winter terrain away from secured areas.

Cold is manageable – if you know how.

To prevent frostbite: Vulnerable areas include toes, fingers, nose, and ears. Maintain blood circulation through movement. If numbness occurs, act immediately – warm the area, do not rub.

Recognizing hypothermia: First shivering, then the shivering stops (bad!), confusion, fatigue. If signs appear: reduce movement, insulate, provide warmth, get help.

Avoid moisture: Wet clothing cools dramatically faster than dry clothing. Manage perspiration by adjusting layers. Change wet gloves/socks.

Plan your breaks wisely: Don't stand in the cold for too long. Find a sheltered spot. Wear an extra insulating layer for breaks.

Nutrition and hydration: The body needs calories to produce heat. Eat and drink regularly. Warm drinks in a thermos are a good idea.

Building cold tolerance: Regular exposure increases tolerance. But: Safety first, not hardening. Don't overdo it.

Winter tours are different from summer activities. Specific preparation pays off.

Endurance: Walking in snow requires more energy. Snowshoeing burns 40-80% more calories than regular hiking. Train your basic endurance.

Leg strength: Deep snow, inclines, uneven terrain. Squats, lunges, step-ups. Strength endurance for repeated exertion.

Balance and stability: Slippery surfaces, snowshoes, skis. Proprioceptive training, single-leg exercises, unstable surfaces.

Cold training: Acclimate your body to the cold. Take cold showers, run in the cold, and dress less when temperatures are slightly below freezing. Gradually expand your comfort zone.

Cardio in the cold: Training in the cold feels different. The lungs have to adapt. Avoid intense cardio in very low temperatures, as cold air irritates the airways.

Practice your technique: Snowshoeing, ski touring – technique saves energy. Courses and practice tours before the big adventure.

Planning in winter requires more care than in summer.

Factor in short days: In December, Central Europe only has 7-8 hours of daylight. Start early, allow extra time, and bring a headlamp.

Check the weather: Winter weather can change quickly. Consider visibility in fog or snowfall. Take the wind chill factor into account.

Avalanche report: Updated daily; check before every tour off-trail. Source: Avalanche warning services of the Alpine countries.

Know the route: difficulty, elevation gain, exposure. Alternatives and abort options. Identify emergency descent routes.

Assess your fitness realistically: Winter is more strenuous. Plan for fewer kilometers and more time than in summer.

Emergency plan: What if the weather changes? What if someone gets injured? What about cell phone reception? Where is the nearest hut or accommodation?

Group planning: Do not venture alone into challenging winter terrain. Choose a group with similar fitness levels and experience. Clear communication is essential.

The body works harder in winter – it needs more fuel.

Increased calorie requirements: Heat production costs energy. Plus the activity itself. 30-50% more calories burned than with comparable summer activity.

Carbohydrates: Quick energy, important for heat production. Bars, bread, dried fruit, chocolate. Eat regularly, not just when hungry.

Fats: Slow, sustained energy. Nuts, cheese, sausage. Keep you full longer and provide calories for warmth.

Warm meals: A thermos of hot tea or soup. It lifts your spirits and warms you from the inside out. Psychologically valuable on long hikes.

Hydration: The thirst mechanism is suppressed in cold weather. Nevertheless, drink enough fluids. Water loss occurs through sweating (even in cold weather) and dry air.

Insulating drinks: Insulate water bottles or carry them under your jacket. Frozen water is useless. Hydration tube systems can freeze.

Keep snacks within easy reach: Don't bury them in your backpack. Keep them in jacket pockets, easily accessible. This way you'll eat more regularly.

At what temperature does it become dangerous?

There is no fixed limit – it depends on wind, humidity, clothing, and activity. -10°C with wind can be more dangerous than -20°C in calm conditions. Preparation and proper clothing management are more important than a temperature limit.

Do I need an avalanche course?

For anything off-trail, including marked paths, slopes, and cross-country ski tracks: Yes, absolutely. This knowledge can save lives – yours and others'. Alpine clubs and mountain schools offer courses.

Are snowshoes difficult to learn?

No, the basics are easy to learn. Walking is intuitive, just a bit more relaxed. Steep terrain and techniques like switchbacks require practice. Ideal for beginners.

What if I have no ski touring experience?

Start with snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Courses for beginners are available at mountain schools. Guided tours are also offered. Experience in alpine terrain is not recommended.

How do I transport my equipment?

Backpack with attachment points for snowshoes/skis. Ski carrier can be attached. Weight is kept close to the body and balanced.

What should I wear under my hardshell jacket?

Base layer: Technical shirt. Insulation: Fleece or thin down, depending on temperature and activity level. Adjust during the tour. Often just base layer + shell on the ascent, more during breaks.

How do I protect my phone from the cold?

Wear it close to your body (inside pocket). The battery suffers significantly in cold weather. Keep the power bank warm as well. Use a GPS device as a backup in extreme cold.

What do I do in a whiteout (zero visibility)?

Stop, seek shelter, wait. Navigation is only possible in good visibility. Do not proceed if you cannot see the path. GPS helps, but it does not replace sight in the terrain.

Is winter camping suitable for beginners?

Not as your first winter experience. Start with day hikes, then hut-to-hut tours, then bivouacking in mild sub-zero temperatures, then more challenging winter camping. Build up experience gradually.

How do I find suitable tours?

Tour portals (Outdooractive, Komoot, Bergfex), Alpine Club materials, local mountain schools. Pay attention to difficulty ratings, check conditions, and if in doubt, choose an easier tour.