Prepare for Hiking in the Alps

Ready. Set. Go. Tips from a Pro

Greg Witt, founder of Alpenwild, and the leading authority on hiking in the Alps, shares a common-sense plan for transforming anyone from a lounge lizard to a mountain goat.

Want to pull off that bucket list adventure of hiking in the Alps? You can do it—even if you only have an average level of fitness and have never hiked before. Start small, learn the skills, build your fitness level and follow these simple steps.

Hike with friends. Find a like-minded friend or group to hike with. In a hiking club or small group of hikers the more experienced members handle the trip planning. You’ll learn from them, have fun, and get extra motivation. Make it a regular part of your life—a weekly event. If you do hike alone—even on well-known trail—tell someone where you will be.
Find hikes well-suited to your abilities. A hiking guidebook for your area will typically provide the details to help you make an informed choice—distance, elevation gain, difficulty, and a trail map. Don’t overdo it at the start. Keep it fun and build your skills and endurance gradually.
Happy feet, happy hiker. Start with a good pair of shoes or boots and socks, with comfort being the primary consideration. Unless you’re carrying a heavy pack on a rugged trail, gravitate toward a light hiker or even a trail runner. Since every foot is different, find an outdoor retailer who can show you several pairs and give assistance in getting you the best fit.
Dress like an onion. Learn to layer your clothing to manage moisture and temperature. It may take some time and experimentation, but play with different a base, mid-layer, and insulation—and possibly raingear—until you strike the right balance. The conventional wisdom is to start the hike “comfortably cool” then adjust as you go.
Know before you go. Study out the route features and trail demands in advance. Learning about flora, fauna, and natural history will enhance your experience. Learn how to read a topo map and have the map with you on the hike. Check the weather. Then get an early start—the risks in starting late and being overtaken by nightfall are too great.
Become a gearhead. Experiment with gear to learn what works best for you and gives you the most enjoyment. Start with your pack. Do you prefer a hip belt? A sternum strap? How about your hydration system—bladder or bottle? Trekking poles or no trekking poles? Custom-fitted insoles? As you explore different gear and apparel options you build your skill level and become tuned in to your body’s performance.

After just a few months of hiking you’ll see your skills increase. Your balance, coordination, and endurance improve. Your confidence in being outdoors grows. You gain an increased sense of achievement with each new hike. Before long, you’ll say to yourself, “If I can do this, I can do anything.” That’s when you’re ready to conquer the Alps on a hiking or trekking adventure.