1. Equipment Preparation Must Be Thorough
It’s cold in the mountains during winter. Due to the cold air and snow, the human body consumes approximately 10–20% more energy compared to other seasons.
- Therefore, wear lightweight, functional hiking clothing that is windproof, waterproof, insulating, and breathable. - Cotton clothing is not suitable for winter hiking. Because cotton absorbs sweat and moisture slowly, once it cools down, your body temperature can drop sharply, putting you in a hypothermic state.
- Also try to avoid jeans and wide-leg pants as they take a long time to dry when wet. Choose hiking boots that are waterproof, moisture-wicking, and insulated, reaching above the ankle, and with thick soles suitable for attaching crampons.
- To prepare for icy paths, bring crampons. However, do not use them on regular snowy trails to avoid knee injuries.
- Additionally, when walking long stretches of snowy trails, it's best to wear high-rise, tight-fitting hiking pants that offer good insulation and prevent snow from entering.
2. Prevent Accidents in Advance
Follow the footprints on snowy trails. When there are no footprints, press your soles firmly against the ground to move forward. - When descending steep slopes, take smaller steps and slightly bend your upper body.
- Most accidents happen during descent. Therefore, keep your center of gravity on your heels while going downhill. If your entire sole is flat on the ground, you’re more likely to slip.
- A backpack can serve as a cushion to protect your head or waist in case of a fall, so always carry one.
3. Hiking Preparation
- Place light and bulky items at the bottom of your backpack, and heavier items on top.
- Loosen your shoelaces when going uphill, and tighten them when going downhill.
- Rest schedule: rest for 5–10 minutes after every hour of climbing, and take 1–2 minute breaks every 20 minutes on steep slopes. - To maintain body heat, wear multiple layers of thin clothing for flexibility.
4. Hiking Guidelines
- Always check the weather forecast before setting out, start early, and descend early.
- Let those who are physically weaker walk at the front, and eat snacks frequently before you feel hungry.
- Stay close to the group leader and avoid wandering off alone.
- Always bring back all trash and dispose of it in designated areas. Also, do not use open flames.
- Engage in moderate activity without overexcitement, and avoid damaging trees or nature.
5. Hiking Etiquette
Getting away from daily life and enjoying the mountains is a delightful experience. Therefore, while hiking, be mindful not to obstruct others, avoid uncivilized behavior, and look out for fellow hikers.
6. Use Designated Hiking Trails
If you venture off-trail and accidentally dislodge loose rocks, it could endanger others behind you. It’s best to stick to established trails and hike in a single file.
Additionally, avoid loud noises and maintain silence so as not to disturb others. Be considerate, protect public facilities, and help preserve the natural environment.
7. Do Not Block Hiking Trails
During hikes, you might see some hikers blocking the trail while putting on crampons or tying their shoes. Some even stop in pathways to eat. When hiking, avoid causing inconvenience to others by ensuring the trail remains clear. Adjust gear or take breaks in areas away from the main path.
When passing through narrow sections of the mountain trail, it is customary to let those descending—who might kick down loose rocks—go first. However, as a general rule, when encountering groups of different sizes, it is polite to allow the larger group to proceed first.
9. Greeting Others
When you encounter other hikers on the trail and need to step aside to let them pass, it’s good manners to greet them. Common phrases include “Hello,” “Have a safe trip,” or “Keep it up.” When a large group is moving, the person at the front can greet others on behalf of the group, while the rest may simply smile or nod in acknowledgment. However, do not greet hikers who are visibly struggling to climb uphill.
10. Do Not Pass the Leader
Some people like to walk ahead of the group leader during a hike. This is not advisable. Even if you need to slow your pace, stay with the group. Leaving early because you’re impatient to rest will only worry the leader. Rest stops are usually chosen for their beautiful views, so be patient and wait for the slower members of your party before setting off again.
11. Hiking Essentials
. Hiking means walking on winding mountain paths, not flat ground. If you’re not used to exercising and suddenly push yourself like you’re in an extreme training session, it will only strain your body. Therefore, make it a habit to do light activities such as walking regularly, and adjust your hiking pace gradually.
. Speed and Stride Maintain a slow walking speed with small steps, and keep a cheerful mindset.
. Pacing A good speed is about 20–25 minutes per kilometer on gentle uphill or downhill sections.
. Adjusting Your Pace The first 30 minutes to 1 hour of hiking is usually the most tiring. After 30 minutes, your nervous system, blood circulation, body temperature, and metabolism all begin to change. If you fail to adjust properly during this time, your muscle strength may decline, joint impact may increase, and your body may struggle to adapt. Therefore, it’s best to take a break after hiking for 20–30 minutes, readjust your gear such as your backpack and hiking boots, and then continue.
. Regulating Body Temperature Mountains have significant temperature variations. As altitude increases, body temperature can drop sharply. Reports indicate that for every 100 meters of elevation gain, body temperature decreases by 0.6°C. Wind also greatly affects body temperature. When wind speed reaches 1 meter per second, body temperature can drop by 1°C. Prepare warm clothing not just for winter, but also for summer hikes. . When Climbing Steep Slopes Uphill: Maintain a consistent stride (not too large), place the entire sole of your foot flat on the slope to maximize friction and prevent slipping. Avoid bending your body too much to reduce pressure on your waist, and try to keep your posture as upright as possible.
. Downhill: Never be careless when descending. Most hiking accidents occur on steep downhill sections. Due to the effects of acceleration, your feet can easily slip out of your shoes, leading to injuries or blisters. Therefore, always tie your shoelaces securely and descend with caution.