Winter mountain hiking is different from visiting regular tourist attractions. It requires individuals to engage in adequate exercise beforehand and maintain good physical condition. Many hikers underestimate the challenge, treating mountain climbing as a "stroll in the backyard," often overlooking the potential risks involved. Qingdao residents often choose to hike Mount Lao in their leisure time, but the area features rugged rocks, complex terrain, and unpredictable weather, posing safety hazards. Setting out unprepared can easily lead to danger. Here, the Qingdao Mountaineering Association offers some "Winter Hiking Tips" to help ensure the safety of citizens during outdoor fitness activities.
The "Three-Layer Clothing Method" Keeps You Warm and Protected
During winter outdoor activities, on one hand, cold winds can easily penetrate inner clothing layers, carrying away the warm air near the skin. On the other hand, physical activity generates body heat and sweat, and when the body comes into direct contact with cold objects, heat loss accelerates. Therefore, outer garments must be waterproof yet highly breathable, and sized to allow full mobility even when worn over insulating and moisture-wicking layers. The principle of the insulating layer is to "trap air within the fabric’s pores to provide insulation," so wearing multiple layers is more adaptable than a single thick garment. Finally, the moisture-wicking layer uses special weaving or chemical treatments to make the inner side hydrophobic and the outer side hydrophilic, directing sweat vapor outward to keep the skin dry.
Cotton clothing retains sweat and moisture, drying slowly, making it unsuitable for winter hiking. Jeans and wide-leg pants should also be avoided as they take a long time to dry once wet. Especially when walking on long snowy trails, it’s best to wear insulated, tightly cuffed hiking pants. For hiking boots, opt for thick-soled, high-cut boots with crampons for better grip.
Use Trekking Poles Wisely – Walking Technique Matters
Trekking poles are designed specifically for high-altitude mountain climbing. When ascending, keep your upper arms close to your body and your shoulders relatively still. Use your elbows as pivot points and adjust the pole placement to maintain balance. Hikers carrying heavy loads are prone to leaning backward under the weight, and trekking poles help maintain stability.
When walking on snow, always wear snow boots and take small, steady steps. If the snow is only deep enough to cover your shoes, you can walk as if on flat ground. If the snow is waist-deep, you’ll need to clear it away with your feet and waist as you move forward. When hiking in a group, followers should step in the footprints of the leader. If hiking alone with no existing tracks, press your entire foot firmly into the snow. When descending steep slopes, reduce your stride, slightly bend your upper body, and keep your weight on your heels to prevent slipping.
Replenish Calories in a Timely Manner – Stick to Familiar Routes
There are three popular foods for winter hiking: chocolate, beef jerky, and hot water. Chocolate is high in calories and especially helpful for restoring energy in winter. Beef jerky is lightweight and easy to store, making it ideal for tired hikers. Inhaling large amounts of cold air during outdoor winter activities can chill your stomach, so a warm drink of hot water is especially comforting.
Some amateur hikers, due to lack of proper organization and management, tend to take random routes, which is very dangerous. Therefore, everyone should assess their own capabilities rationally and avoid attempting anything beyond their experience or knowledge. Check the weather forecast before setting out, prepare sufficient supplies, and hike with experienced and responsible guides—only taking familiar routes. Carry personal medications and an emergency information card. Hikers should also inform their family of their plans. In case of an emergency, stay calm and try to contact the police or support personnel, then wait for rescue.