Every hike, regardless of its duration, must be well planned . From the start at home or your accommodation to your destination and back again, careful preparation is required to ensure that everything runs smoothly and you can enjoy your tour without any worries. We have summarized for you here what you should consider when planning:
1. fitness level
The hike must be planned according to the physical fitness of all participants. Even if you are reasonably fit, you should not push yourself to your limits in the mountains - safety first!
2. time management
Plan enough time for the hike so that you are not surprised by nightfall, closing cable cars, etc. In one hour, you can cover an average of 300 meters in altitude and 3 kilometers .
3. manage your strength well
Only walk so fast that you can still talk to others. It's also best to walk the first section of the hike at a slower pace - that way you'll know whether you can manage the whole route, including the way back. If in doubt, always shorten the tour or turn back!
4. equipment
The right footwear is essential for every hike - sturdy shoes with a non-slip profile not only make the tour easier, but also prevent injuries. For demanding hikes, the shoes should also extend over the ankle to ensure a secure footing.
When hiking, your clothing should be multifunctional, comfortable and hard-wearing. Always dress according to the forecast weather! On hot days , take sunscreen for your skin and lips, sunglasses and a hat to protect you from the sun. But you can also hike in bad weather - choose an easily accessible destination, dress warmly and rainproof according to the weather and don't go beyond the forest boundary. Especially on long tours and hikes in high alpine terrain the onion look is recommended in order to be prepared for all conditions. This is because sun, heat, cold, rain and wind change more quickly and unpredictably in the mountains than in the valley.
For hikes in the rain or if you sweat a lot during exertion, a set of dry change clothes is also recommended. If you have hiking poles with you, make sure they are stable and well adjusted.
5. start of the hike
Especially on sunny and hot days, an early start and a break during the midday heat are recommended to avoid sunstroke. In any case, you shouldn 't start your tour too late - plan it so that you can easily get back before nightfall, even with unforeseen breaks or a slower pace.
5. hydration breaks & energy-supplying snacks
Especially important: always have enough water with you! Avoid sweet drinks on hikes, your body needs fluids most of all during exertion. Don't just drink when you're thirsty, but take regular short breaks to keep your circulation going. Apples, bananas, muesli bars and nuts are particularly suitable as small sources of energy in between.
7. announce your hiking destination before you start
Landlord, family, friends or neighbors - make sure that someone knows where you are going. That way, there's someone who will notice and can get help if you don't make it back as planned.
8. stay together
A hiking group always stays together to protect everyone involved. This way, no one can fall behind, go off the trail unnoticed or get injured. Look out for each other!
9. follow the signs
All hiking trails in Osttirol are well signposted - stay on these designated routes for your own safety! You can find your exact location on all signposts using GPS coordinates, signpost numbers and, in the event of an emergency, the Alpine emergency numbers 140 and 112.
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