Winter hiking with children: 6 tips for unforgettable adventures in the snow
It's a cold winter morning, the first rays of sunshine dance across the snow-covered fields and our footsteps crunch softly in the freshly fallen snow. Our children's eyes light up; for them, the snow-covered landscape is a magical transformation of nature every time.
Ever since we've had children, winter walks have been one of our favorite outdoor activities in the cold season. Why? They are sustainable, cost hardly anything and give us something priceless: intensive and conscious family time full of unforgettable moments: whether it's searching for tracks in the snow, catching snowflakes with your tongue, fun toboggan races, sucking icicles or a spontaneous snowball fight - being outdoors means rediscovering the world through children's eyes and experiencing winter in all its facets.
In this article, we would like to show you how to make winter hiking with children relaxed and unforgettable. With the right tips and a little preparation, every excursion will be an adventure - and you might even discover your very own winter wonderland.
The right tour planning:
Winter hikes with children are incredibly fun - if they are well planned. It's best to plan short and easy tours, as walking in the snow is more strenuous than on dry ground. In addition, the days are shorter in winter, so breaks and returning before dark need to be considered.
A south-facing hike is ideal, as the sun ensures more pleasant temperatures. Prepared winter hiking trails are a good starting point for families, as they are easier to walk on. However, unprepared trails are also possible with children as long as they are wide enough and not too steep. Another plus is a route that leads past a hut that is open in winter: Cold fingers and toes can be warmed up there, while cocoa and Kaiserschmarrn provide new energy.
Our pro tip: choose a route that you can sledge down. It's not only great fun, but also a great reward for the ascent!
Weather and safety
The weather can change quickly in the mountains. Before you pack everything up and set off, be sure to check the weather forecast and snow conditions. A quick look at the webcam in your destination area will help you to assess the current situation. You can then adjust your clothing and equipment or reschedule your tour if necessary.
Tip: Always pay attention to local piste and trail closures and check the avalanche warning level before you set off! Information is available from the European Avalanche Service, for example
Tea and snacks - always have them with you
Even if you are planning a stop at a hut: Always pack enough provisions. Children often get hungry quickly in the snow and need an energy boost. A thermos flask of hot tea not only provides warmth, but also helps to quench the thirst caused by the cold, dry wind.
But we also always have enough snacks with us in case we don't make it to the hut, have to turn back or find ourselves in front of a locked door despite checking the opening times (it's all happened!).
The right clothing for winter adventures with Children
As in the transitional season, the onion look is also indispensable in winter. Hiking in the snow can be sweaty, and the temperature differences between the sunny and shady sides of the trail are often enormous. While older children quickly work up a sweat on the ascent, smaller ones freeze in the backpack because they hardly move at all.
We therefore consistently rely on layering in order to be able to react flexibly to temperature changes:
Baselayer: Merino wool is our favorite. It regulates body temperature, wicks sweat away and remains odorless even after a long day.
Midlayer: Fleece jackets keep you warm and are lightweight.
Outer layer: Windproof and waterproof jackets protect you from the elements.
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Putex II hooded fleece jacket kids€53.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free deliveryWith recycled PET bottles
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Snow Cup III outdoor trousers kids€95.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
Protects eco-friendly from rain - fully without PFC
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Livigno Halfzip fleece jumper kids€45.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
With recycled material
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Snow Cup Overall II snowsuit kids€210.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
Protects eco-friendly from rain - fully without PFC
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Snow Cup Mitten III mittens kids€40.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
Protects eco-friendly from rain - fully without PFC
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Snow Cup padded jacket kids€168.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
Protects eco-friendly from rain - fully without PFC
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Gaiter II Kids€26.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
Protects eco-friendly from rain - fully without PFC
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Greenfinch III padded coat girl’s€126.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
Protects eco-friendly from rain - fully without PFC
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Limax zip-in thermal jacket kids€89.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
With recycled material
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Snow Cup III 3-in-1 outdoor jacket kid´s€210.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
Protects eco-friendly from rain - fully without PFC
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Manukau padded winter jacket kids€121.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
With recycled material
Don't forget: Hat, loop scarf, gloves and waterproof, warm shoes. When it's freezing cold and the sun is shining, cold protection cream, sun cream (SPF 50+) and sunglasses or ski goggles with UV protection are also essential. So you are perfectly equipped for the clear, cold winter air.
Toboggans and snowshoes: the right equipment
For us, toboggans or bobsleighs are the absolute must-haves. Firstly, you can pull tired children a little on them, and secondly, tobogganing down makes the way back a highlight. If you are off the beaten track, snowshoes are a good alternative - they are also available for children! In icy conditions, we recommend snowshoes, which provide a secure grip on slippery paths.
Take breaks and leave time to play
Winter hiking with children should above all be fun. Take your time to have snowball fights, discover animal tracks or simply watch the glistening snow. Whether you reach your destination is of secondary importance. It's the fun that counts, not the kilometers!
Have fun winter hiking, tobogganing and enjoying!
You can read even more stories, ideas and know-how about being outdoors with children on Kristina & Tom's blog: www.adventuremo.de or on their Instagram account: @adventuremo.de
