October 11, 2024
Picture yourself on an exciting hike or mtb ride, and you’re probably envisioning ideal conditions – sunny weather that’s not too hot nor too cold. The trail is dry, there’s no leftover snow and visibility is A+.
If you’ve been lucky in the past, you might not realise just how drastically your experience can change in different conditions. In remote areas, particularly up in the mountains, the weather can turn unexpectedly. And fast. So we chatted to the SAAC (Snow & Alpine Awareness Camps)* about what different weather conditions could mean for your overall experience, so you can be more prepared for different scenarios. Read on to learn more.
Temperature
Temperature extremes in either direction will impact your adventure. Very cold and you’ll be less inclined to pause for extended breaks. Accidents, injuries and getting lost also become much more serious as hypothermia is a possibility. In extreme heat, you’ll likely move slower, drink more, and want to be overly cautious with sunblock. Don’t underestimate the protection provided by a sun hat!
In terms of your route planning, be aware that exposed trails will provide no respite from the sun, and in cold weather, you’ll want to keep an eye on places to warm up, such as mountain huts. Apart from ensuring you pack the right clothing, you should also pack enough water for the heat, sufficient snacks for the cold, and as ever, include some buffer time in your planning.
Rain and snow
If rain is predicted, or you’re exploring in spring or autumn, when unexpected snow might be present at higher altitudes, think carefully about your group’s experience in the mountains. Wet or frosty trails become slippery, making accidents more likely. If snow falls, trail markings (or even the trail itself) may disappear. That makes for slower progress as moving on technical trails will be more strenuous. This means you need to manage your energy reserves, be confident navigating, comfortable making risk assesments, and have the right equipment for the conditions that may arise.
Fog
Thick fog severely restricts visibility, which in turn affects your ability to navigate. You’ll be forced to go slow in order to stay on track and prevent accidents, which could have a knock-on effect on your body temperature.
Wind
Strong winds make it difficult to balance on narrow ridges and paths, and make communication more difficult. In forests, falling branches are a reality, while above the treeline you’ll need to be aware of rock falls. Wind chill factor is no joke either. A warm sunny day can feel cold if the wind picks up, and on a cool day it can become dangerous, especially if an injury or accident occurs.
Lightning and thunderstorms
Apart from the rain, which we already know makes trails slippery, thunderstorms lead to dangerous conditions on the mountain, especially on the summit, exposed ridges, or on via ferrata routes. You need to be aware of falling branches or rocks, and know how to protect yourself in case of lightning – seek lower ground, limit direct contact with the ground, and avoid sheltering near tall trees, metal poles or in caves.
Now you know how different conditions could impact your experience, how do you find accurate weather information when mountains and other remote environments are home to such localised microclimates? The SAAC has more tips!
Social media and forums
Join online communities or forums where mountaineers share their experiences and current weather conditions. Mountain rescue organisations also use these spaces to share weather warnings and up-to-date weather alerts.
Use specialized weather services specific to your country or region
The SAAC recommends services like MeteoBlue, Windy, MeteoSwiss or Bergwetter.com in Switzerland. Experienced hikers and mountaineers on the komoot team use MeteoBlue and Windy throughout Europe, while Mountain-forecast.com is popular worldwide and noaa.gov is trusted by US adventurers. Government weather services for the country you're in, such as AEMET in Spain or Météo France, are viewed as more reliable than general weather forecast sites.
Follow local mountain rescue organisations or tourism offices
These sources usually offer current mountain weather reports specific to their area, and consider hyper local conditions, including information provided by mountain huts.
Radar and satellite images
Use weather radar and satellite images to monitor the current weather situation. These can help you to better assess short-term changes.
By combining these sources, you’ll get a much more accurate weather forecast, enabling you to make more informed decisions about your next outdoor adventure.
Find more tips and resources for staying safe and having fun in the mountains here. You can find additional information from the SAAC here.
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*The SAAC is an Austria-based organization who’ve been dedicated to keeping alpine adventurers safer in the mountains for 25 years. Working with mountain guides and industry leaders, they educate mountain sport enthusiasts across the Alps about the risks of alpine environments, increasing knowledge in the community and encouraging personal responsibility along the way.