High Altitude Trails
If you roam the mountains for days, high up where Alpine goats and marmots are your only companion, with only the occasional cloud crossing your path, it might happen that you simply forget the other world, far down. Up here, it is just more important where the next trail marking is and where you’ll find the next hut. The weather here determines more than anything else—how your day goes, where you take breaks and how difficult or easy it is for you to keep putting one foot in front of the other—with high Alpine trails being known as the supreme discipline of multi-day hikes. Ideally, they’ll demand just enough from you as to prevent any boredom setting in, though you can always guarantee one thing: the landscape will take your breath away. What are you waiting for?
The weather here determines more than anything else—how your day goes, where you take breaks and how difficult or easy it is for you to keep putting one foot in front of the other—with high Alpine trails being known as the supreme discipline of multi-day hikes.High Altitude Trails for you
Choose from our ready-to-go Collections with handpicked routes and lots of handy information, created by passionate people like you.
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Packing List
- Hiking clothes for all weathers (code word: Layering)
- Sun protection for your head
- Sleeping bag liner / sleeping bag (depending on your accommodation, make sure to check temperature forecasts)
- Blistering band-aids (we can’t say this enough)
- Knife
- First aid kit with band-aids, tick tong and just-in-case meds for headaches, nausea, and diarrhea
- Emergency energy bar (small snacks for quick energy)
- Containers for a lot of water
- Water treatment (chlorine or silver nitrate)
Safety In The Mountains
Weather
Just like a hearty breakfast, checking the weather forecast is an important part of your daily mountain morning routine. At high altitudes, you may experience heat, rain, high winds and even snow — all in the same day. When packing, check the weather and take equipment for every possible outcome.
Dangers
Rough terrain, narrow and steep paths, falling rocks – all are risks when traversing the mountains and along the coast. Thorough preparation, suitable equipment and an honest evaluation of your own skills are key to staying safe. If you don’t have any experience in certain environments, it's best to bring someone who does.
Respect
Whether you are on a popular trail or off the beaten path, make sure to show respect toward other people and the environment. Beware of other people around – below steep slopes there are often other trails, so don't kick down any rocks. Always leave a place as you found it and show respect for your companions, people you meet and the environment.
Emergency Numbers
Research and keeo the phone number of the local mountain rescue on hand. Make sure you always have some battery left on your mobile device and be cognisant of where you are at all times so you can accurately communicate your location in case of an emergency.
- Call 999 and ask to be put through to mountain rescue in case of an emergency. Mountain rescue Germany: 112
- Mountain rescue Austria: 140
- Mountain rescue Italy: 118