Some Useful Tips for Hiking safely in the Alps

1. Start preparing your hike at home

Maybe you didn’t know, but in the mountains you can’t rely on Google Maps…
So if you’re planning to go hiking this summer, you can already start by prepping your itinerary.

Things to consider while planning your trip:

• What’s your fitness level or hiking experience?
• How long do you want to be out?
• Will you be entering a protected area or nature reserve?
• Are you hiking with kids or dogs?
• Do you or anyone in your group suffer from vertigo?
• Is there shelter nearby in case of sudden weather changes?
• Is there a possible shortcut if someone gets too tired?

Map reading can be challenging, but with some patience and perseverance you’ll learn and enjoy it. I also wrote a blog about how I discovered that map reading is an essential skill when you want to spend time in the mountains:
Google Maps, signposts or a mountain leader?

2. Check the weather forecast

People often ask me which forecast they should trust.
I tend to say MeteoSwiss is the most reliable, but even they can sometimes get it wrong.

I always check three forecasts before a hike:

• MeteoSwiss (for Switzerland — in France, use Météo France)
• MeteoBlue
• WeatherPro

Tip: Start watching the forecast a few days before your hike. Check how accurate the predictions are and combine them with your own observations.

3. Weather can change quickly in the mountains

How to spot signs of changing weather while hiking:

• Towering clouds? (Cumulonimbus) That usually means a thunderstorm is forming.
• Thin Cirrus clouds followed by a wall of darker clouds? A cold front might be approaching.
• Is the wind picking up quickly? That’s a sign that the weather could shift soon.
• Is your altimeter suddenly 50 metres higher, even though you’re on flat ground? Falling air pressure can mean deteriorating conditions.

Checklist:

✔ Calibrate your altimeter each time you know your exact altitude
✔ Always know in advance where to shelter if needed

4. Thunderstorm safety in the mountains

Thunderstorms in the Alps are no joke.
They can be dangerous — but by preparing ahead of time, you can stay safe.

Quick checklist:

1. Check the forecast
Thunderstorms often arrive in the afternoon, so plan your hike to be back before then.
While hiking, keep an eye on the sky. Watch for cloud build-up, flashes of lightning and the sound of thunder.

2. The 30-second rule
If thunder follows lightning in less than 30 seconds, seek shelter immediately.

3. Where to shelter
✔ Good: A mountain hut, stable building or a low point in the terrain
✘ Bad: A summit, ridge, lone tree or near tall, isolated objects

4. Put away metal
Remove your backpack and move away from metal gear.

5. Lightning position
No shelter? Make yourself small. Crouch on the balls of your feet, keep them close together, and avoid contact with the ground using your hands.

6. Spread out
If hiking in a group, keep at least 15 metres distance between each person.

5. Packing list for a day-hike in the Alps

✔ Sturdy hiking boots (no sneakers!)
✔ Warm layers (fleece, down jacket, thermal base layer)
✔ Rainwear (jacket and trousers)
✔ Hat and gloves — even in summer
✔ Optional: hiking poles (helpful for steep, unstable or slippery terrain)
✔ Map and compass
✔ Fully charged phone (with offline GPS app like WhiteRisk or SwissTopo)
✔ First aid kit and duct tape
✔ Sunscreen, sunglasses and sunhat or cap
✔ Picnic lunch and high-energy snacks
✔ At least 2 litres of water per person (more on hot days)
✔ Emergency blanket (light and life-saving)
✔ Whistle or headlamp (in case of delays)
✔ ID and some cash

Have fun!

(Or better yet — have more fun and book a guided trip with us!)