Mountaineering in winter is different from traveling to ordinary scenic spots. It requires individuals to exercise adequately before departure to maintain good physical condition. Many people despise it psychologically and regard mountaineering as "walking around the back garden", often ignoring the potential risks in the process of mountaineering. Many mountaineering enthusiasts often choose to climb mountains with higher difficulty, but in general, there are boulders on all sides, the terrain is complex, the weather is changeable, and there are potential safety hazards. If you don't have enough climbing preparation, you can easily be in danger.

What preparations do I need to make for mountaineering in winter?

Preparation 1. "Three-layer dressing method" to keep warm and warm

During outdoor activities in winter, on the one hand, cold wind easily penetrates the inner layer of clothes and takes away the warm air on the surface of the skin. Therefore, the outer layer of the garment must be able to prevent the penetration of rainwater and have high breathability. The principle of the thermal layer is to "provide insulation by blocking the air in the pores of the clothes", so a multi-layered garment is easier to adjust than a single-layer thick garment. Finally there is the perspiration layer, which is specially woven or chemically treated to make the inner layer hydrophobic and the outer layer hydrophilic, wicking sweat to the outer layer and keeping the skin dry.

Cotton clothing wicks sweat slowly and is not suitable for winter mountaineering. Jeans and bloomers should also be avoided as they don't tend to dry out when wet. Especially if you want to walk a long snowy road, it is best to wear hiking pants with good thermal insulation and firm bottom. Hiking shoes are best to choose high lace-up shoes with thick soles and cleats.

Preparation 2. Skills are required to use trekking poles

Trekking poles are designed for climbing high-altitude mountains. When going up the mountain, the upper arm is close to the upper body, the shoulder joint is basically static, and the balance of the body is maintained by changing the support point of the crutch with the arm and elbow joint as the axis. If the climber is carrying a heavy bag, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the bag and the center of gravity will tilt back. At this time, the use of trekking poles is conducive to maintaining the balance of the body.

When walking on snow, be sure to wear snow boots with small, steady strides. If the snow only reaches the height of buried shoes, climbers can walk as if they are walking on the ground; if the snow is waist deep, they have to rely on their feet and waist to remove the snow and move forward. If multiple people are walking in a group, the footsteps of the players behind need to overlap with the footsteps of the leading players; if walking alone and there are no footprints in front, the climber should press the ground with the soles of their shoes. When going down a steeper slope, reduce your stride, bend your upper body slightly, and place your weight on your heels to prevent slipping.

Preparation 3. Replenish calories in time and take more "regular paths"

Three popular winter mountaineering foods: chocolate, beef jerky and hot water. Chocolate is high in calories, especially in winter, and is great for recovery. Beef jerky is lightweight and easy to store, making it ideal for climbers when they get tired. Outdoor sports in winter will inevitably inhale a lot of cold air, and it is easy to catch a cold in the stomach. A glass of hot water will be a very pleasant thing.

Due to the lack of effective organization and management, some amateur climbers take random routes, which are very dangerous. Therefore, everyone should evaluate their abilities rationally and not try to act beyond their abilities and knowledge. Before departure, be optimistic about the weather forecast in the scenic area and prepare sufficient materials; follow the experienced and responsible team leader, and only take the "regular road"; carry personal special medicines and information cards with you. Climbers should also take the initiative to inform their families of the activity schedule. In the event of an accident, you must remain calm, try to contact the police and the left-behind personnel, and wait for rescue.