info@alpinetreks.co.uk
+33 (0)4 50 93 50 72
Alpine Treks, Chamonix Mont Blanc logo

Enquire or book >>

     About    Friends/partners    Blog    Shop

Home        Trekking & walking        Snowshoeing      Cross Country Ski       Corporate       Information       Contact

 

Fitness and Health

<< Go back


Walking and trekking in the Alps is not reserved for the super fit, however, fitness and health is an important factor to consider in the Alps and we ask that you note a few points.


When we are walking in the Alps we are often at altitudes between 1500 and 3000 meters for the whole day and during the night when staying in mountain huts. This is 3 times as high as the average hill walk in the UK, for instance. Although there is no danger of any serious altitude sickness at this height, it is not uncommon to feel a slight headache the first day.


The Alps are bigger than the mountains in the UK so we often cover longer distances and bigger ascents and descents, which obviously means that our level of fitness should be correspondingly higher. The sometimes steep and rugged terrain may also be unfamiliar to some and put additional demands on knee, hip and ankle joints. Carrying a rucksack will intensify this and will also put demands on back and shoulders.


So, here are the top tips for a healthier and more enjoyable trekking trip:

&#10;Fitness and health in the mountains&#10;Drink plenty and regularly, even when you don’t feel thirsty or when the weather is cool. Drinks with caffein such as coffee, cola and tea are dehydrating (herbal teas are ok) so make sure you drink plenty of other drinks to balance it out.&#10;Eat healthy, protein and carbohydrate-rich meals. This is particularly important at breakfast as we will need the energy on the mountain. But also make sure you get some vitamins through fresh fruit, vegetables and/or vitamin tablets as it will help keep you healthy on longer trips. &#10;Go easy on the alcohol the evening before a walk as it will de-hydrate you and make it much harder to cope with the exercise, the heat and the altitude. Too much alcohol can also create dizziness, which can be extremely dangerous on an exposed path or passage. Do NOT drink alcohol during your walk.&#10;Protect yourself from the sun. Wear a sun hat and sun glasses on warm, sunny days and apply plenty of high factor sun cream. This applies in winters too, where the snow reflects the sun, causing additional exposure to the sun’s rays.&#10;Trekking poles are highly recommended. They are a great way of helping take the strain off your legs on descent and will relieve the legs on ascents as the arm muscles are also used. They are also useful as a balancing aid in fresh snow when snowshoeing.&#10;Don’t pack too much in your rucksack on the walks. Think about what you are most likely to use and leave the rest at home. Your leader will help advice on this.&#10;Do some stretching after each day’s walk. Ask your leader if you’re in doubt about how to.&#10;Doing some training before you trip is probably the best thing you can do to increase the enjoyment of your trip. The intensity of the training should match the trip you are going on. Aerobic exercise such as walking, cycling and running is best. If you get a chance to do it in the hills it is even better. &#10;Make sure that your equipment fits you. Get used to wearing your boots and rucksack before the trip. Your walking boots must be worn in.&#10;If you suffer from any heart conditions or injuries or are in any doubt about your fitness or health you MUST consult your doctor before booking.&#10;If you have any concerns about your fitness and health related to one of our trips then please do not hesitate to contact us.

<< Go back

Info Navigation&#10;Information main&#10;Trip information / FAQ
Fitness and health&#10;Sustainable travel&#10;BookingInformation.htmlTrip_Information.htmlResponsible_Travel_Policy.htmlBooking.htmlshapeimage_3_link_0shapeimage_3_link_1shapeimage_3_link_2shapeimage_3_link_3shapeimage_3_link_4