Of course you can hike in the mountains!

Of course you can hike in the mountains! Many new hikers ask themselves questions such as: Am I strong enough to hike in mountains? Do I have the fitness for it? Can I figure it out – or do I risk getting lost?

You should never let anxiety and uncertainty win if you dream of a hike in the mountains. It’s a fantastic experience and once you’ve tried it once, you’ll likely return to the mountains again and again.

The magnificent view. The feeling of freedom when you wander outside the country’s laws and regulations – alone, or with family or a good friend. The good food and the coziness when you sit on the bench for dinner with other hikers in the small refuges on the road. These are experiences you will remember for the rest of your life. 

Is my physique up to it?
If you dream of a hike in the Lys Valley, the Dolomites or one of our other destinations, you should of course consider whether your physique is up to it:

Do you regularly go for walks, and can you walk 10-15 km along a forest path without your body breaking down completely? Are you generally a relatively active person? Do you have injuries to your knees or feet that may not be able to withstand walking too much up and down hilly terrain?

In the mountains, the degree of difficulty of a route is measured more by the number of meters of altitude – that is, the number of meters you move upwards – and terrain, than by the distance itself. 500-1000 meters of altitude can be easily managed by most people over a day’s hike, if the terrain is not too technical.

In the mountains, you also move more slowly. It’s about saving energy – you’ll get there! 

Hiking for most people
Our hikes are aimed at most people who are in reasonably good physical shape. But it is of course clear that you have to prepare a little from home: Find the hilliest terrain in the neighborhood and spend a few hours every week getting your legs used to the strain.

Although Outdoor Italy is a small and new travel agency, we have already had a lot of new hikers in the Alps. And we haven’t yet – seven, nine, thirteen – had a single guest get lost. Should that happen, we are confident that one of our local guides can quickly be on the spot or give advice over the phone.

If you’re still unsure, give us a call and have a chat – we have the experience and can advise you, but expect us to be inclined to say: Of course you can hike mountains!

Read our FAQ here and find out which of our tours are suitable for you.