How do I prepare for my summer hike?
20 février 2024I choose an itinerary that suits my level
The difference in altitude, i.e. the number of meters to be climbed, the length of the route and the difficulty of the terrain are all factors to be taken into account. So what do I do? I look for a description of the hike, either online or in a topo guide, and look at the IGN map. Don't forget that walking times vary greatly from one person to another. The average climb is 300 m per hour, but with grandpa, toddler or dad, who spends his life sitting in front of a computer, it can quickly take much longer!
If I want to get out of my comfort zone, I don't hesitate to go with a mountain professional. Mountain guides are hiking specialists, and what's more, they have lots of interesting things to say.
I always check the weather forecast before I leave
Le temps peut changer brusquement en montagne. Même s’il fait grand beau le matin, il peut y avoir de l’orage à midi. J’adapte donc mon itinéraire et mon équipement à la météo. Justement, quand on annonce de l’orage à midi je me dis que la randonnée de 8 h et 1000 m de dénivelé sans possibilité de s’abriter, je la laisse pour un autre jour! Et quand il y a du brouillard, je reste en basse altitude sur de bons chemins, de toute façon la visibilité est faible et l’herbe a la même couleur partout.
I always take something to protect me from the cold, wind and rain
A fleece as well as a waterproof and windproof jacket are not luxuries. When we go up, it's always colder than when we go down, there's often a little wind - sometimes a big one - and showers make you wet, and when you're wet, you're cold.
Now that's proven!
I'm not forgetting the sun either
Même si on n’est pas à la plage, le soleil de la montagne brûle ! Je prends toujours ma casquette, mes lunettes et ma crème solaire – ça m’évite de randonner couverte de la tête aux pieds le lendemain parce que je suis totalement cramée.
I'll take a drink and to eat
Especially a sufficient quantity of water! By way of example, a small 50 cl bottle for a day hike in full sun is a bit tight. And if there are 4 of you sharing it, you're in for a real drought. Agreed, we often come across water in the mountains, but if it's not a spring, drinking it jeopardizes your intestinal balance. You need to drink enough (water) to keep your strength up, but eating helps too. So, for my part, I always take a good picnic and small snacks.
I leave my flip-flops at home
Or I take them in my bag for the refuge or picnic break. But for walking, I prefer a good pair of hiking boots with non-slip soles (not like Converse).
At the beginning of the season, I find out about snow conditions
If it snowed well in the spring (yes, sometimes it even snows in May), there may be snowdrifts or outright snow on passes or high altitude slopes. If I have to cross a steep slope, the slippery snow can be a problem. Especially if there's a scree slope at the bottom.
I take the IGN map of the area
La carte quoi vous dites ? Les formidables cartes de randonnée de la série TOP25 de l’Institut national de l’information géographique et forestière (IGN) qui montrent les sentiers, les cours d’eau et les courbes de niveaux. Entre nous, si vous vous entraînez un peu à les lire avant de partir, c’est un avantage. Et, juste pour être claire, google maps ne fera pas l’affaire.
You can consult the maps online at www.ignrando.fr. Paper maps are available from sports stores and tobacconists, for example.
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Beginner in a refuge?
Is this your first time? Or the last time you were scolded for coming into the room with your walking sticks and muddy shoes? Then take the time to read this little brochure, which will explain everything to you!
