Choose your hiking trail: Do it right

Hiking trails have three dimensions

Walking time

The walking time indicates how long you are likely to need for a hiking route. It is given in hours and refers to the pure walking time, without breaks. The walking time is an important guide for estimating the duration of your tour and ensuring that you can plan enough time for breaks and sightseeing. Below, we explain how to calculate the walking time in the mountains correctly. Elevation gain & distance Elevation gain indicates how much altitude difference you will overcome during a hike. This value is particularly relevant as it gives an insight into the gradient and terrain of the route. The more elevation gain, the more challenging the hike. The distance (km) of a hike should always be considered in combination with the elevation gain. Short and steep can be more challenging than long and flat. It is important to note that elevation gain should be taken into account for both ascents and descents.

Choosing the right hiking trail — © Cam Poetry

Terrain

The third variable is the terrain. When describing a hike, pay attention to phrases such as sure-footedness or a head for heights. For example, if you are hiking along a ridge where the mountain slopes drop steeply to the left and right, you need to be sure-footed and have a head for heights. Perhaps the hike is not that long or steep, which might lead you to classify it as easy. However, this could turn out to be a fatal mistake. So: never ignore the terrain & don't underestimate the mountain.

Guidelines for the difficulty of hiking trails

Easy hikes

Distance: Start with hikes of about 5 to 8 kilometers per hike.
Elevation gain: Choose routes with low elevation gains, ideally less than 200 meters.
Make sure that the terrain is not steep anywhere.

Moderately difficult hikes

Distance: Gradually increase to 8 to 12 kilometers.
Elevation gain: Choose routes with moderate climbs, around 200 to 500 meters in elevation gain.
Please consider your sure-footedness and head for heights when planning.

Challenging hikes

Distance: If you feel fit and confident, you can consider hikes over 12 kilometers.
Elevation gain: Increase the elevation gain gradually, but be careful not to switch to challenging routes too quickly. A good goal here would be 500 to 800 meters of elevation gain. You can increase this slowly but surely!
In this case, you definitely need to be "off-road capable."

Colors for the difficulty of hiking trails

Hiking trails are usually marked with colors to indicate their level of difficulty. It is certainly easier to follow these markings and stick to marked trails than to plan your own hiking tours – that is only suitable for professionals.

IMPORTANT: The classifications below only apply to normal, good conditions. Rain, fog, or old snow can make even "easy" trails slippery or impassable. Therefore, please always check in advance to find out the current condition of your planned hiking trail.

ATTENTION: In Tyrol, valley trails are not marked at all. They only start with the color red. However, these hiking trails are sometimes easier than those in places where there are also blue and green markings. Please check with your hiking hotel before choosing a hike!

Unfortunately, the classifications of hiking trails are not standardized, so this list is only a rough overview.

Easy hikes, often on well-marked trails without significant inclines. Suitable for beginners and families.

Moderately difficult hikes with moderate inclines and potentially uneven terrain such as roots and forest trails. These trails require some experience and basic fitness.

More challenging routes with steep climbs and uneven terrain. Good physical condition, experience, sure-footedness, and a head for heights are required here.

Difficult and demanding routes, often crossing alpine terrain. Some of these routes are not maintained and lead through open terrain. These hikes require alpine experience, good orientation skills, and excellent physical fitness, as well as sure-footedness and a head for heights.

Conclusion – choosing the right hiking trail

Assess your fitness level CORRECTLY and plan your hike accordingly. It is better to underestimate than to overestimate yourself. Don't just set off hiking, but research the hiking route well in advance. Stick to your planned tour or don't be afraid to turn back early if it gets too strenuous. Start with short, easy hikes and work your way up slowly. Every hiking hotel offers professional advice from a hiking concierge who is familiar with the local area and passionate about hiking.