Trek Tips from Freddy Grossniklaus,
IFMGA Swiss Guide
Sponsored by Lowa
In the mountain life, there are many ups and downs. Trekking up a peak thousands of feet in the air in search for the most spectacular view. Scaling down the very peak that once felt unconquerable. Beginning a trip under harsh weather conditions, only to have the clouds lift up for a 5-minute period, but making the limited view worth the bitter elements. IFMGA Swiss Guide Freddy Grossniklaus is no stranger to these mountain conditions by any means. As a professional mountaineer and skier, his seasons are spent climbing and trekking up rigid rock faces and hiking up thousands of vertical feet, while his winters have the added perk of gliding down fresh powder fields or corduroy trails on his skis.
Doing what he loves, it’s no surprise that Freddy has mastered the skills needed in mountaineering. Getting from point A to point B safely and efficiently is a must during his treks - both on marked and unmarked trails. Here are some tips from Freddy that will give you more ups than downs on uneven and unfamiliar terrain:
Be the center of your universe. Like any other sport, most of your stability will come from the core of your body, or the area around your belly button. When you take a step forward, move forward with your core. Avoid leaning too much, as this decreases your stability under foot and increases your chances of slipping and falling. Spend time finding the right body position for you by practicing on a mellow rock slab.
Step-by-step. Pay attention to your feet. Hiking and trekking requires you to constantly adapt to the type of terrain underneath your feet. Your foot position depends on the type of surface you step on, so, for instance, a smooth, flat surface requires a flat step. On an uphill slope of wet grass or snow, dig the toe of your boot into the surface, creating a little platform for you to stand on. This allows for more balance and stability. Always look ahead and anticipate what steps lie ahead.
Slip ‘n’ Slide. Hiking downhill is harder to master than uphill hiking because of a larger risk of slipping and falling. On downhill slopes, situate your legs about hip-length apart, flex your ankles and knees, and lean your body slightly downhill. Depending on the slope’s pitch, kick your heels into the ground and create a larger platform to stabilize on. Again, stay focused on your foot position and anticipate what lies ahead. If you do start slipping, keep your body weight moving forward so you can catch yourself, rather than fighting it and falling.
Pace isn’t just a salsa. Who said you had to hike in a straight line? Why not take a detour and zigzag your way up a hill? In many cases, the natural obstacles you use to lever and hoist yourself up are not situated in a straight line. Look for the larger rocks in a field of pebbles - you’ll have a larger stepping area to cover with your feet, giving you better balance. Larger strides also take away from your balance, so get into a rhythm and pace yourself with smaller steps.
Swimming in a sea of…rocks. Often a stock feature in trekking, boulder fields can be just as easy as a marked trail if you can learn the techniques to these obstacles. Balance, coordination, power, and a good eye for the right line are essential to move quickly and safely. Again, look ahead to anticipate uneven or unbalanced areas. Keep an eye out for rocks that might be sitting in an unstable position: rocks that move when you step on them could give way under foot, resulting in broken bones or sprained ankles. If a rock doesn’t provide enough stability, simply look for another one that does.
Step on a crack and you’ll break your back. Assess the terrain and consequences of a hike or trek before beginning. Pay attention to what you are doing - minor and serious accidents are always lurking if you’re not focused. Many factors exist when hiking, whether it’s fast changing weather conditions, a mixed variety of terrain features, or fatigue. Be prepared for the changing environment: carry extra food, water, clothing, and first aid kit. A 3-hour hike could end up being an overnight stay in a tree. It is extremely important to remain aware of your surroundings, even if it requires postponing your trip for another day due to poor conditions.
Shop ‘till ya drop. Good footwear is a must. A solid and durable sole gives your trekking an edge and provides more stability. Waterproofing keeps feet dry and warm, and a higher cut boot protects and supports your ankle. Don’t be afraid to spend time finding your glass slipper: the boot that your hiking partner swears by might not work for you. Find the boot that fits your needs and invest in good-quality footwear. There’s simply no way around this.
| | << back |
Sponsored by
 |
| |
|
Home