Your guide to winter hiking

The most important thing in winter hiking is planning ahead and being prepared. For a short walk on the nearest nature trail, preparation might mean extra gloves, anti-slip grips and a headlamp tucked in your pocket. A long ski trek in the fells requires safety plans, different gear and perhaps practising completely new skills in advance.

We’ve compiled three collections from Luontoon.fi articles: one for day trips, one for longer treks, and one for those heading to Northern Finland. We hope these help you deepen your knowledge and get started with planning your winter adventure.

• Check out five tips for planning a winter trip.

• The packing list helps you organise your packing fo day trip.

• A day trip is a great way to learn the fundamentals of moving in winter nature.

• Walking on lake or sea ice opens up new views even at familiar destinations. Moving on a maintained ice track or other prepared route is safe. Elsewhere, you travel at your own risk. Everyone should learn the basics of ice safety.

• Sledging on hiking trails creates dangerous situations.

• When moving from a winter overnight trip to a multi-day expedition, the level of challenge increases significantly. Read expert tips for succesful winter hike.
• The packing list helps you pack your rucksack or sled.
• Walking on lake or sea ice opens up new views even at familiar destinations. Moving on a maintained ice track or other prepared route is safe. Elsewhere, you travel at your own risk. Everyone should learn the basics of ice safety.

• When do summer trails in Northern Finland become snow-free? When can you start skiing?
• Visitor guidelines fo dog sledding.
• Avalanches are possible even in Finland. Snowshoers or skiers who leave signposted trails may easily end up in avalanche terrain.