Tips for hiking with children in winter It’s snowing! It’s snowing!

Winter hikes cast a magical spell on children. But they certainly will not offer much peace and quiet. The sound of laughing children will fill the air once they take off on their sledges or square off in snowball fights. And, of course, this or that quarrel that may arise as well. All it takes to get the little ones excited about a hike in the winter weather is the right equipment, good tour planning and a few motivational tricks.

Our shoe tip:
LUCY GTX Model for Kids Model for Kids

We all have our very own feel for the cold – no matter how big or small we might be Lots of exercise and short breaks

Conveniently, children move around enough during hikes to generate their own inner warmth. But, when break time arrives, they love to plunge into the snow. The best approach is to take several short breaks to prevent anyone from starting to freeze. If you end up taking a long break or the weather turns very cold due to wind and a lack of sunshine, how about starting a snowball fight? Such a battle will certainly lift spirits and generate some inner warmth. Of course, every hiking rucksack needs a thermos jug filled with warm tea or children’s punch.

Children certainly know when they get too hot. Our inner warmth is not their form of inner warmth.

Image photo with the MADDOX WARM GTX MID, Winterwandern mit Kindern

Our shoe tip:
RAIK GTX Model for Kids Model for Kids

The right type of clothing makes hiking easier for children The perfect “winter layering look"

In addition to inner warmth, the right clothing and the right footwear play a key role during winter hikes with children. A relaxing hike can quickly turn into an ordeal if children get too hot or too cold. By using the right clothing and applying the layering principle, you can prevent children from overheating or freezing.

First layer
Let’s start with some thin leggings and thin long-sleeve shirts. Try to avoid cotton if you can. It absorbs moisture and dries slowly. You are guaranteed to get cold. You will be better off if you wear clothing made of Merino wool or polyester.
Second layer
Your clothing of choice here includes some comfortable pants, like jogging pants, as well as a sweater or a fleece jacket that you can open if necessary.
Third layer
The last layer should consist of a snow suit or a winter jacket with snow pants. And don’t forget your gloves, hat and scarf. And be sure to take along some sunscreen and sunglasses on sunny days.

Image photo with the INNOX EVO GTX QC JUNIOR,

“You should never buy pants and jackets that are too big. If the jacket is too big, the gloves will constantly slip off. And no child wants to hike for a long time in pants that are too big.”

— Steffi, a daily travel mate

Our shoe tip:
LINO GTX Model for Kids

Be sure to use the right footwear Warm feet produce smiling faces

Several points have to be kept in mind when you select the right footwear for winter hikes.

The footwear must keep children’s feet dry and warm. This is why you should make sure that the shoes you purchase have a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX lining and a layer of insulation. Soles that include large studs and grooves on the heel and toe provide good support in the snow. The boots should not feel like a “ball and chain” on the feet. They should feel as light as possible. The wearer must be comfortable in the footwear and be able to move around easily in it.

“Winter boots should never be too narrow. The result could be cold feet if they are. You will be better off if you purchase footwear that is a size too large for this reason.”

— Steffi, a daily travel mate

Image photo with the RENEGADE EVO ICE GTX Ws, Winterwandern mit Kindern

Our shoe tip:
MILO GTX HI Model for Kids

The snow hike well prepared Snow and ice everywhere you look

Just like any hike, the right type of tour planning is the essence of hiking motivation for children.

Those normally so boring trails in the woods are perfect, especially if you take a sledge along. Hiking over and through snow is hard work, particularly for children. For this reason, you should avoid deep snow. You may come across a hut along the way. Some hot soup will quickly warm up chilled children and lift spirits.

Sledging is the real highlight of any snow hike. Snow-covered trails in the woods are perfect places for sledging. The slope of these trails is usually small, preventing sledges from picking up lots of speed. You should avoid icy trails. They can be quite dangerous.

“When you are making your plans, remember that winter days are much shorter! Be sure that you do not get off to a late start.”

— Steffi, a daily travel mate