Practical Preparations

Physical Fitness and Altitude

Mountain activities demand physical preparation proportional to ambitions. Honest assessment prevents misery and danger. Start training months before challenging trips, emphasizing endurance over strength. Hiking remains best training for hiking—gradually increase distance and elevation gain. Stair climbing, cycling, and swimming build complementary fitness.

Altitude affects everyone differently, regardless of fitness. Above 2,500m, reduced oxygen impairs performance and can cause altitude sickness. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Severe cases develop pulmonary or cerebral edema—potentially fatal conditions requiring immediate descent. Prevention involves gradual ascent (no more than 500m sleeping elevation gain per day above 3,000m), hydration, and avoiding alcohol.

Acclimatization strategies improve altitude performance. Arrive days early for adjustment. Sleep low, climb high. Consider acetazolamide (Diamox) for prevention, consulting doctors about side effects. Warning signs demanding descent include persistent vomiting, confusion, or difficulty breathing. Never ascend with symptoms—mountains forgive no hubris regarding altitude.

Essential Equipment

Proper equipment ensures safety and comfort. Quality matters more than quantity—invest in crucial items while economizing on luxuries.

Footwear forms your most important investment. Boots must fit perfectly with hiking socks, provide ankle support, and suit intended terrain. Break in boots thoroughly before trips. Consider trail runners for fast-and-light approaches. Bring camp shoes for refuge comfort. Waterproofing helps but breathability matters more in active use.

Clothing Systems work through layering. Base layers manage moisture. Insulating layers provide warmth. Shell layers protect from wind and rain. Avoid cotton—it loses insulation when wet. Merino wool and synthetic fabrics perform better. Pack for worst possible conditions even on sunny days. Mountains create their own weather rapidly.

Navigation Tools prevent becoming lost. Maps at 1:25,000 scale show necessary detail. GPS devices provide position but batteries fail—never rely solely on electronics. Compasses work always. Learn navigation skills before depending on them. Download offline maps to phones as backup. Carry emergency whistle for attracting attention.

Safety Equipment depends on activities. Day hikers need first aid supplies, emergency shelter (space blanket), headlamp, and extra food. Technical pursuits require specialized gear meeting safety standards. Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel) becomes essential for winter backcountry travel. Renting technical equipment often makes sense for occasional use.

Weather and Conditions

Mountain weather changes rapidly and violently. Afternoon thunderstorms arrive predictably in summer—plan to reach exposed areas by noon. Weather forecasts improve but remain approximations. Météo France provides detailed mountain forecasts. Local knowledge often surpasses official predictions—ask locals about conditions.

Learn to read weather signs. Lenticular clouds indicate strong winds aloft. Caps on peaks suggest incoming storms. Rapidly dropping pressure felt in ears warns of approaching fronts. When conditions deteriorate, descend immediately. Pride causes many mountain accidents—retreat demonstrates wisdom, not weakness.

Snow conditions require special attention. Spring snow softens dangerously by afternoon. New snow on old creates avalanche conditions. Wind-loaded slopes threaten even experienced travelers. Avalanche forecasts use standardized scales—learn to interpret them. Take avalanche courses before venturing into backcountry snow. Many deaths occur from ignorance rather than calculated risks.