How to Safely Cross a Snowfield When Hiking

The older you get, the bigger the adventures you can go on, including mountaineering. To get to a mountaintop, you might have to cross a snowfield. While it might look like a smooth hike, you should keep several factors in mind.

The snow could be deep or too soft to support your weight. This will slow you down unless you have footwear like snowshoes or cross-country skis. Snowfields can also be slippery, and gear like microspikes or crampons that attach to your boots can give you more traction.

Use trekking poles with snow baskets to help your balance. If you’re going up a sloped snowfield, it’s a good idea to have an ice ax you can use to stop yourself if you slip and slide.

As you climb, pay attention to your route in front of you and behind you. For large snowfields, mark your path with brightly colored flags so you can find your way back down. You can retrieve them as you descend. Use your compass or GPS device to pinpoint landmarks or waypoints to help you along your route.

Paying attention to weather, time, the dangers of avalanches, your health and the possibility of altitude sickness are all important when mountaineering. If done properly, reaching the summit can be an unforgettable experience.