How to properly prepare for a trip to the mountains in winter?

Winter hiking requires preparation, equipment and respect

Winter in the mountains can be beautiful, peaceful and unforgettable, but it can also be demanding, dangerous and unpredictable. Before going to the mountains in winter, you must be properly prepared, adequately equipped and able to use your equipment correctly.

According to winter mountain safety recommendations, visitors should choose routes responsibly, check the weather forecast, snow conditions, avalanche danger, daylight hours, equipment, physical condition and the availability of mountain huts before starting a winter trip.

1. Do not go to the mountains alone in winter

Never go to the mountains alone in winter. Winter conditions can change quickly, and in case of injury, exhaustion, bad weather, fog, snow, ice or avalanche danger, having a companion can be essential.

2. Use proper winter mountain equipment

Go to the mountains only with proper winter equipment and learn how to use it before the trip. Winter mountain equipment may include winter hiking boots, crampons, an ice axe, helmet, warm clothing, gloves, hat, headlamp, map, first-aid kit, food, water and a charged phone.

For higher mountains or avalanche terrain, you should also carry and know how to use avalanche safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and aluminium shovel.

3. Check avalanche equipment before every tour

Before every winter tour, check the condition and operation of your avalanche transceiver. Replace batteries when needed and use the device consistently. Avalanche equipment is useful only if every person in the group carries it and knows how to use it.

4. Practise using crampons and an ice axe

Before the winter season, practise walking with crampons, correct use of an ice axe and self-arrest with an ice axe on a safe slope. Equipment that you do not know how to use can become dangerous instead of helpful.

5. Choose a route suitable for your ability

Choose routes that match your experience, equipment, physical condition and confidence in winter terrain. Always adapt the plan to the weakest participant in the group.

Do not underestimate winter mountains. A route that feels easy in summer can become much harder in snow, ice, wind, fog or poor visibility.

6. Start early and respect the short winter day

When planning a winter hike, remember that the day is shorter. Start early enough and allow extra time for slower movement in snow and ice. In winter, the same route can take much longer than in summer.

7. Check if mountain huts are open

Before your trip, check the availability of mountain huts. Many high-altitude and mid-mountain huts are closed in winter.

Erjavčeva koča mountain hut at Vršič Pass is open all year round. We are a safe and reliable mountain post for hikers, travellers, mountaineers and visitors who need rest, food, accommodation, information or help in winter conditions.

8. Follow the weather forecast for several days

Monitor the weather forecast for several days before your winter trip. Pay attention to snowfall, wind, temperature, visibility, storms, freezing conditions and sudden weather changes.

Weather in the Julian Alps and around Vršič Pass can change quickly. A sunny morning can turn into fog, wind, snow or dangerous conditions later in the day.

9. Check snow conditions and avalanche danger

Before starting your trip, check the snow conditions, snow depth, snow stability and avalanche danger for the area you are visiting.

After heavy snowfall, strong wind, rain on snow or a sudden thaw, avalanche danger can increase significantly. In such conditions, it may be safer to postpone the trip. Turning back or changing plans is always better than taking unnecessary risks.

10. Tell someone about your plan

Before leaving, tell your family, friends or accommodation provider where you are going, which route you plan to take and when you expect to return.

This simple habit can help in case of delay, injury, bad weather or an emergency in the mountains.

Winter conditions at Vršič Pass

Erjavčeva koča is located at Vršič Pass, 1,525 meters above sea level, in Triglav National Park and the Julian Alps. In winter, snow, ice, wind, fog, avalanche danger and road closures can affect access to the hut and the surrounding trails.

If the Vršič road is closed because of snow or avalanche danger, visitors may need to walk from the valley, depending on conditions and their own ability. This should never be underestimated. Proper winter equipment, experience and good judgement are essential.

Erjavčeva koča is open throughout the year and also serves as a safe mountain post where visitors can ask for information or help in difficult conditions. However, every visitor is responsible for choosing a safe route and making responsible decisions before and during the trip.