Helpful Tips

Start with a good thermal layer that retains body heat without causing excessive sweating. Not everyone knows that the layer closest to the skin is perhaps the most important. Thermal shirts and pants are essential for insulating the body from the cold. Avoid cotton, which stays damp for hours, leaving you with a cold sensation directly against the skin.

Add an insulating mid-layer to retain heat. Opt for a fleece, micro-fleece, or thermal under-jacket to help maintain a constant body temperature.

Wear a waterproof and windproof outer shell to protect yourself from the elements. A water-resistant jacket and pants will prevent snow from getting into your clothes. In this case, a ski suit may be suitable. The jacket should be insulated, either down or synthetic. For the pants, on days that aren’t too cold, insulation can sometimes be overly warm; in this situation, a winter trekking windproof pant works well.

Keep your head and hands warm (or protected from the sun) with a hat (thermal in winter) and gloves (waterproof in winter). The head is one of the areas where you lose the most heat, so don’t overlook this accessory. In summer, it’s important to protect your head from intense sunlight, so consider this option as well. Ideally, have a second pair of gloves with you. In snowy conditions, mittens are definitely the warmest option if you suffer from cold hands.

In winter, use thick thermal socks to keep your feet warm. In snowy conditions, waterproof and insulated snow boots provide essential protection against cold and moisture. When cycling, use appropriate cycling shoes. If you’re trekking, you likely have classic ankle-high boots; these (waterproof in winter) can work well. Some après-ski boots are also suitable for use with snowshoes or for walking on snow. In this last case, avoid the Moon Boot style après-ski boots, as they are too bulky and don’t fit well in the snowshoe bindings.

In winter, snow reflects sunlight. Wear UV protection sunglasses to avoid eye damage and apply sunscreen to protect exposed skin. Glasses are always recommended, especially for those trekking in wooded areas and for cyclists (polarized lenses). In hiking activities, avoid glasses with metal frames and glass lenses; always prefer polycarbonate structures.

Carry a backpack containing water; hot tea (in winter) can also be a good option, along with an energy snack, a map of the area, and a basic first aid kit. Make sure to have a fully charged phone. A thermal blanket should never be missing from your backpack. Remember that the European Emergency Number 112 is now active.

Check the weather forecast and adjust your clothing accordingly. If extremely low temperatures are expected, add extra layers, and vice versa.

For optimal comfort, consider wearing tights under your pants and gaiters over your boots to prevent snow from getting in if you’re in snowy conditions.

Choose clothing in visible colors and with reflective elements to ensure you are easily seen in low-light conditions.

• When cycling, wear appropriate clothing with padded shorts, leg warmers, and arm warmers that can be easily removed if the temperature rises, an under-helmet cap, a helmet, a windproof jacket, a rain jacket, and underneath it all, a thermal shirt (from the lightest to the most padded, depending on the season). Always carry a water bottle with you, and don't forget gloves, the helmet, and glasses, which are mandatory. Follow the above guidelines, which are also very useful when cycling.
• For your bicycle, pay the same attention you would normally give to a car or other vehicles. If you want to have a happy vacation and not ruin your much-anticipated holiday (and avoid ruining it for others), follow a few simple suggestions:

1. Bring a bike repair kit with you (a small multi-tool, spare inner tube, tire levers, CO2 cartridges and valve, and/or a hand pump);
2. Before setting off, inflate your tires using a floor pump with a tire gauge;
3. Get yourself a set of Allen keys;
4. Purchase an adjustable crescent wrench or a set of crescent wrenches that fit all the bolts on your bike;
5. Surround yourself with bike cleaning materials (a few brushes, rags, dish soap, degreaser, and chain lubricant).

Remember, the key to a pleasant ride is finding the right balance between warmth and breathability. By following this detailed guide, you'll be ready to fully enjoy the adventure, exploring the beauty of snowy landscapes in maximum comfort.

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