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Physical prerequisites
I don't offer half day hikes, easy hikes or "Sunday walks with family and dog" in the Viennese woods but mountain hiking trips.
For a day trip, you should be comfortable hiking 7-9 miles (12 to 16 km) in a day (walking time: 4-6 hours) on mountainous terrain with a light day pack. In one day we can hike up to 3600 feet (1200 m) of elevation on maintained or rugged trails with steep areas and possible exposure. The elevation ranges from 3000 to 7000 ft (1000 à 2300 m).

Hiking requires a basic level of fitness. Even if you've been walking regularly, the demands of hiking on rough terrain require more from your cardiovascular system, your muscles, and even your balance.
Although you do not need previous hiking experience, you do need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic. The fitter you are to start with, the more enjoyment you will get out of your trip.

In the summertime, "public hikes" are accessible to all those in good health, who are doing some sport regularly, and who are used to all-terrain walks.
Walking time: 4-6 hours walk per day, without much carrying.
Altitude gain/loss: about 3000 ft (1000 m)
Some rocky terrain, uneven footing and/or moderate slopes; short scrambles over rugged terrain with permanently fixed cables for protection should be expected.

We hike together as a group at a steady pace, stopping for a good lunch and often for snacks. Due to changeable weather conditions and the remoteness of the areas we visit, I insist that the group stay together. The guide sets the itinerary and the pace so that no one falls behind.
The hike leader may determine that you are not fit to go on the hike and ask that you stay behind (usually in a guesthouse, restaurant or hut at the trailhead) – you should abide by his/her decision.

The hiking trips are designed for adults and fit children above the age of 10. Every minor child must be accompanied by and in the control of their responsible adult at all times.

If you have any questions about the level of difficulty or doubts about your level of fitness, don't hesitate to contact me before the hike.

What are the trails going to be like in the Alps?
Hiking in the Alps is a wonderful experience. The history, food, views and above all, the trail network allow for an incredible experience. The trails are what get you to the most beautiful parts of the mountains. 

Each area of the Alps will have a dedicated trail crew spending the summer months maintaining and repairing damaged trails. For the most part, trails are in excellent condition. 
Where there is a risk of a fall or a tricky section, the trail crews have equipped these sections with cables and ladders for the safety of the walkers. This does not mean that each meter of trail is safe. There are objective dangers to walking in the mountains, such as rock fall, lightening and, of course, simply falling off the trail. 

We spend roughly 5 to 8 hours hiking. This of course takes into account stops for lunch, photographs and for taking in the incredible views. You may need to hike uphill for more than 3 hours, or roughly 1000 meters of vertical gain. The same may be expected for the descent.
Trails will be steep at times, and walking poles can help you keeping your balance. Trail surfaces in the Alps change often. After a heavy thunderstorm, trails will be muddy and rock fall may occur. 

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What is included in the price?
The prices typically include all the guide fees and the hiking poles. For snowshoeing hikes, snowshoes are included. Travel, lift passes, local transfers, lunches, accomodation and personal insurance or equipment hire (excepted snowshoes and poles) are not included. 

What accommodation do you use?
Multi-days trips involve nights in middle altitude mountain huts where accommodation is usually in dormitories. 

Who leads your trips?
All trips are leaded by experienced and certified hiking guides.

How can I find out about hikes and schedules?
Visit the calendar page. Shared hikes departing Vienna are scheduled from Thursday to Sunday and Austrian public holidays. You can subscribe to the newsletter and get by email the dates of the next hiking trips. The newsletter is published monthly. The online calendar is updated at that time.

For a private hike, please send me an email to check our availability.

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How large are your groups?
The groups for public hikes are usually between 5 and 12 people. The average group size is 6 people. If you have a larger private group, contact me to see what an appropriate trip would be.

Where do I meet to go on a hike with you?
- In Vienna, we meet in front of the shop "Sports Direct" (Mariahilferstrasse 138, 1150 Vienna - located 200 meters behind the Westbahnhof). Look for a group of people dressed in hiking clothes and boots.
- In Linz, Salzburg and Zell a See, the meeting location will be given to you by the guide.

Do you offer group discounts?  
Yes, I am happy to give discounts to groups of more 10 persons for hut to hut hikes. Please contact me for further details. 

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Is it OK if I've never backpacked before?  
I do not expect any prior backpacking or even hiking experience, however backpacking can be a physically demanding activity. All of the day trips are differentiated by level of difficulty.
For hut to hut hikes, I recommend starting an exercise routine several weeks to several months prior to your trip date. Many of the trips are at middle altitude, demanding at least a moderate level of cardiovascular fitness.

Safety considerations Your safety is my top priority, followed by fun and comfort. Your hiking tour will be led by a professional guide. If you have any further questions about safety, please contact me for more information.

Equipment for a day hike:

Clothing
□ Wool, part wool or synthetic T-shirt 
□ Sweater/jacket, wool or fleece
□ Windproof trouser
□ Rain jacket with hood
□ Hiking shoes covering your ankles. Your boots must be well broken in before the trip! Please do not let the enjoyment of your trip be severely compromised by blisters. NO SNEAKERS.

In the backpack (medium size - 40 liters. max.):
□ Sunglasses
□ Thermos or water bottle
□ Sunblock and lip balm
□ Money (in case we make a break in a hut)
□ Lunch packet, emergency rations (chocolate, candy bars, etc.), personal snack food
□ Personal medications

Optional
□ Rain trouser (to keep the trouser dry)
□ Headlamp
□ Toilet paper
□ Plastic bags to store gear inside your and for the waste
□ ID or passport, alpine club membership card, mobile phone, camera
□ Light goves, warm hat
□ Blister treatment. Compeed patches are the best.

• In case you have forgotten parts of your equipment at home, please be so kind as to let us know about it before starting the tour
• We bring along a comprehensive first aid kit on each trip
• Pack light and don't take too much (max. weight: 8 kg)!

Equipment for a day snowshoe hike:

Clothing
□ Warm hat
□ Warm gloves
□ T-shirt 
□ Sweater/jacket
□ Windproof pant. Double–layer trouser (the ski trousers are ok)
□ Rain jacket with hood
□ Hiking boots covering your ankles. Your boots must be well broken in before the trip! Please do not let the enjoyment of your trip be severely compromised by blisters. NO SNEAKERS.
□ Warm socks

In the backpack (medium size - 40 liters. max.)
□ Sunglasses
□ Thermos or water bottle
□ Sunblock and lip balm
□ Money (in case we make a break in a hut)
□ Lunch packet, emergency rations (chocolate, candy bars, etc.), personal snack food
□ Personal medications

Optional
□ Rain trouser (to keep the trouser dry)
□ Gaiters
□ Headlamp
□ Toilet paper
□ Plastic bags to store gear inside your and for the waste
□ ID or passport, alpine club membership card, mobile phone, camera
□ Blister treatment. Compeed patches are the best.

• In case you have forgotten parts of your equipment at home, please be so kind as to let us know about it before starting the tour
• We bring along a comprehensive first aid kit on each trip
• Pack light and don't take too much (max 10 kg)!

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Equipment for a hut to hut hike:

• Clothing
□ Warm hat
□ Light gloves
□ Wool, part wool or synthetic T-shirt
□ Sweater/jacket, wool or fleece
□ Windproof trouser
□ Rain jacket with hood
□ Hiking shoes covering your ankles. Your boots must be well broken in before the trip! Please do not let the enjoyment of your trip be severely compromised by blisters. NO SNEAKERS.

• In the backpack (medium size - 60 liters. max.):
□ Sunglasses
□ Thermos or water bottle
□ Sunblock and lip balm
□ Money
□ Lunch packet, emergency rations (chocolate, candy bars, etc.), personal snack food
□ Headlamp
□ Personal medications
□ ID or passport, alpine club membership card, mobile phone, camera
□ Blister treatment. Compeed patches are the best.
□ Plastic bags to store gear inside your and for the waste
□ Light sleeping bag liner
□ Toiletry kit & small towel
□ Pocket knife

• Extras/recommended
□ Rain trouser (to keep the trouser dry)
□ Trekking poles
□ Toilet paper
□ Ear plugs

• In case you have forgotten parts of your equipment at home, please be so kind as to let us know about it before starting the tour.
• We bring along a comprehensive first aid kit on each trip.
• Pack light and don't take too much (max. 10 kg)!

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Level 1:
□ Walking time: less than 4 hours
□ Elevation gain/loss: 500-800 m (1500-2400 ft)
□ Terrain: Well-maintained hiking paths/trails in mountainous environnement.
□ Physical requisites: accessible to all those in good health, who are doing some sport regularly. Some experience of basic travelling in mountainous terrain and/or hiking on rough trails is useful. Good balance, sure footing and concentration required
□ Shoes: lightweight hiking boots required.

Level 2:
□ Walking time: 4-6 hours
□ Elevation gain/loss: 800-1200 m (2400-3600 ft)
□ Terrain: same as moderate + some ascents and descents on steeper gradient. Switchback ascents and descent. Some rocky and uneven hiking paths/trails.
□ Physical requisites: suites those that are physically active, demanding some effort and certain endurance. Good health, good balance, sure footing and concentration required.
□ Shoes: mid-weight, ankle-high hiking boots with good lug soles are required

Level 3:
□ Walking time: more than 7 hours
□ Elevation gain/loss: more than 1200 m (3600 ft)
□ Terrain: same as demanding + alpine trails in mountainous environment. Long ascents and descents. Some exposed areas (could be secured with railings or chains), rocky or snowfields.
□ Physical requisites: hiking experience, good balance, sure footing concentration and good fitness level are key and a must.
□ Shoes: mid-weight, ankle-high hiking boots with good lug soles required.

I have other questions. Who should I ask? You may email Yannick

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