Before we go for a mountain trip, we should prepare. Tatra Mountains are beautiful and have wonderful views, but we should feel respect for them. They’re high mountains, where climate’s conditions are different than in a valley and the weather often changes very quickly. Read our short guide about mountain hiking preparation!

 

If you go for a walk to the valley, maybe you don’t need a special preparation (unless it’s winter). But on the other hand, when you’re already in the valley, it can turn out, that your plan will change and you will wish to climb a nearby peak, so it’s good to be prepared for different possibilities.

If you’re going to higher parts of Tatra Mountains – pond, alpine tundra or specific peak or pass – you have to be prepared. Your trip and memories will depend on that. Also your safety will depends on that too.

1. Don’t bite off more than you can chew

There’s no sense to fool yourself – not everybody is a sportsman, so if you’re not really active in your everyday life, better do not try take a photo on Orla Perć (the most difficult trail in Tatras). Try to look at your condition and physical fitness objectively, think about how difficult trail you’re ready for.

In Tatra Mountains there are so many hiking trails, that all people with different levels of physical fitness can find something. Choosing too demanding and too difficult trail may end with broken leg, dislocation, twisted ankle, or other more dangerous accident. Remember, that muscles and joints, that aren’t fit and accustomed to intense physical strain may react adversely, you may experience head rush, nausea, you can faint or have muscles’ trauma.

2. Plan your trip well

Before choosing trip’s trail, you always should check how long it will take and the difficulty level. It’s good to read trails’ descriptions, to learn about possible difficulties, like chains, staples and ladders. If you can’t find estimated time of the trip, you should take a map and check it yourself. Remember, that time on the map is average and doesn’t include breaks.

During planning a trip, consider that in autumn, winter and spring, it’s getting dark faster in mountains and darkness in a forest is nothing nice. It’s good to know, that sometimes going down from a peak can take longer than going up, or if you choose a different way to return. Sometimes we have to go back through a valley, that is quite long (like Chochołowska Valley or Kościeliska Valley), and you should consider this as well.

3. Check weather conditions

You can do it on our website. It’s really important, especially in autumn, winter and spring, when there’s snow in Tatras and there is danger of avalanches. Good planing is important in summer as well, because mountain weather likes to change unexpectedly and rapidly – even if there’s sun in the morning, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be a storm in the afternoon. Temperature is another thing that changes quickly, especially in high parts of Tatras.

Remember – you should check weather conditions in Tatras, not in Zakopane! There can be extreme differences between the weather in Zakopane and on the peak of Kasprowy Wierch. And, of course, if the forecast does show rain, storm, snow or strong wind, you should resign from the trip.

Also heat can be dangerous in mountains, especially for elderly people and children – during an intensive physical effort the temperature of our body is rising, which can lead to fainting and head rush (see the point 1).

4. Wake up early

The earlier you go, the better. It’s important in autumn, winter and early spring, when it’s getting dark fast in the mountains. Additionally, if you go out earlier, you’ll avoid crowds on the most popular trails. You’re on holiday, we know that, but it’s really worth to go out earlier: in the evening you’ll have time to visit Krupówki Street, go to thermal pools, make a bonfire or for other entertainment.

5. Tell someone where you’re going

It’s really important thing and many people forget about it. Even if you’re going for a trip with someone, you should inform somebody else about the trail you are going to and estimated time of return. It can be someone from your family, a friend or even your hotel receptionist. In case of your absence after specified time, this person should know where to look for you, try to contact you and inform TOPR rescuers.

6. Suitable shoes

Really, really, really important thing! Too many tourist wearing sandals can be seen on Kasprowy Wierch. And it’s not a joke, there’s a lot of people doing that. Comfortable, not sliding shoes with solid sole, the best if they cover your ankle and are waterproof, are a must. It’s the most important element of your equipment, so if you have to choose, which one to buy: good shoes or waterproof jacket, take shoes (jacket is also important, but shoes are more). They don’t have to be expensive, it’s important, that they’re dedicated to mountain trips or trekking.

Remember, that if your shoes are new and you haven’t been using them yet, taking them for an all-day trip will surely end up with blisters. Shoes need to be used before, even occasionally for few hours at a time at home.

7. Suitable dress

You don’t have to spend millions on special sport clothes, great jacket and branded socks. It’s important, your clothes are comfortable (no jeans!). You should choose your it to the time of the year and weather conditions in mountains (see the point 3). You should dress the way, so you can always take off some clothes or put more on.

In summer, it can be cold early in the morning, so you can put on long pants, and take shorts to your rucksack. You should always have something warm, e.g. fleece or blouse, and waterproof jacket.

In autumn and spring, even if there’s really nice weather, it’s good to take gloves and a cap – they are not heavy and they can be very useful. You should also take a warm blouse or fleece and, of course, waterproof jacket. It’s nice to have a space blanket with you, that can warm you up in case of unexpected circumstances.

You can take spare pare of socks and – attention! – do not wear those short socks, because they will fall for sure and can make your heels hurt.

Remember, the great clothes and expensive shoes will never replace skills and physical fitness. We can often meet tourists, who think they have great equipment, so they can reach every peak. You have to have skills to reach difficult peaks and passes, you should know how to move using chains and staples, you should be in a very good physical condition and not be afraid of heights – even the best equipment will not replace it.

8. Equipage

A few words about things, you should take for a mountain trip.

Number one – torch. Even if your trip should end early, you should have a torch anyway. You never know what will happen, it’s better to be prepared.

Number two – plasters, bandage and scissors. In case of feet blisters and other injuries.

Number three – map. But not the one you have in your mobile, because the battery can run down or you can lose it. Just a paper map – you can buy it in almost every shop in Podhale Region. It’s good to have a guide as well.

Number four – waterproof jacket and warm blouse. In case of unexpected weather changes (see the point 3).

If you go for a trip in autumn or spring, it’s good to have crampons with you – there may be still snow in some places and crampons will make the pass easier. In winter they’re a must!

You can take trekking poles with you – they will relieve your knees and may be helpful during going down.

9. Food and drinks

Unfortunately, taking an alcohol for a mountain trip is really common. If you’ve already did get down from higher parts of mountains and you have nice walking path through the valley in front of you, it’s OK. But people, who drink beer on Orla Perć trail (the most difficult trail in whole Tatras) is really terrifying.

For a mountain trip you should take mineral water. Not sweet, fizzy drinks, but water, because it does quench thirst very well. It’s a good idea to take a thermos with tea or coffee – especially in autumn, winter and spring. To eat, you should take some sandwiches, buns, apples, bananas and chocolate. These products will energize and fill you.

We hope, that this guide will help you to prepare well for a mountain hiking in Tatras. We wish you nice weather, wonderful views and pleasant and safe trips!

Write in comments where in Tatras you’ve already been and where you would like to go! And let us know, if this kind of articles are useful for you and what else would you like to read about.