Activities in the snow: fun and exercise for humans and dogs

Pure fitness:

In winter, snowshoeing is the perfect activity to train your endurance, strength, flexibility and cardiovascular system while burning a generous amount of calories. Snowshoeing strengthens the entire musculature and promotes balance. It is more strenuous than hiking, as trudging through the snow burns up more energy - around 500 calories an hour at medium intensity. In addition, the risk of accidents and injuries is low and the joints are spared.

When calculating a hike, a supplement of approx. 25% is added for winter hiking and 50% for snowshoeing.

However, be careful with snow activities:

Please always check the avalanche bulletin before your tour. avalanche bulletin and the local pages of the tourist information offices! Just because "others have been there too", despite the considerable danger, please don't make the same mistake. Summits such as Fliegenspitz in Amden (SG) are explicitly warned NOT to be climbed in WINTER.

Protect nature - wildlife needs peace and quiet:

The winter offers from SwitzerlandMobility and H-und.ch respect the current wildlife rest areas and wildlife sanctuaries in Switzerland. Anyone planning their own tours must inform themselves about the location of wildlife rest areas and wildlife sanctuaries as well as the protection regulations that apply to the respective areas. The necessary information from the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN and the cantons can be found on the on the SwitzerlandMobility web map. web map.

Even if there is no official leash obligation, please always remember: "just a quick jump behind" or "he won't follow anyway" can lead to the animal's agonizing death! Particular attention must be paid in and near forests.

A well-fitting harness (Y-harness/traction harness), treats, enough water (lukewarm) for the journey, dry towel/dog coat for e.g. restaurant stays.

Good to know:
For long-haired dogs, shorten and grease the fur between the toes (paw protection cream), fur protection to avoid ice clumps and pay attention: eating snow can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Breathable and wind/waterproof clothing, good footwear, shoe spikes (great for icy surfaces), gaiters (for deep snow), waist belt / belt for dog sports, pull rope / bungee leash (2-3m), warm drink for on the way, snacks (power bars), sun protection (even if cloudy), maps of the area.

Safety equipment:

Avalanche transceiver / avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, headlamp.

NOTE: There are many providers in your region who also offer avalanche courses for beginners. If you spend a lot of time in the snow in winter, you should not miss out on this opportunity.