Comparing The Climb: Winter Hiking In The Rockies, Tetons & Alps
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I am not sure about you, but I love winter hiking. There is something so special about being out in the cold, pushing my body up a mountain, and experiencing winter wonderland views from above that just makes my soul sing out for our incredible Creator. Growing up in the South, snow was a rare treat. But even today, I remember my first snowy hike like it was yesterday – the way the snow fell under my feet as I grabbed a tree to take the next step, bolstered only by my grandfather’s encouragement, a chilly breeze and distant views of a large white house at the top of the mountain. Since then, I have enjoyed many other climbs across states and countries as each hike brings me closer to nature, my hiking company and the Lord as I ponder the unique ways that the trail, with its all challenges, incredible views and wide array of emotions, tends to reflect life. It was also in these recent trail ponderings that Charlie and I began to discuss a few key similarities and differences across our winter hikes and hiking locations that we have noticed. Whether related to gear, destination or wildlife, here are a few of the key comparisons we have discovered when winter hiking in the Rockies, Tetons and Alps!
Similarities
While Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Teton National Park and the Alps each provide a unique and amazing experience in their own way, they actually have many similarities!
Snow
The first similarity that Charlie and I have noticed when hiking in these three areas is the texture of the snow! Coming from wet, clumpy snow in the South, most of the snow that we have experienced in these other locations (particularly if the temperatures are really cold) is dry powdery snow which makes for awesome hiking. Whether blowing off the trees or slowly actively falling, this snow is brush-able, making you and your gear far less wet by the end of your hike.
Equipment
The next major similarity that I have found hiking in the winter at each of these locations is the importance of proper gear. Whether in the Alps, Rockies or Tetons it is vitally important to be dressed properly to ensure not only that you are hiking safely, but also that it is enjoyable. My first recommendation would be to dress in layers with at least a good thermal layer and wind break layer. Dressing in layers that you can add or remove as necessary (because you will warm up as you hike!) helps to keep you from sweating or from sweat cooling on your skin which makes you colder in the long run. For very chilly hikes, gloves, hats, insulated leggings and a waterproof down jacket are my go-tos.
Other than just clothes, having the proper shoes, socks and gear is SO helpful. Since you will be likely in snow, having waterproof shoes, wool socks (for warmth and breathability) and crampons (hiking spikes for shallow snow or ice) or snowshoes (for 6”+ of snow) make all the difference for an enjoyable and safe ascent and descent. Lastly, good hiking poles and a hiking backpack make it easy to carry other items like snacks, water, hand / foot warmers, first aid kits, maps etc. We recently got a hiking backpack for Christmas instead of just using one of our other bookbags and man it is a gamechanger! Having the extra waist strap and adjustable proportions really helps the majority of the weight to be carried in your legs instead of your shoulders which is absolutely key for comfortable trekking after a few miles.
Hiking Types
The last key similarity that we have noticed is the variety of hike types. Whether you are looking for hikes that provide entire range views from afar, trails to lakes or trails that scramble up to the summit, each one of these ranges provides a variety of options. From our trip to Denver a few years back (check out our experience HERE!), we found that the hikes we enjoyed in Rocky Mountain National Park primarily lead to lakes with expansive views along the way. When in Jackson Hole though (you can read HERE about our Grand Teton adventure!), many of the hiking trails also went to lakes or wound around the mountains, but did not as frequently lead to summits or high views as the elevation required for those trails led into intense climbing territory. Lastly, within the Alpine hikes we have tried throughout Germany and Austria, the hikes provide a mix of trails including all three types: range views from a distance, summit climbs and lake trails. Whether looking for lakes, summits or views to take in the whole range, all three of these locations provide amazing hiking opportunities.
Differences
While the snow texture, gear needed and hiking options are all very similar between the Rockies, Tetons and Alps, there are also a few key differences that make each location especially unique.
Elevation
The first difference I would like to point out is the difference of elevation between these ranges. While you might be thinking, “aren’t all mountains really high?”, the answer is both yes and no! Yes, each mountain range has a drastic increase in altitude from the surrounding areas and each has huge peaks reaching around 14,000 feet, however the extent of the change and impact on the hike experience is quite different. For example, when starting in / around Garmisch Partenkirchen or Mittenwald for a hike through the Alps, you are starting with an altitude around 2,300 (Garmisch) to 3,000 (Mittenwald) feet. From there it is common to gain 1,000 to 6,000 feet in elevation as you climb depending on your hike. This certainly provides a huge opportunity to gain altitude from your hike, but your starting altitude does not require any special accommodations.
On the flip side though, the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park in downtown Estes Park registers around 7,500 feet above sea level. Similarly, Jackson Hole (for Grand Teton National Park) clocks in around 6,300 feet. When starting with such intense elevation already, it is even more important to make sure that you are properly hydrated before, during and after your hike to prevent altitude sickness when climbing higher (I address this more HERE when we landed in the High Mile City). Likewise, it is not uncommon to see canisters of oxygen available for purchase in local shops to help provide additional oxygen when hiking in thin air. Many of the hikes in the Rockies especially can reach 9, 10 or even 11,000 feet, so you definitely feel the difference in your lungs while climbing.
Destination
Not only is the elevation different between the Rockies / Tetons and the Alps, but the destination frequently is different as well! Most of the hikes that I experienced in the States arrive at a beautiful lake or summit, but in the Alps it is common to find a summit marked with a large metal cross or arrive at an Alpine hütte (hut). While some of the higher elevation huts are closed in the winter, many stay open year round to provide bathrooms, hot meals, drinks and occasionally even accommodations for hikers, backpackers, climbers and sightseers. Normally run by a local farm (like Gshwandtnerbauer shown below) or ski lift, these huts provide the perfect stop for lunch and provide a delightful rest throughout your hike. Sometimes you are even able to find Alpine huts connected to ski lifts, which allow you to ride up and hike down after lunch or do the opposite. Hikes to these Alpine huts have become some of my favorites as the combination of beautiful views, amazing warm local food (it varies at each location, but is ALWAYS delicious!), a working bathroom and friendly staff / fellow hikers is hard to beat! On the right day, you might even be able to spot a few para gliders taking off or coming down to land!
Wildlife
Lastly, but certainly not least, a large difference between each location is the wildlife most commonly seen along the trails! During your hikes out West in the Rockies or Tetons, keep a lookout for moose, bears (grizzly and black bears!), elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, wolves, deer, coyotes, and many other birds and smaller animals. You certainly can add bear spray to your pack or talk loudly with your hiking mates to try to prevent startling large animals. Likely, if the snow is good, you should be able to tell what is on the trail with you based on the tracks that you see! On the other hand, in the Alps, you have a chance to see marmot, chamois, brown bear, deer, lynx, wolves, sheep and cows in addition to birds and small animals. When hiking in the Alps, I have really only seen cows, sheep and a chamois or two, however it’s good to stay alert regardless of the location that you are in.
Final Thoughts
Whether in the Alps, Rockies or Tetons, getting out and experiencing a winter hike can be such fun! Good exercise, fun memories, beautiful views and sore muscles are sure to be had. Sounds like great day out to me! So, what do you think? Have you noticed any other comparison points between hiking in these 3 locations? Or do you have any winter hiking advice in general? I would love to know in the comment section below and be sure to save this post for future hiking endeavors!
Happy hiking!
Chloe
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