Ridge walks are very special routes: rocky, exposed and with an incomparable view. However, if you’re venturing onto a ridge for the first time, there are a few things you should keep in mind to avoid putting yourself and others in danger. We explain to you what is important so that you can safely enjoy this exciting experience.
First, let’s briefly review the basics about ridges: ridges are sharply defined mountain crests. So it goes downhill to the left and right of the ridge – either very steeply and immediately several hundred meters over rocks and boulders or more leisurely over mountain meadows.
Ridge hikes are so attractive for hiking enthusiasts because you can enjoy the view, which you otherwise just have on the summit, here practically during the entire hike. This is a very special mountain experience, and not just for the first time! However, you should be well informed and prepared in advance. Because as we said, sometimes it goes steeply downhill right next to the trail. In case of wrong behavior, unsuitable equipment or lack of experience, this can be dangerous.
Tour planning
Ridge walks come in very different levels of difficulty: From well-paved, relaxed hiking trails that don’t require belaying, to via ferrata, to very challenging exposed rocky trails where you’ll be belaying both on a steel cable and each other with your partner.
The backpacks Norix 28 Women and Norix 32 are thanks to their equipment the perfect companions for your next hiking and via ferrata tour.
With large front access, side pockets, gear loops and practical carabiner fixations on the shoulder straps.
This makes route planning all the more important. Especially when it comes to belaying, inexperienced climbers should not be careless. If you have no experience with harness, carabiner and rope, it is best to choose an easy ridge walk that does not require belaying.
Once you have acquired a taste for it, it is advisable to take a course in which you learn exactly what equipment you need for belaying and, above all, how to use it. You can do this, for example, at the German Alpine Club.
When choosing your tour, the Internet is of course the first place to go. However, it is always advisable to ask at the local tourist information office what tours are available. This way, the knowledge and advice of local experts will help you decide which ridge walk really suits you and your ability.
Also interesting: Vie ferrate – basic knowledge – Preparation and equipment for via ferrata tours
Self-assessment and safety
Anyone planning a ridge walk should not overestimate themselves. Every summer, there are countless rescue operations that have to free hikers from awkward situations. Mountain rescuers can report of accidents on difficult ridges, often even fatal, not only in a few cases.
Even if you already have experience with via ferrata, hiking on a steep ridge is something else again. There is usually no way to descend along the way. This requires a high level of concentration and physical fitness throughout.
Keep this in mind when planning your hike, and during the hike, keep checking to see if you are up to the challenge. If in doubt, turn back! Even if on the way a slope looks from above as if you could walk on it and descend. The descent over scree and rocks without a marked path is often life-threatening! So always stay on the marked route!
In addition, you should note that even routes with a steel rope are not secured throughout. To reduce the danger in case of lightning strikes, belays are repeatedly interrupted and have unsecured passages. This requires mental strength. Here, too, the name of the game is: better to turn around than to take a risk.
Tour tip: Hike to the Daniel (2,340 m) – Tour with beautiful ridge walk to the summit
The right weather for a ridge walk
In the mountains, the weather often changes quickly and locally very differently. In addition to the weather forecast, you should always keep an eye on the local situation. The advantage of hiking on a ridge is that you can usually keep an eye on the weather.
In the afternoon, the risk of thunderstorms increases in the mountains. So it is best to start as early as possible, so that you have already reached your destination in the afternoon and can end the day with a cool drink.
Reading tip: How to correctly predict the weather when hiking
Equipment for ridge walks
For easy ridge walks your packing list looks the same as for other hikes. What you should have with you, we have already summarized in the above linked article for you.
On more demanding tours you need a little more equipment. Just then your safety and that of the other people on the mountain is guaranteed. In addition to your normal hiking equipment you will need
- Helmet
- Climbing harness
- Rope / complete via ferrata set
- First aid kit
- The most important thing: mountain boots with distinctive profile soles.
If you are planning to buy this equipment, it is best to go to a specialist store for advice. Then you can be sure that everything fits properly and is really suitable for your purpose.
Just give it a try!
Even though ridge walks are somewhat challenging, they are great fun. So it’s worth giving them a try if you take care of all the important things before and during your hike.
For beginners and to gain first practical experience, it can be advisable to book a hiking guide or mountain guide for such a tour.
So go ahead and plan your tour and head for the mountains!
