Climbing and descending mountains is in our DNA. Thus, swapping skis, split boards, and skins for hiking boots feels natural when the snow melts. Hiking is an incredibly diverse activity with numerous physical benefits, but it also serves as an elixir for our minds, moods, and relationships.

Few activities are as advantageous for your legs. Clambering over uneven terrain and maneuvering around fallen trees, rocks, roots, and streams also activates your core. Incorporating hiking poles offers your upper body a thorough, low-impact workout. Additionally, hiking serves not just as off-season enjoyment but is also among the top methods to gear up for the approaching winter season.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of regular exercise on mental health and overall outlook. Engaging in physical activities releases endorphins, boosting your mood and uplifting your spirit. Routine hikes help lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, creating a soothing effect unique to nature. Therefore, consider exploring the local trails and walks available to you, and allow us to inspire you with some of our favorite hiking spots worldwide. We believe you’ll quickly start planning hiking trips to enhance your winter adventures.

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

Aosta Valley, Italy

Circling the Mont Blanc massif, the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of Europe's most popular long-distance hikes. Covering approximately 105 miles with 32,808 feet of vertical ascent and descent, the TMB features epic trails in France, Italy, and Switzerland.

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If you want to complete the entire experience, expect to spend at least seven to eight days, depending on your pace. However, in true Euro fashion, you can start and finish in many different places.

We favor the tranquil pace on the Italian side of the massif, especially in the town of Courmayeur, which serves as an ideal staging point for both longer and shorter hikes. Climb the Mont de la Saxe ridgeline to Refuge Bertone for coffee or lunch. From Bertone, continue east on the Val Ferret balcony trail and take in the majestic Monte Bianco, Dent du Géant, and Grand Jorasses in all their glory. After a few hours of leisurely hiking, you will arrive at Rifugio Bonatti, which many consider the best refuge on the Tour du Mont Blanc. With stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif, friendly staff, and fantastic food, Bonatti represents the pinnacle of Italian rifugios. No “roughing it” is required. If you feel strong, continue towards the Swiss border, or if you prefer, return to the valley for a late dinner.

KATTANAKKEN

Briksdalen, Norway

The 4,784-foot (1,458-meter) Kattanakken is a spectacular spear-shaped peak squeezed by the foot of the massive Jostedalsbreen glacier, the largest in Norway and on the European mainland. This mountain is undisputedly one of the finest gateways to Jostedalsbreen and follows a breathtaking ridge with some exposed sections. From certain angles, it may appear impossible to reach the peak, but scaling Kattanakken is very achievable. Historically, the trail served as a trade route between Oldedalen and Jostedalen.

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The four-mile climb to the peak of Kattanakken is steep and challenging, but the surrounding vistas make this hike particularly memorable. En route up the ridge, you have the stunning Oldedalen and Oldevatnet peaks to the north; Briksdalsbreen glacier and the mist-shrouded Tjøtafossen waterfall to the east; the Volefossen waterfall plunges to the west; and just above you, the Tjøtabreen and Melkevollbreen glaciers flow down from the main glacier.

Even though the Briksdalen Valley is a popular destination, Kattanakken is not a busy hike. It’s not an easy walk, has sections of scrambling, and involves a bit of exposure, which perhaps deters the masses — but that’s a good thing! This is one of the most spectacular hikes in Norway and is well worth the effort.

THE ROUTEBURN TRACK

Glenorchy, New Zealand

New Zealand features numerous famous hikes, especially the distinctive “Great Walks.” Among these, the Routeburn Track stands out as one of the most breathtaking and sought-after treks on the South Island. Spanning 19 miles, this trail is usually completed over three days. It links the Routeburn Shelter, located near Glenorchy, with The Divide, situated near Te Anau.

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The Routeburn overlaps with the Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, offering a spectacular hike featuring diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, river crossings, breathtaking waterfalls, and rugged alpine scenery.

The Department of Conservation manages three huts and two campsites along the trail. However, the huts are often fully booked in advance, making tent camping and self-guided your best option. Be prepared for variable weather, as conditions can change rapidly in the alpine environment.

MALADETA MASSIF

Benasque Valley, Pyrenees, Spain

The Catalan Pyrenees is a stunningly beautiful place to escape Spain's summer heat. Near the small mountain town of Benasque, often referred to as Spain’s Chamonix, you will find the Maladeta Natural Park and the most prominent peaks in the range. The Pyrenees' highest mountain, Mount Aneto, at 11,168 feet (3,404 meters), is the crown jewel, but we recommend the nearby Pico de la Maladeta.

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From the valley floor, head to Refugio de la Renclusa, a hut built in 1912 and located at 7,000 feet at the foot of the north face of the massif. The hut is an ideal starting point for any adventure in the area and offers simple lodging, a restaurant, a bar, and indoor toilets.

Pico de la Maladeta (10,866 feet) lies close to Aneto but provides a more direct and less complicated route. Hiking to the base of the peak makes for a perfect outing for those comfortable with steep trails and a few scrambling sections. If you plan to continue upwards, be aware that the top of the Maladeta massif features a glacier and could be dangerous to cross. You should be an experienced mountaineer with climbing experience and accompanied by a mountain guide.

THE KING'S TRAIL

Swedish Lapland

The King’s Trail (Kungsleden) is Sweden's longest and most famous hiking trail. Located in Lapland, north of the Arctic Circle, it traverses a vast, unspoiled landscape dotted with numerous lakes and streams, surrounded by snow-capped mountains even in the height of summer. The trail passes through three national parks in one of the least populated areas of Europe — a true bucket list hike, not just for the Swedes.

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The entire King’s Trail stretches 270 miles between Abisko and Hemavan. It would take at least a month to traverse the whole length, so consider picking a section unless you have plenty of time. Conveniently, it is divided into four sections, each representing about one week of hiking.

The northern section is often described as the most beautiful. The typical starting point is Abisko, which is easy to reach by train. From there, you hike 65 miles to Nikkaloukta via the Kebnekaise massif. The trail is relatively flat, well-maintained, and suitable for families with children. Weather permitting, you should get a good view of Kebnekaise — Sweden’s highest mountain — here. Simple mountain huts run by the Swedish Tourism Association are spaced within a few hours’ walk of each other, allowing you to pack fairly light. At Nikkaloukta, you can catch a bus back to your starting point.

KALALAU TRAIL NĀPALI COAST

Kauai, Hawaii

The Nāpali Coast on the north shore of Kauai, Hawaii, is one of the world's most recognizable coastlines, defined by extraordinary natural beauty. Perched not far from the well-known surf town of Hanalei, the Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile (17-kilometre) hiking trail that leads from the beaches of Ke’e to Kalalau along a rugged, convoluted coastline dotted with stunning beaches and waterfalls that plunge to the lush valley floor.

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Indigenous Hawaiians consider it a sacred place. Initially built in the late 1800s, the Kalalau Trail is often regarded as one of the most adventurous hiking trails in the world. From Ke’e Beach, the trail takes you through five lush tropical valleys that experience significant flooding and debris each season — so be aware of the weather and possible closures, and be prepared to scramble.

This hike is something wholly unique and utterly rewarding, especially when you arrive in the Kalalau Valley, with towering, fluted sea cliffs – one of the famous landmarks along the route. Most visitors opt only to hike the first few miles to Hanakapi’ai Beach and back, which serves as a great day hike in itself and is surprisingly challenging. If you want to venture further, you must have a valid permit — even if you’re not camping — and be prepared for remote, rough conditions.