The Health Benefits of Winter Walking

Is there anything as satisfying as a hearty winter walk, clean air swirling as you breathe out, chilly weather kept at bay by cosy scarves and hats.

We don’t think so (although we will accept ‘the coffee/tea/hot chocolate/vin chaud when you get back in’ as an answer).

For such an enjoyable activity, there are significant health benefits of winter walking – so you can get fitter, boost your immune system and raise your mood all whilst exploring the beauty of the great outdoors in winter.

Below, we outline the key health benefits of winter walking, and how you could turn the activity into a relaxing winter getaway.


 

5 Health Benefits of Winter Walking

There are many reasons to lace up your boots and head out for that bracing stroll. The chilly weather invigorates you and brushes off the winter cobwebs. When they arrive, the morning frosts transform even the most well-trodden of paths into a completely new landscape. And, of course, there’s no feeling quite like warming up post-walk with your hot drink of choice.

You’ll be pleased to know that the benefits of winter walking stretch even further than – the activity can have a real effect on your health too. Here are five ways you could benefit:

1. Get the heart pumping

Often overlooked in favour of more intense forms of exercise, walking is an accessible and low-impact way to build stamina, burn excess calories and makes your heart healthier, according to the NHS.

Walking in colder temperatures makes the heart work that little bit harder to circulate blood. As well as the short term effect of burning a few more calories, this also helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system over time.

2. Beat the winter blues

It’s no secret that short, dark winter days can make it challenging to keep your mood up during the winter months. Combined with the endorphins moderate exercise releases, some exposure to natural light – even if it’s grey and cloudy outside – can help lift spirits and combat seasonal affective disorder.

3. Reduce your risk of several health conditions

According to researchers from the University of Cambridge, 11 minutes of walking per day can decrease the risk of both early death and several major health conditions, including heart and circulatory diseases and cancer.

Combine this with moderate exposure to cold weather – which can boost the immune system’s production of white blood cells and potentially help keep the respiratory system clear of infection – and you have an activity that protects you against long-term and short-term illnesses.

4. Boost your energy levels

That crisp, clean air that makes winter walking so enjoyable also encourages the body to produce more adrenaline. This is why you may feel energetic and invigorated after a cold walking session – the perfect antidote to those sluggish feelings winter brings!

5. Keep your Vitamin D levels up

Another important walking health benefit is exposure to natural sunlight – and on winter’s shorter, darker days this can be difficult to come across. Enjoying a walk in the chilly weather helps your body produce Vitamin D, crucial for bone health and immune function.


 

Winter Walking Destinations to Explore

Discovering some of Europe’s most enchanting mountain destinations on your own two feet is another major benefit of winter walking.

Fuschl-am-See, Austria

A quiet little village tucked away in Austria’s Lake District, Fuschl-am-See offers Narnia-esque walking and snowshoeing trails far from the crowds of skiers at more popular resorts. After a few days of Alpine walking on breathtaking routes, you may wish to take a day trip to the elegant city of Salzburg

Discover Fuschl’s alpine walking on this holiday, staying at the traditional Hotel Seerose

Pertisau, Austria

On the shores of Austria’s incredibly picturesque Lake Achensee, the village of Pertisau encapsulates the frosty beauty – and hearty hospitality – of the Tyrol region. Alpine walking enthusiasts are spoiled for choice, with spectacular trails exploring both lakes and mountains. Take a break at your choice of Tyrolean inn, renowned for their roaring fires and warming refreshments.

Enjoy a week in Pertisau, staying at the luxurious Hotel Wiesenhof

Lauenen, Switzerland

Tucked away behind the world-famous winter resort of Gstaad, the little village of Launen offers the best of bost worlds: immersion in the famously dramatic Alpine scenery of the Bernese Oberland, without the crowds. There’s something for all types of walker here, from relaxed panoramic trails accessible via cable car to longer routes through undisturbed nature reserves and pine forests, along frozen lakes.

Relax in Launen, and enjoy the warm hospitality of chalet hotel Alpenland


 

Inntravel’s Winter Walking Holidays: What to Expect

Inntravel’s winter walking getaways combine the freedom of self-guided holidays with the convenience of itineraries personalised to you and your preferences. And, with over 40 years of experience in winter walking holidays, we are ideally placed to advise you on the most enchanting walking routes, find you the most atmospheric accommodation and ensure you get to sample must-try local delicacies.

Accommodation

Whether it’s a cosy guesthouse, a chocolate-box chalet or a historic spa hotel, our holidays offer boutique, often locally-owned accommodation that’s allows you a real glimpse into local life. Alongside an excellent night’s sleep, you’ll enjoy the hearty, traditional hospitality of the Alps, locally sourced meals and, in some cases, an onsite spa to relax those muscles after days exploring.

Food and Drink

For some holidays, we include all meals in the overall price. Whether at your hotel or at local restaurants, we take care to find delicious, locally sourced menus that offer a real flavour of your destination.

On holidays that don’t include meals, we’re always happy to help out with restaurant recommendations and bookings – or feel free to discover the local cuisine for yourself!  

Support

We do everything we can to make you comfortable during your time away. We’ll take care of luggage transfers, book transport and accommodation for you and provide you with in-depth maps and information on each walking route on your holiday.

We also offer 24/7 customer service, so if anything hasn’t gone as planned or you have any questions at all during your trip, you have a friendly team to sort it out for you.   

 

 

Preparing for your Winter Walking Holiday

Preparing for a winter walking holiday doesn’t need to be stressful. By packing the right clothes and choosing a holiday that’s appropriate for your fitness level, you’ll remove most of the risk of anything going wrong.
What Should I Pack for a Winter Walking Holiday?

This may depend on where you’re off to, the length of your holiday and whether you’re a light or heavy packer. Here’s our ‘capsule wardrobe’ recommendation for a week’s winter walking holiday – adapt it to your own needs.

Shoes: 1 pair waterproof, insulated walking boots and 1 pair evening shoes
Tops: 3 base layers, 2 mid layers, 1 sweater (that also works for evening), 2 evening shirts/tops
Trousers: 2 walking pairs and 1 or 2 evening pairs
Outer layers: 1 jacket and 1 set of waterproofs
Accessories: hat, gloves, scarf or neck gaiter, sunglasses, rucksack, walking poles, GPS device or compass

Need more detail on the type of clothes to pack? Check out our comprehensive guide to packing for a walking holiday.  

How Fit Do You Need to Be?

This will depend on the destination and the type of holiday you choose. Our winter walking holidays encompass everything from short strolls to strenuous hotel-to-hotel routes.

Our holiday grading system is here to help you find the perfect getaway for your fitness level. When browsing our website, look for the grade for each holiday to get an accurate understanding of the level of fitness needed:  

Grade 1: Easy walking with few ascent /descents, but perhaps the occasional long day
Grade 1-2: Easy-to-moderate walking with some ascents/descents, and occasional longer days
Grade 2: Moderate walking on varied terrain, with some long days and regular ascents/descents
Grade 2-3: Moderate-to-challenging walking on more rugged terrain with significant ascents/descents on most days. Depending on the holiday, you may need to know how to navigate and use a compass.
Grade 3: Challenging hikes, featuring long days with significant ascent / descent on challenging terrain. Compass skills may be required

It’s always a good idea to get some movement in before a walking holiday – higher fitness levels can make walking more enjoyable and reduce the likelihood of injury. However, as long as you stick to the guidelines above when booking your holiday, you shouldn’t need to up your activity levels any more than usual.