Traverse of the Gran Paradiso - Fitness Preparation

If you feel like you might be a novice trekker then find some company, maybe a local hiking group and build up to perhaps three full days of hiking. Get on to uneven ground, climb up and down, carry a rucksack. How do you feel about higher or more exposed sections?

Take a little time to reflect on your personal fitness after doing this... How were your joints, balance, agility over uneven ground? Your ability to hold a reasonable pace both up and downhill? Often the downhills can be more stressful on knees and hips so remember your walking poles. Are you experiencing any niggles like blisters or injuries that need attention? Could you hold a conversation, enjoy the views, meet the challenge?

We suggest that a day sac with 1.5 litres+ water, food, waterproofs, poles and extra layers could weigh in at around 8kg. There really is no compromise on these essential items in your day pack, but is there any potential to make changes in your own body weight to make you a more efficient mountain trekker?

Specifically which clothing, footwear, waterproofs, rucksac, poles, work well for you in the mountains? You need to be comfortable and protected from the elements, cool when its hot, warm and dry when its cold and wet. See our Kit List for further suggestions.

Is there anything that could help this? A good night’s sleep is an essential quality. Do a little research... timing of meals and fluids could be key here, or it could be that a short pre and post trekking routine of stretching, mindfulness, yoga could also work wonders to refresh you, even though a cold beer might be what we all crave at the end of the day!

If you feel this is a concern then ensure your doctor is aware of the duration and intensity of daily activity, altitude and temperatures that are involved.

If you feel like you might be a novice trekker then find some company, maybe a local hiking group and build up to perhaps three full days of hiking. Get on to uneven ground, climb up and down, carry a rucksack. How do you feel about higher or more exposed sections?

Take a little time to reflect on your personal fitness after doing this... How were your joints, balance, agility over uneven ground? Your ability to hold a reasonable pace both up and downhill? Often the downhills can be more stressful on knees and hips so remember your walking poles. Are you experiencing any niggles like blisters or injuries that need attention? Could you hold a conversation, enjoy the views, meet the challenge?

We suggest that a day sac with 1.5 litres+ water, food, waterproofs, poles and extra layers could weigh in at around 8kg. There really is no compromise on these essential items in your day pack, but is there any potential to make changes in your own body weight to make you a more efficient mountain trekker?

Specifically which clothing, footwear, waterproofs, rucksac, poles, work well for you in the mountains? You need to be comfortable and protected from the elements, cool when its hot, warm and dry when its cold and wet. See our Kit List for further suggestions.

Is there anything that could help this? A good night’s sleep is an essential quality. Do a little research... timing of meals and fluids could be key here, or it could be that a short pre and post trekking routine of stretching, mindfulness, yoga could also work wonders to refresh you, even though a cold beer might be what we all crave at the end of the day!

If you feel this is a concern then ensure your doctor is aware of the duration and intensity of daily activity, altitude and temperatures that are involved.

Be honest with this, many of us have health concerns and these may not necessarily prevent us from trekking, but for everyone’s comfort on the trek we do need to know. We are absolutely committed to chatting to you about any concerns, before you book is the best time to do this.

Our final suggestion will always be to get in touch with us at Mont Blanc Treks if you are unsure about your health and fitness. We believe that time taken to discuss your individual needs is the best way forwards for a great holiday.