Join Gerda on a cold hike from the Turren mountain station to the Lungern Schönbüel mountain inn and experience a new kind of exposure to the cold. The ascent in light clothing takes about 90 minutes to a maximum of 2 hours and is rewarded by a priceless view at the top of Schönbüel. We cover 500 metres in altitude over a distance of 3.5 km. We can warm up and regain our strength in the restaurant before setting off on the return journey in ‘normal’ clothing. Depending on the snow conditions, it may be necessary to bring snowshoes.
What is a cold hike?
A cold hike is a special type of cold training where people walk or hike in light clothing, often in shorts and a T-shirt or just swimwear, through a cold environment, e.g. in the snow or in low temperatures. The aim is not just to ‘endure’ the cold, but to specifically benefit from the physical and mental advantages of exposure to the cold.
What is the difference between a cold walk and other forms of cold exposure, such as winter swimming?
While a cold walk emphasises physical exercise and prolonged, moderate exposure to the cold, winter swimming offers a more extreme, but shorter form of exposure to the cold. The mental challenge of a cold hike is to endure the cold for a longer period of time while remaining calm and focussed. The physical movement provides some distraction and aids heat generation, but it can require mental discipline to endure the cold stimulus for an extended period of time.
What are the health benefits of cold walking?
The potential health benefits of cold walking are similar to those of winter swimming, e.g. strengthening the immune system, improved circulation, increased mental resilience, mood enhancement and increased fat burning.
What kind of clothing should I wear during a cold hike?
How much clothing you wear during the cold hike is entirely up to you. Typically, men only wear shorts, while women wear shorts and a T-shirt, bikini top or sports bra. However, it is also permitted to wear more clothing. As a lot of heat is lost through the head, many cold hikers wear a hat or headband. At the starting point of the hike, take off your warm clothing and stow it in your rucksack. This way, your warm clothes are always ready to hand should you need them during the hike.
What do I need to take with me on the cold hike?
Winter hiking boots and possibly snowshoes (you will be informed at least 3 days before the hike)
Hiking poles/ski poles with winter discs (recommended)
Light clothing for the ascent
Warm clothing (long trousers, jacket, hat etc.) for afterwards
Sunglasses and sun cream for face and body
Rucksack to carry warm clothes during the hike
Possibly a warm drink / tea / snack
Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point for the hike is at 10:10 a.m. at the valley station of the Lungern Turren aerial cableway. If you are travelling from Lucerne by train, you can take the 09:06 train from Lucerne station. Please make sure you are on time.
What happens after the hike?
After the hike, we put our warm clothes back on and can warm up and fortify ourselves in the Schönbüel mountain inn. After the cold hike, you may experience the so-called after-drop effect, as with winter swimming – this means that although you are back in the warmth, you feel the cold even more intensely at first, as the cold blood from your arms and legs mixes with the warm blood in your core. If necessary, we do a few more warm-up exercises together. Once we have warmed up and regained our strength, we walk back in normal (warm) winter clothing.
What does the hike cost?
The hike is free of charge for our club members. For non-members, it costs CHF 20 per person. In addition, all participants pay the cable car tickets (> Tariffs) and any consumption costs in the restaurant.
Participation requirements
You must be in good health on the day of the hike and able to cover the 500 metres of altitude plus/minus in the ‘normal’ hiking trail time. The hike does not pass any exposed sections and is therefore also suitable for people with a fear of heights.
Registration / maximum number of participants
The maximum number of participants for this hike is 12 people.
After your registration, Gerda will add you to a WhatsApp group created for this event, if you have WhatsApp. Further communication will take place in this group. If you do not have WhatsApp, you will be informed separately.
The event will only take place in dry weather. Rescheduled date: Saturday, 22 February 2025