03.07.2025
Many people wonder what it takes to go on a trip with Norrøna Hvitserk to high mountains. Here we give you our best tips on what you can do in advance of your trip.
How should you train before a hike? What should you think about? Here are some answers to these questions!
At Norrøna Hvitserk, we are passionate about high mountains, and in many ways, our history began on the summits of peaks around the world—because great mountains inspire big thoughts and dreams. But what do we really mean by "High Mountains"?
For us, it refers to mountains where altitude plays a crucial role in the preparation and planning of the trip. We can all agree that many mountains in Norway are high, but, for example, altitude sickness is rarely an issue here. However, when we venture beyond Norway and climb mountains over 3,000 meters, we must consider that the challenge increases significantly!
How good a shape are you in?
It starts with self-awareness and an honest answer (to yourself) to this question. A good base level of fitness is essential for enjoying high-altitude adventures and can make all the difference. You don’t need to be a professional athlete, but you should definitely be in good shape—and that is something most people can achieve.
Training program
A training program can help you maintain momentum throughout your preparation period—we recommend starting at least six months before departure. Your training plan should be tailored to your personal starting point, and you should never begin with workouts that are too intense or too long.
Your program should include specific training for the primary activity in the mountains: slow hiking in steep terrain with a heavy backpack. In addition, you should incorporate at least one high-intensity workout, such as running, cycling, or swimming—anything that strengthens the heart and gets the blood pumping!
Personally, I also believe you should add a round of yoga (help!)—or as we say in Norwegian, simply stretching and mobility exercises. A flexible body is a well-functioning body! But as always, start slow and don’t get stuck in a lotus position. Three sessions per week is a great start, and who knows, maybe it will change your life too!
“I don't have time!”
That’s a classic excuse we hear far too often. Of course, you have time—you just might not see it right away. Between all your daily activities, you have hours of available time. On your way to work, to the store, visiting family and friends, dropping the kids off at daycare, walking the dog—there’s your time, and you should make the most of it! Valuable training time.
And if you still can’t find enough time, try waking up just 30 minutes earlier while the rest of the world is still asleep and use that time actively. That alone gives you 3.5 extra hours of potential training time per week!
How should we pack the backpack? And what about trekking poles?
We recommend packing your backpack with items you can remove if needed, such as water containers, rocks, or other disposable weight. This way, you can lighten your load if necessary—and if it means you take that extra climb up the hill, it makes a big difference!
Trekking poles aren’t something we Norwegians typically use much, except when hiking in the mountains! They help reduce strain on your legs and back, and every bit of saved energy is invaluable in the long run. Poles also provide support when descending, easing the pressure on your knees. Take care of your body—it has many more adventures ahead!
When training with a heavy backpack on steep terrain, you should use trekking poles to get used to the feel of them.
The gym
The gym can be a great training partner during your preparation period. However, a common mistake people make is wandering aimlessly from one machine to another without a plan or strategy—this leads to poor results! To make your gym sessions effective, you need focus and should stick to a specific activity or muscle group.
Regular gym visits can have a huge impact on your overall fitness, but nothing beats specific outdoor training—where you not only get a great workout but also experience wind and cold on your face, gravel in your shoes, moonlight, and fresh air.
If you’re new to strength training, it may be wise to book a competent personal trainer to help you get started.
Don't start with the highest peaks!
It’s easy to get a bit carried away when deciding which trek to start with. The best strategy here is the same as with a training program – don’t start too extreme. A longer trek, that also goes high, might be the best start, like the Manslu Circuit. Among high mountains, Cotopaxi has become a crowd favorite and for many, it’s the first test of altitude. The possibilities are many, and we have a large, varied high-mountain menu!
If you start slowly and do it right, high mountain treks can become a lifelong hobby with endless opportunities. Take your time and enjoy nature.
-Bjørn