Hiking doesn’t require any advanced equipment, but being up in the mountains requires a little higher demand for what you have with you and what you have on you.

The weather in the mountains can change quickly. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you head out and if you leave alone, it’s important to tell someone where you’re going and how long you expect to be gone. Always make sure you pack a wind and water resistant jacket and fluids. In addition to these basic tips, here are a few more.

Shoes. On green and blue trails, you can walk in any comfortable shoes, but blue trails can sometimes be a little wet. Red and black trails are stonier with wet terrain and comfortable stable shoes or boots are recommended, preferably a pair covering your ankles. This makes your steps more stable and will protect your foot against sharp rocks and twigs.

Clothes. At Åre square it may be 20 degrees hot while Mt. Åreskutan’s top may be 10 degrees and windy. This means that, whatever the weather may be, you should always have some windproof clothing with you. The weather also shifts quickly, so a small backpack with a thin sweater and a rain clothes will save the day if you are out for half a day or more.

Food and drinks. There are many restaurants and cafés surrounding Åre and Mt. Åreskutan. If you’re heading on a longer trip further away, it’s both nice and necessary to carry coffee and some extra energy in your backpack.

Security. If you follow the trails from central Åre you’ll rarely get lost. A first-aid kit is always handy to have with you. Mobile phones you can’t be trust 100 percent, so don’t count on being able to communicate with it everywhere. Should you take your own way off the marked trails, a map, compass and knowledge of how to use them is a necessity.

Keep in mind that it’s the mountain you’re walking on is occasionally rocky and wet. The mountain weather changes quickly and is uncertain. As a hiker, it’s better to stay away from Kalfjället on windy and rainy days and instead choose hiking in the woods where the marking is easier to find and the weather and wind are not as stressful.

For more info

On The Mountain Safety Council of Sweden’s website there are more tips for safe hiking in the mountains. They’ve also developed an app – Fjällsäkerhetsappen. Here you can write a travel message, find a mountain map and get tips and safety information in case of emergency and before mountain trips. Download for free in the App Store or Google Play.