Our Sail & Hike expeditions are accompanied by an IML mountain hiking guide. What can you expect from mountain hiking in Northern Norway? How fit do you need to be? And what equipment should you bring? You can read all about it below:
Into the Mountains with an International Mountain Leader
An International Mountain Leader (IML) is a certified mountain hiking guide, with an emphasis on the word ‘hiking’. For example, a mountain hiking guide accompanies mountain hikes in summer conditions (or in spring and fall), or snowshoe hikes in winter. We sometimes go off the beaten path, but the hikes mainly traverse terrain that does not require special equipment.
A good pair of (mountain) hiking boots is, of course, essential. Also, make sure you’ve broken them in properly. Buying new shoes a week before departure is a guarantee for sore feet. In addition to good shoes, you should also bring a daypack with a pair of dry socks, a cap, and sunglasses. And of course, you can also put your lunch, water bottle, and some snacks for the road in there. If you like to walk with trekking poles, bring them with you into the mountains.
Safe Mountain Hiking
To ensure the safety of all participants, the guide will carry a rope, slings, and carabiners (so-called climbing equipment). Of course, he or she is also trained to use this in an emergency, in unexpected situations, or to provide extra security to less experienced participants. This is the difference between an IML mountain hiking guide and a mountain guide. A mountain guide accompanies people with mountaineering, rock climbing, ski touring, etc. With a mountain hiking guide, the emphasis is on hiking (in the mountains, of course).
For a mountain hike, you must have a good basic fitness level. The walks often last 6-8 hours, so a good amount of stamina is indispensable. Because parts of the routes go over slopes, rocks, or ridges, and you sometimes have to cross a stream, it is important that you have good balance and coordination. If you have not done mountain walks before, it is smart to train your basic fitness and balance at home. The more flexibly you walk through the mountains, the more you will enjoy it.
Information on the Go
An International Mountain Leader doesn’t just ensure a group gets from point A to point B in a safe and pleasant way. He or she can also tell you a lot about the environment during the hike: which plants are there, which animals and insects live there, the geology of the area, and of course, its history.
In addition, the guide will give you instructions on, for example, how to walk with poles, adjust your backpack, navigate in the mountains, how to smoothly descend a slope, etc. In short, the IML mountain hiking guide will do everything to help you have an experience and adventure in the mountains that you will remember for a long time!
Will you join our hikes in the mountains of Vesterålen and Senja?
Read all about our Sail & Hike expedition | Legendary Senja
