Fitness & Experience
What fitness level is required?
Our Treks cover 9-20 Km per day with 700-1000 m of elevation gain or loss. You don't need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking 4-9 hours on uneven terrain. Regular hiking, cycling, or gym training in the months before your trip will make a real difference.
Do I need prior trekking experience?
No prior alpine experience is required for our trekking itineraries. We welcome first-time trekkers and experienced hikers alike. Our guides adapt the pace and route options to the group.
How do I prepare?
Start training 8–12 weeks before your trip. Focus on cardiovascular fitness and leg strength — hiking with a loaded pack on hilly terrain is the best preparation. If you can, do a few overnight hikes before you arrive. Let us know your fitness background when you book and we'll tailor advice to you.
What to Pack
Gear List for Trekking
Required
- 1 backpack (with rain cover, 25–35 liter size)
- 1 pair hiking boots, Gore-tex lined recommended (broken in prior to trip)
- 1 pair ice cleats for crossing snow fields
- 1 set raingear — tops and bottoms (waterproof, not water-resistant)
- 1 lightweight fleece sweater or fleece vest
- 1 mid-weight fleece sweater or soft-shell jacket
- 1 light down jacket
- 1–2 pair synthetic hiking pants or shorts
- 1–2 T-shirts with wicking properties
- Several pair of underwear
- 1 pair long pants
- 1 long sleeve shirt
- 2–3 pair hiking socks — wool or wool-blend preferred
- 1 pair extra shoes for wearing at the end of the day and in town
- 1 hat with brim
- 2 × 1 liter water bottle or hydration bladder
- Sunglasses
- 1 pair trekking poles
- Small towel or microfiber sport towel, for use in the huts
- Headlamp
- Personal toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, razor, lip balm
- Lightweight gloves
- Knit hat for cold weather
- Sleeping sheet liner
- Ear plugs for use in the mountain huts
- Sleepwear (for shared rooms or mountain huts)
- Charging cable if you bring a phone — with European adaptor
Optional
- Camera
- Binoculars
Getting Here
How do I get to the Aosta Valley?
The nearest major airports are Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Turin (TRN) — all roughly 2 hours from Aosta by car or bus. We recommend flying into Milan. Direct trains run from Milan to Aosta. We can arrange airport transfers for your group on request.
Where does the trip start and end?
All itineraries begin and end in the Aosta Valley. Our meeting point is generally at the hotel we will be staying at. We can help you coordinate logistics so you know exactly where and what is the best way to get there.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes — comprehensive travel insurance including mountain rescue and medical evacuation cover is mandatory for all Trek Ski Plus trips. Make sure your policy covers the activities you'll be doing (trekking in alpine environments). We recommend purchasing insurance at the time of booking.