Verena Helminger is not only at home in the mountains, but also out and about there almost every day. Whether sunshine or snowfall - the most important thing for her is movement in nature. That's why in summer you'll see the all-rounder in hiking, running or climbing shoes, and in winter there are usually skis strapped under her feet. Ski tours are also part of it, of course, and she has some important tips for newcomers.
Do not exaggerate
Almost not a day goes by when the Salzburg native doesn't do outdoor sports herself. The mountains of her homeland are still her favorite destination. She has already gained mountain experience in Vietnam and New Zealand, but she has never enjoyed it as much as in the Austrian Alps.
"Why should I travel far when I have the most beautiful mountain panoramas right on my doorstep?"
Her tip for newcomers among ski tourers when it comes to choosing their first routes: Especially in the beginning, even smaller mountains in the immediate vicinity are enough to get used to the skis and the snow. So: start with small tours and only gradually advance to more difficult areas.
Keep orientation
If the possibility exists, tours along ski slopes are also a good option for beginners. Especially in bad weather, orientation off the slopes can become a problem. Conspicuous landmarks are obscured by snow in winter, and from time to time there are also so-called "white outs" where fog and snow become completely blurred. This is particularly dangerous for inexperienced ski tourers.
The preparations can therefore still be so extensive, now and then the weather makes one a line through the bill. If the visibility becomes too bad, even the experienced tourer often turns around at the beginning of an ascent. Fighting the bad weather and continuing anyway is often too dangerous.
"With white outs, even experienced mountaineers have to turn around and try to find their way back to the valley in their own tracks."
Never travel alone
Only when you learn to navigate off-piste and correctly interpret weather and snow conditions should you venture out on longer tours in nature. However, company is also important. When climbing in the summer, the mountain sportswoman likes to be by herself, but on ski tours she always has at least one other person with her. This not only provides entertainment on the tours, which often last several hours, but also ensures greater safety.
Start well equipped
In contrast to hikes in summer, when sometimes only enough water is packed, Verena is always fully packed for ski tours. In addition to at least one extra muesli bar and sufficient drinks, the necessary safety equipment should also definitely always be with you. Both an avalanche shovel, an avalanche beeper including probe and search device, as well as a first aid kit should not be missing in any touring equipment.
On the mountain, you should also always have extra clothing for unexpected weather changes. But as long as the weather holds and the sun shines, a good pair of sunglasses should not be missing.
"Especially in nice weather, a good pair of sunglasses is an essential companion on my tours."
Style is not neglected either - as a sports influencer with over 24,000 followers only on Instagram, Verena is perfectly equipped with the glasses from J-Athletics. In addition to an extremely extensive color selection to match any outfit, the different models also provide perfect protection from the sun and better contrasts in the snow.
Mountain athlete fitness advice
General fitness is also important for mountain sports - whether in winter or summer. With exercises at home, you can still help your athletic progress. A classic all-round exercise for the whole body is the plank - it is almost never missing from Verena's training.
Don't forgo your stretching exercises! Just like strength training, they provide the necessary stability and energy on the tours. Therefore, you have to take enough time for both in your training.
The hip flexors and knees are places that you should always keep active as a mountain athlete. There are numerous exercises for this on the Internet. However, it is important to perform the exercises correctly. Every now and then you can also turn to a professional who will correct any mistakes in the training.
Now it's your turn
The mountains are the ideal destination for nature lovers. But no matter whether hobby hikers or extreme athletes: every tour required appropriate preparation and planning. So nothing stands in the way of the next mountain adventure.
