Hiking in summer- mountain weather
 

Our family of four- 2 adults and 2 seven year-olds will be traveling to Lucerne this coming June. What kind of weather can we expect in the mountains? We would like to hike/walk and I'm not sure what we should bring as far as jackets or shoes. Should we get "hiking" boots- or are lightweight sport-type shoes sufficient? Should we pack a fleece jacket and rainwear? Can we wear shorts and a jacket- or are long pants a must? Help- I've looked everywhere for advice and can't seem to find what I need. Thank!

Since you'll be with two seven-year- olds, I'm assuming you're not talking about hikes of many hours or scrambling-up-rocks type situations. In that case, I find sport-type shoes more comfortable than clunky boots. As far as temperatures are concerned, I would probably plan on shorts but have sweaters and jackets with me in a backpack. I would certainly have long pants, raingear and heavier jackets with me on the trip and use my judgement about what to pack for my hike depending on the weather that day.

Weather: Always hard to predict. I'd look at the weather forecast before coming over and pack accordingly. Also look at the webcams to check out the snow situation.
http://www.swisswebcams.ch/deutsch/k....php?cid=3Last year, the weather was great!

Bring a windbreaker (or rainwear) and a fleece jacket for the cooler mountain areas. Bring a backpack to put in any clothes that you won't be wearing during your hike. Bring sunglasses and suntan lotion (it's darn expensive in Switzerland.)

Last year, we hiked in shorts. If you have any of those zip-off pants, they would be great for any type of weather.

We did a fantastic trip last June. We took the Arth-Goldau Rigi Bahn up to Rigi Kulm. We walked to the top and then down to Rigi Staffel. Then we took the Rigi Bahn down to Vitznau. We then took the ferry to Weggis. Then we walked up to the Weggis cable car that took us back up to the Rigi. We walked from Rigi Kaltbad to Rigi Klosterli, doing the "cliff" trail. Very, very beautiful and interesting. We stopped at an alpine hut for Swiss coffee. We continued to Rigi Kaltbad. Went into the church for a quick look. Then took the Bahn back down to Arth-Goldau. You can take the train back to Lucerne. It was a sensational day.

I think if you bring lightweight sport-type shoes, you should be fine. I am assuming that you will be doing some hiking in the nearby mountains.

Tschüss!

Inform yourself about the Wanderwege, the Swiss nation-wide system of walking trails, well maintained, family-friendly, that criss-cross everywhere, usually beginning and ending at train stations, bus stations etc. There are special maps you should buy, and learn to follow the distinct yellow markers that show distances in walking time, based on a family like yourselves.

www.swisshiking.ch

http://www.swissmountains.ch/theSHOP...de-ch/d16.html

WK

Thanks for your help! I guess the idea of packing for every possible condition is a must! Thanks for the advice about the maps!

I don't think you need to pack for every possible condition!

If the sun is shining, you will find it warm even if you are on a snowbank.

If the sun is behind the clouds, you will find it cool if you are up in the hills so to speak.

My standard gear is as follows:
GoreTex rain outfit (jacket and pants).
PolarFleece pullover, cap, lug soled boots, two pairs of socks (one liner pair, one heavy outer pair). As ancillary gear, I have WATEr, sun glasses, sun screen, a little energy food, and a map.

My hiking trousers zip off at the leg.
Last year in June I was hiking in the snow with my bare legs showing.
Sweating in the snow, strange feeling.

I take along rain gear because you never know. Mountains tend to make their own weather. I don't like to gamble that the day will be perfect. Others do it, but my luck is not that of the lucky person.

Hi mamaj -

With two younguns, you probably won't be scaling any mountains, so I'd suggest sticking with the basics.

We've hiked in Switzerland on several occasions at different times of year and we've found that the following works for us:

A waterproof layer (with hood) that fits over a fleece layer, so each can be worth separately or together.

A hat and mittens stashed away in our backpack.

Water, snacks, hiking poles (optional but handy), shades, sunscreen, and CAMERA

My husband likes his over-the-ankle hiking boots, but I prefer my low cut light weight hikers - they're less clunky and I wear them for hiking and just kicking about.

Sometimes we actually remember to take a map, but regardless we've yet to get lost as trails in Switzerland are so well marked.

Only wished I'd worn shorts in Switzerland once and that was in early September.

Have fun!