Every season has its own specific hiking requirements. In summer, we enjoy the warm weather, but in winter, when the leaves have fallen from the trees, it is possible to see further and wider, and familiar landscapes take on a completely different mood. It would be wrong to say that winter hikes are harder, but to prepare for them, one must pay attention to details that are not relevant at other times of the year. You must prepare especially carefully if you plan to sleep in the forest in winter – one mistake in the cold weather can turn an adventure into a harsh experience.

Where to put wet footwear? Which fabric to choose for clothing? Is it possible to disturb a sleeping forest animal? And what should you do if you happen to meet an animal face-to-face? Is it possible to spend the night in Latvia by digging snow caves? In the Latvijas valsts meži podcast “Dabā gājējs”, passionate nature lovers – journalist Jānis Kļaviņš and “LVM Rekreācijas un medības” director Egils Ozols – talk about winter hiking strategies and animal behaviour in winter. Both guests are hunters who are not afraid to head out into nature in the harshest conditions – their experience is noteworthy and worth listening to!