Get ready for hiking season!

"Being in lockdown makes you realise how great being outside is!" That’s how Sidas ambassador Foutrak views isolation. Staying positive, she’s using these weeks inside to prepare for the hiking season, fine-tuning plans and dreaming up new routes. Joined by Lily Running and Brice Sarti, our three enthusiasts share their tips for a great hiking season and some lesser-known trails worth a detour.

Advice to Prepare for Hiking Season

As we all long for nature more than ever, here are some tips to make sure you’re ready to get back out there, relaxed and prepared. Your feet are your best allies when hiking, so it’s important to take care of them before, during, and after your hike. These four tips will help prevent pain, blisters, and bruised toenails as you hit the trails again.

Preparation

We are not born hikers; we become them. Just like any other skill, you must try, practice, and improve. Training is essential, and it’s equally important to respect the principle of gradual progress in difficulty and prepare your feet. Try a traditional remedy: alternating between lemon juice and anti-friction cream daily on your feet in the days before your hike to build strength without drying out your skin.

The Run-Up

Prevention is better than cure. This advice holds especially true for hiking:

• Locate shelters, water points, and grocery stores on your map to avoid overloading your bag or running out of supplies.
• Treat any discomfort as it arises. Waiting until the evening to treat a blister or bruised toenail will make it difficult to continue walking the next day!

To take care of your feet, use a complete foot care kit with anti-friction gel, recovery cryo gel, and lightweight, durable Silitene-T (second skin) plasters.

Knowing Your Equipment

Your gear can make all the difference for a great hike. An equipped hiker is:

• A hiker with familiar, not new equipment, using only gear they know how to operate.
• A hiker with well-broken-in shoes that have covered 200-300km, about halfway through their lifespan.
• A hiker with quality insoles for long-term comfort.
• A hiker who uses trekking poles to prevent back and knee strain.

Recovery

For multi-day routes, recovery after each stage is essential to start every morning strong. To optimize recovery:

• Follow a simple but effective routine, including repacking and drying your gear.
• Care for your feet by treating blisters or blackened toenails, massaging the arches, and wearing recovery sandals while your shoes air out.

Dream Hikes

Each of our three outdoor lovers has their unique style: some prefer rolling trails, others steep ridges, and some follow long-distance paths. Yet, they share two things: a passion they’ve mastered over time and a curiosity for hidden trails worth exploring. They offer their insights and love for these lesser-known routes to inspire your next adventure.

TOUR DES COULMES "When this gloomy period of isolation ends, I think the Tour des Coulmes is perfect to reconnect with nature."

BRICE SARTI: A “mountain artisan” and founder of A Piuma, Brice has guided groups on the GR20 in Corsica for nearly ten years. He recommends unique paths off the classic GR20 for a more authentic experience.

THE UNIQUE GR20: "A wilder and unique version of the GR20, beyond the classic route!"

THE GR 70: "I usually prefer wilder routes, but the cultural discoveries along the GR70 created unforgettable memories."