The perfect hiking snack: ideas and tips for your mountain munch

Why a good hiking snack matters

Recharging your batteries: why hiking fuel is essential

Hiking might feel like fun, but your body sees it as a proper workout – especially when you’re heading uphill. That means you’re burning a fair few calories. To avoid running out of steam mid-trail, it’s best to top up regularly. A mix of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats keeps blood sugar stable and energy levels high – no crash, just steady power.

Nutrient-rich snacks for long hikes

It’s not just energy you need – your body also craves vitamins and minerals. Think magnesium for your muscles, potassium for your nerves, and healthy fats for stamina. Nuts, dried fruits, or a slice of wholegrain bread with a tasty spread tick all the boxes. And the best part? It all tastes even better at 1,500 metres with a view down into the valley.

Popular hiking snacks: classics and creative twists

Traditional alpine snacks: wurst, cheese and the works

If you’re all about the good old-fashioned snack like grandma used to pack, you’ll want hearty fare: farmhouse bread, speck, cured sausage, cheese, and a crunchy gherkin on the side. Add an apple – job done. Buying local is the way to go. For instance, hard sausages made from Pongau wild game are a regional delicacy you can find at farm shops or local butchers across Ski amadé.

Fresh and healthy options: fruit, nuts and bars

Prefer to keep it light? Apples, bananas, a handful of nuts or a muesli bar are ideal. Dried fruits like dates or figs deliver a quick energy boost. Top tip: try homemade energy balls made from dates, cashews and oats – perfect for hiking, and just as good at your desk or in the kids’ lunchbox.

Here’s a quick recipe:

• 80 g dates (dried and pitted)

• 50 g cashew nuts

• 50 g rolled oats

• 3 tbsp water

• Optional: a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder

• A pinch of sea or rock salt

Chop the dates and cashews, blend with the water, then stir in the other ingredients. Mix well, roll into balls – and voilà! You can even freeze them.

Vegan & vegetarian hiking bites

Hummus with carrot sticks, wholegrain bread with a plant-based spread, or a vegan bar – it’s easy to create a well-balanced snack without any animal products. Just make sure it’s light, nutritious, and well packed – stainless steel containers or beeswax wraps work a treat.

Snacks for every type of hike

Day hikes: quick and simple

Only out for an hour or two? A small snack will do the trick: an apple, a cereal bar, some nuts. A small bottle of water and you’re good to go. But don’t skip breakfast – the mountain won’t forgive that!

Multi-day treks: what to pack

Now it gets serious! For hut-to-hut or backpacking trips, you’ll want durable, compact and calorie-dense food: hard cheese, salami, crispbread, couscous, energy bars – and a sachet of instant coffee to enjoy at the summit in the morning. Bonus tip: freeze-dried trekking meals – lightweight, nourishing, and hot!

Smart packing tips for your trail snack

• hydration, hydration, hydration: at least 1.5 litres of water per person. Unsweetened tea or homemade iced tea adds variety. And don’t wait until you’re thirsty – sip regularly.
• go small, go often: several little bites keep your energy more stable than one big meal.
• sustainable wrapping: stainless steel boxes or beeswax wraps keep things fresh and eco-friendly.

A tasty path to the peak

Whether you’re into hearty speck or fruity energy balls, your hiking snack is your best mountain mate. It powers you up, lifts your mood, and makes every hike that little bit better. So – pack your rucksack, don’t forget your snack, and off you go into the glorious mountains of Ski amadé.