Cold weather and steep slopes both affect how we burn energy when walking.

        Mountain walkers often choose steeper paths to save energy, but this might not be a good idea.  People who walk uphill might think it is easier than walking on flat ground because they do not have to move their legs as much.

        However, this is not a good idea in the cold.  When it is cold,  the body has to work harder to stay warm.  This is especially true for people who walk slower.  It is not enough to just climb a steep hill to save energy.  The body is already working hard to keep warm.

        The idea of "steeper is cheaper" has been tested in some studies.  However, these studies have not been done on people who walk slower in the cold.

        It is not easy to walk uphill in the cold.  The body has to work harder to keep warm.  This is why people who walk uphill in the cold might not save energy.

        It is important to think about the slope and the cold when walking in the mountains.  It is not enough to just climb a steep hill to save energy.  The body has to work harder to keep warm.  People who walk uphill in the cold might not save energy.

        People who walk in the mountains should be careful about the slope and the cold.  It is not enough to just climb a steep hill to save energy.  The body has to work harder to keep warm.  People who walk uphill in the cold might not save energy.

        People who walk in the mountains need to think about the slope and the cold.  It is not enough to just climb a steep hill to save energy.  The body has to work harder to keep warm.  People who walk uphill in the cold might not save energy.

Cold Feet and Steep Slopes: Why Mountain Walkers Should Think Twice

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