Mount Sannine in winter is not a hike — it’s a test of discipline, preparation, and mental strength. When snow turns to ice and the temperature drops below zero, this mountain shows its true face. Only experienced hikers with proper winter equipment should even consider attempting it.

At Highlanders961, we’ve faced Sannine in full winter conditions more than once — without shortcuts, without illusions, and without compromising safety.

Real Winter Experience on Mount Sannine

First Winter Attempt – Qanat Bakich to Mzar Route

Our first winter ascent of Mount Sannine was from Qanat Bakich, following a slightly horizontal ascent that gradually leads toward Mzar Summit of Faraya.

• Snow was present but not heavily icy at the start

• This was our first winter attempt without a group, only guides and assistants

• The higher we climbed, the more the trail turned into hard ice

• Total ascent:

  • 4 km

  • 4 hours

• Slipping became constant — every few meters

• Descent was fast but dangerous:

  • 10 minutes of controlled sliding, relying fully on technique and balance

This route taught us one lesson clearly:

Sannine does not forgive mistakes in winter.

 

 

Second Winter Attempt – Jabal El Zaarour - Divine Mercy Church Route (With a Group)

The second time was with a fully equipped group, starting from Jabal El Za3rour.

• Terrain: heavily icy

• Weather:

  • Clear and sunny

  • Temperature: –5°C

  • No fog, no wind (rare luck on Sannine)

• Total stats:

  • Elevation gain: 799 meters

  • Distance:

    • 10 km on the mountain

    • 10 km on iced asphalt

Even in good weather, hikers were slipping both uphill and on slanted paths.

Some participants wanted to withdraw at the start — fear was real. But with clear leadership, motivation, and over 6 years of guiding experience, we kept the group together, focused, and safe.

We reached Divine Mercy Church, then returned in total darkness due to late arrival.

Despite fear and exhaustion, every participant finished the hike proud and satisfied — not because it was easy, but because it was earned.

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Why Mount Sannine Winter Routes Are Extreme

• 🧊 Ice replaces snow at higher elevations

• 🌡️ Temperatures drop below zero

• 🌫️ Fog and wind can appear suddenly

• 🧭 Navigation becomes critical

• ❄️ One wrong step can end the hike

This is not a tourist trail.
This is advanced winter mountaineering.

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Difficulty Rating

Level: 🔴 Advanced / Expert Only

❌ Not suitable for:

• Beginners

• Hikers without winter experience

• Anyone missing required gear

• People uncomfortable with exposure or slippery terrain

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Required Gear (Non-Negotiable)

To join a Mount Sannine winter hike with Highlanders961, you must have:

• 🥾 High-ankle waterproof hiking boots

• 🧊 Crampons

• 🥢 Trekking poles

• 🧥 Full waterproof layers

• 🎒 50L backpack

• 🔦 Headlamp

• 🧤 Hat, gloves, face mask

• 🥽 Goggles

• 💧 Enough water

• ⚡ Energy snacks

• ❄️ Full winter gear — no exceptions

If you don’t have the gear, you don’t join.

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Safety Philosophy – How We Guide Winter Hikes

• Group size limited to maximum 20 hikers

• We do not cancel easily — hikers must be fully equipped

• Safety is prioritized over summits

• No one is left behind

• Summit is optional — return is mandatory

Our role is not to push recklessly, but to control risk through experience.

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Photos & Real Proof

We hike what we post.
Real winter photos and videos from Mount Sannine exist — no stock images, no exaggeration.

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Who This Hike Is For

This hike is for:

• Hikers seeking real challenge

• People who respect the mountain

• Those who train, prepare, and commit

• Anyone tired of “easy hikes labeled as hard”

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Want to Join a Real Winter Challenge?

📲 Contact us on WhatsApp before joining
👣 Follow Highlanders961 for upcoming challenge hikes

We don’t sell comfort.
We guide challenges.