We’ve just returned from an incredible week in the Dolomites, Italy. While many flock to the slopes to ski, we prefer the tranquillity of snowshoeing. It’s a more relaxed experience, with fewer people and the added bonus of having our dogs with us on every trek.

The weather couldn’t have been better - five out of seven days were sunny! This gave us the chance to catch those stunning winter sunrises and sunsets, which have become a favourite part of my trek planning lately. The colours at these times are breathtakingly vibrant, painting the snowy landscapes in a magical light.

To catch these sunsets, we started our walk in the early afternoon. The exercise quickly warmed us up as we made our way up the trails, but at the summit, where temperatures often dropped to -10°C with biting winds, it got chilly. We bundled up, took in the views and enjoyed the warm glow of the setting sun before heading back down. A hot cup of coffee made the moments at the top not only bearable but enjoyable - sharing the experience with our dogs made it all the more memorable.

The descent after sunset was a completely different experience. The moonlight reflecting off the snow created a serene, otherworldly atmosphere - we didn’t even need our headlamps!

When I hike in winter, I always pack dry clothes to change into at the summit and make sure I have something warm clothes for the dogs. For milder conditions, the Hurtta Warming Midlayer ECO dog jacket works perfectly, but for colder days, the Hurtta Extreme Warmer III ECO dog winter jacket has proved indispensable. The extra warmth was particularly appreciated when waiting for the sun to set or on walks when the sun has not been out during the day and the air feels much colder. Lugz, who is more susceptible to the cold than our double-coated Noora, definitely appreciated the extra insulation from the two layers on those particularly frosty days.