Hiking & trekking
How to approach steep scree descents safely using zigzag routes controlled steps and pack adjustments to maintain balance.
A practical, field-tested guide to navigating scree with confidence through deliberate zigzag paths, steady pace control, and thoughtful gear adjustments that preserve balance on challenging alpine descents.
Published by
Brian Hughes
July 30, 2025 - 3 min Read
Navigating a steep scree descent requires a calm, deliberate mindset before you even move. Scan the slope in advance to identify broken rhythm zones, loose patches, and stable ledges where you can pause briefly if needed. Begin with a low center of gravity, hips over your feet, and a slight bend in the knees to absorb each step. Keep your gaze a few meters ahead rather than fixating on the ground directly beneath your boots. Adopt a steady tempo rather than racing down the incline. Your objective is predictable progress, not dramatic speed, which helps minimize sudden slips or shifting weight that can destabilize you on loose rock.
The zigzag technique transforms a near-vertical tumble into a series of manageable segments. Rather than marching straight down, angle your descent across the slope in a shallow S or zigzag pattern. Each traverse reduces the vertical drop you experience with every step and distributes your weight more evenly across the scree surface. Concentrate on placing the sole of your boot toward stable, compact patches rather than loose dust. When you reach a switchback, pause briefly to verify footing and adjust your body alignment. This method protects your ankles and knees by maintaining a continuous, controlled flow instead of abrupt, isolated movements.
Zigzag path planning and steady cadence keep the descent controlled.
Your balance is built through posture and controlled breathing. Stand tall enough to keep your hips over your center of gravity, but not so upright that you tighten your joints. Exhale slowly as your weight shifts to the new foothold, allowing your legs to absorb shocks rather than resisting them. Use your trekking poles lightly, if at all, to avoid creating a rash of microadjustments that can throw you off balance. The aim is a smooth, almost unnoticeable chain of small steps. When the surface shifts or a pebble slides, your trained stance helps you recover without overcorrecting.
Pack management directly affects stability on scree. If your pack rides high, it amplifies forward weight and can throw off your balance with even a slight kick of momentum. Adjust the hip belt so the load sits on your hips rather than your shoulders, and tighten shoulder straps just enough to prevent sagging. Rebalance frequently by taking a moment at flat sections to recheck the pack’s center of mass. If possible, distribute heavier items lower and closer to your spine. Keep zippers and unsecured straps secured to avoid snagging on loose rock. A balanced pack acts like a counterweight, stabilizing your entire body during cautious steps.
Pace control, visual cues, and careful foot placement matter most.
When you choose a zigzag path, select anchors at each switchback that feel solid underfoot. Step into compact patches that won’t shift under pressure, and avoid patches of powdery scree that seem ready to avalanche with your weight. Your cadence should be unhurried, with micro-pauses at deliberate intervals to reassess. If you feel your feet start to slide, lower your center further by bending the knees and widening your stance slightly to increase friction. Remember that the goal is to maintain contact with the ground and control—never let momentum dictate your movements on an unstable surface.
Visual cues help you navigate inconsistent scree. Watch for areas where the scree forms natural steps or consolidated ridges that provide firmer footing. Use these as landmarks to guide your descent, but don’t cling to them as fixed routes; weather and disturbance can alter rock stability. Maintain even pressure on both feet to prevent sudden shifts, and periodically switch weights to avoid fatiguing one leg. If you’re carrying a heavy pack, pause on a stable shelf to reestablish balance and plan the next few meters. Staying mindful of footing creates a safer, more predictable descent.
Gear adjustments and technique combine for safer scree passage.
A well-tuned breath pattern helps synchronize your movements with the slope’s demands. Inhale to reset between steps, and exhale as you settle your weight onto the next foothold. This rhythm reduces tension in the shoulders and jaw, freeing up finer motor control for precise foot placement. Keep your feet pointed slightly inward so the toes guide the sole toward broad, stable contact patches. If the terrain steepens, shorten your step length and increase your grip on the soil with the entire sole. Fine-tuned control reduces the risk of a sudden slip that could escalate into a longer, more dangerous fall.
When the surface becomes extremely loose, rely on deliberate, incremental progress rather than any aggressive downward push. Small adjustments, even if slower, prevent larger, uncontrollable shifts. Use pause points to assess the line of descent and confirm that each next foothold is secure before committing weight. The decision to proceed should be influenced by the stability of the rock beneath your feet rather than a clock or a sense of urgency. If you encounter a patch where you’re unsure, backtrack slightly to a more reliable stance and choose an alternative route.
Mental clarity and contingency planning are essential on scree.
Footwear choice is foundational for scree work. Shoes with a moderately sticky rubber and a secure toe box reduce the risk of sliding off small pebbles. Ensure laces are snug but comfortable, allowing precise toe articulation without foot fatigue. In wet conditions, consider gaiters or waterproof, grippy socks to keep debris out of your boots and maintain consistent traction. Layered clothing should enable rapid adjustment to temperature changes as you slow down or stop frequently. The right combination of footwear and clothing supports a steady, controlled descent, enabling you to focus on path selection rather than discomfort.
Use your poles or trekking poles to improve balance without overreliance. Plant them lightly on the slope to create micro-support points that can help your center of gravity shift gradually. Avoid driving force into the ground with each pole; instead, let them act as stabilizers during tricky steps. Shorten their length slightly on steeper segments to keep your hands in a position that prevents overextension. If you’re using two poles, alternate weight transfers between sides to maintain symmetrical balance and minimize torsional stress on your knees and hips.
Before you begin the descent, establish a clear plan for the next few meters and visualize your foot placements. This mental rehearsal reduces hesitation and helps you respond quickly to shifting terrain. Keep a contingency path in mind, such as a slightly longer zigzag or a pause at a stable rock shelf where you can regroup. If a piece of scree loosens underfoot, maintain composure and execute a controlled step away from the fracture. Your confidence grows as you repeatedly practice the method in varied conditions, reinforcing muscle memory for future hikes.
Regular review after a scree descent supports long-term safety. Reflect on what went well: stable foot placements, calm breathing, and efficient pack balance. Note any moments of confusion or hesitation and consider technical refinements for the next trip, such as adjusting footwear fit or pack load distribution. Share learnings with hiking partners so everyone benefits from improved technique. With consistent practice, the zigzag approach, controlled steps, and precise pack adjustments become second nature, transforming tricky scree descents from feared sections into predictable, manageable segments that preserve energy and reduce the risk of injury.
