02 Jul Hiking in the Alps: Our 5 top ideas to get off the beaten track

So, you want to hike in the Alps but not be surrounded by people? We agree, hiking in the Alps is about getting off the beaten track. But where is best to do this?

1. Pit stops with access

We always start in a geographical area that offers a lot of choice. We love the valleys between the Matterhorn and the Mont Blanc. This whole geographical area has so many lateral valleys that are really only ever explored by the locals. Because these areas are so far off the beaten track there are not a lot of hotels to choose from. But, we can show you charming pit stops in just the right place for you to be able to access these valleys with little transport. We have a well-researched list of these types of places, pit stops with great hiking access.

2. Three countries, one trip

Hiking in this area positions you a stone’s throw from three different countries at all times. This is such a highlight for us, hiking on the border of Italy and Switzerland or Switzerland and France or France and Italy. Take your pick. There is something mind-blowing about hiking off the beaten track in the Alps, finishing in a different country each evening. All of these sorts of hikes are high on our list of top spots to explore while you are here.

3. Hike to a mountain refuge

This really is a highlight. In this area, the highest area of the Alps in Eastern Europe, the refuges are used by experienced climbers looking for access to very high peaks. They sleep here before making the push for the summit really early the next day. Experiencing these refuges gives us a glimpse into the life of the serious mountaineer. The terrain that can be accessed from these refuges takes ‘off the beaten track’ to another level. They certainly offer dramatic hiking that is unique to the Alps. This is how we gain access to that high mountain Alpine climbing world that some of us only read about or see in films. The highest refuge in the Alps is the Margherita Hut at 4554 meters, check it out here

4. Discover glaciers

With some technical equipment, a qualified guide and, often, a kick start with a ski lift, we get to explore the glacier. This really is the cherry on top of Alpine hiking. It gives you the experience of what the mountains are all about and why they attract such a following. It is not unusual to have 20 degree temperature difference from the cable car base to the glacier, so good equipment is necessary. We think you’ll find it is totally worth it.

5. Get historic

Our area of the Alps is home to many unique quirks dating back hundreds of years. For example, in the past, resilient local people spent a lot of time digging trenches across the mountainside to capture water draining off the steep peaks. This supplied the valley villages as well as the animals feeding on the lush pastures. These amazing trails have now been renovated and restored into fabulous walking tracks. Brilliantly, these trails are relatively flat but they are high, affording them stunning views and a way of moving from one mountain to the next with relative ease. Once again, these trails are well known by the locals but do not attract a lot of visitors from afar. They give us a lovely way to enjoy the more off the beaten track areas of the Alps.

Warm regards from the mountains,

Danielle