27 Jan Unique, privately guided Summer trips in the Alps

Unique, privately guided Summer trips in the Alps

The planning for our unique, privately guided Summer trips in the Alps begins in February. This year, June is completely booked already. We love that people are organising their trips well in advance. It is becoming more and more important to do this for boutique hotel availability. 

Each trip element is important

These unique, privately guided summer trips in the Alps are not just about the hiking. We place equal importance on the hotels, guides, routes and restaurants. All these elements combined make these trips memorable, unique experiences. We even place importance on the order of the days. We like to build these trips up leading you to better and better scenery. This allows you to feel as though you are in your own little movie, especially created for you and your group. The trips have a beginning, a middle and an end. We know what day the fatigue sets in and take this into account during the planning stage. This means you can enjoy time to rest and absorb the culture and environment.

Hiking trails in the summer months

We often see late snow fall, meaning there can be snow on the trails at high altitude in summer. This may not sound like a big deal, but hard, icy and slippery trails can cause problems. These snowed-in areas are often tucked away in shaded corners making them tricky to get by. They generally require sure footing and often hide a drop-off below. When dry and clearly identifiable as a trail you would not think twice about hiking here. However, when covered in snow they can be treacherous. You may need a shovel, a rope and poles to help you balance, or you may need to turn back and choose another trail if the snow is thick.

Consistency over intensity

While it is always best to be in good physical shape for your privately guided summer Alpine hiking trip, preparation should be gentle. I am amazed at the injuries people suffer at the last minute when trying to get into shape for a trip. So now I suggest a gentle and slow approach: walking, playing tennis, yoga, aerobics and maybe some gentle gym sessions to get the leg muscles back in action. Consistency is more important than intensity. And as all of our trips are private, we adjust the pace and choose the best trails for you and your fitness level.

Get back to nature and get back to yourself

I recently listened to an interview with ultra-runner and mountaineer Kilian Jornet. One line of his really hit home for me. When he was a child his parents would take him into the forest after dark and turn off the torches to find their way back to the house by using other senses and working with nature through the winds and sounds, its creatures. Often we see nature as something that is external. We go to take pictures, say “wow, that is wonderful” and then go back to our safe places, such as the cities. But the trick is to be a part of it, to sense it, live in it, experience it, participate in it. Sometimes I think this is how we find ourselves again and it helps us put the world and our place in it into perspective.

So come and join us for an adventure this summer.

Warm regards from the mountains.

Danielle