18 Mar Become an Alpine hiker

The snow may still be amazing but we are itching to pull on our hiking boots and become an Alpine hiker again. The weather is changing. The days are longer, the birds are singing and we are looking forward to getting out and about in a month or so to explore the trails on foot.

Paths less travelled

We are still in wonder that even after all these years we find very few other Alpine hikers on our favourite trails. Perhaps that’s because when you live in a region that is as widely touristed as ours you are always looking for fresh air on the paths less travelled. Naturally, we start on the lower level hikes and we work up to the more Alpine hikes later, when the snow starts to melt.

It’s time to say hello to everyone

At the start of the season the checking of trails and villages is all about the people. We run into everyone we know: the restauranteurs, bar keepers and hotel managers who are preparing for the season. We touch base before they all take a break, which is generally just before the summer gets going. It is lovely to see old faces, catch up on the news and hear tales of the terrain and the animals who live there. We have recently heard about a family of foxes, chamois and a pack of wolves. This brings up a lively debate amongst the locals and the pros and cons to having the animals in and around the pastures, farms and hiking trails. But that conversation is for a long, sunny, relaxing hike as there are many talking points.

Alpine hiking in between seasons

More and more we love Alpine hiking early in the season. There is something about it being warm and sunny in the middle of the day but still with that freshness in the morning and evenings that makes you feel alive. We particularly like to see the mountains gleaming brightly in the sun, still with snow-capped peaks. It is an interesting time of year, when you can still ski but you can also go for a great hike and get some good exercise. It requires very different clothing of course, but that is also the fun of it.

Combining Alpine hiking and biking

This is an interesting one. Hard core Alpine hikers shake their heads, as do the hard core bikers, but in reality it is in fact a lot of fun. You use different muscles, enjoy different sensations and you are on different terrain at a different speed so the experience is utterly varied. It may mean a little more equipment but not too much more: perhaps a good pair of biking shoes and a pair biking shorts to stay comfortable. It also allows you to combine different days. Shorter days are reserved for hiking and then you can cover a lot more distance on the bike the next day. As the bikes are so quiet, you often come across Alpine animals as well.

So perhaps a little bit of biking on an Alpine hiking trip is the way to get the kids excited about coming out with Mum and Dad for a spot of family time.

If you want to become an Alpine hiker this summer and hike between Switzerland, Italy and France, give us a call. We would be happy to design a trip for you and your loved ones.

Warm regards from the mountains,

Danielle