Wild hiking in the Alps | Luxury hiking safaris | SwisSkiSafari
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01 May Wild hiking in the Swiss Alps

Posted at 14:22h in Hiking by

For wild hiking like no other, a bisse is your best friend. Created centuries ago, bisses are shallow channels carved out of rock and soil into the sides of the mountains. They were originally designed to carry water from the Alpine peaks to the surrounding valleys to irrigate fields, fruit groves and vineyards. Many of them still do carry water and, luckily for us, the walkways alongside the bisses have now become wonderful hiking trails. These allow us access to some areas of the Alps which would otherwise be completely inaccessible by foot.

Access all areas

Some of these bisse trails are spectacular. Think real wild hiking through forests and over suspended bridges sometimes with hundreds of meters of valley stretched out below you. The more exposed ones have ropes to hold on to as you explore the side of the mountain. There are many famous bisses, and one of them is in the Valais region, where I live. It can now be seen on our 100-franc bank note. However, many others form part of the lower-level hiking trails here and are only known to the locals. They are not well marked and they are often the more interesting paths. These are the ones we like to help you discover.

Wild company

This year we have noticed a difference on wild hiking paths since Covid. The pandemic has not only impacted human behaviour, but the Alpine wildlife too. Taking a wild hike is now more fun than ever, as the chamois and marmottes have reclaimed the land while we have been tucked up at home. Now braver than before, many animals have been spotted observing our hiking groups this spring as we wind through forests and high over river valleys following the bisses.  

So, if you are looking for an easier but beautifully stunning trip, including some bisse hikes may be the way to go.

When we are vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back to nature and the most spectacular areas of the Alps.

Warm regards from the mountains.

Danielle

Check out Laura Leoncini’s podcast
Last weekend I had the privilege of being interviewed for a podcast, which was a lot of fun. Having had no knowledge of the questions beforehand, I was curious to see what would surface during this interview. Laura Leoncini is an Italian girl living in Switzerland and her ‘Job Tales’ podcast is fascinating. Here is a link to her interview with me. So, if you are looking for a career change, check out her podcasts.

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