Highlights Zakopane and Strbske Pleso – The Tatras are located in the Carpathian Mountains, drawing the border between Poland and Slovakia. The highest peak in the Tatras (and the Capathian Mountains) is Gerlachovsky štít at 2,655 meters. Lomnicky štít (2,633 meters), the third highest peak in the Carpathian Mountains, is easily accessible from a cable-car in Slovakia. The vast majority of peaks in the Tatras reach above 2200 meters of altitude and are very alpine in look.
One particular feature of this mountain range is it’s climate which is heavily influenced by its northern location (approximately on the same latitude as Paris). The tree line sits at around 1500 meters (versus 2300 meters in the Alps), so that even a peak that is barely above 2000 meters, looks a lot higher than it actually is.
While the higher elevations of the mountains tend to be a sequence of rugged, rocky ridges, the lower portions of the mountains are carpeted with some of Europe’s most beautiful fir and spruce forests, and because most valleys are unspoiled by roads, cars or infrastructure, the impression one gets is that of a beautiful and remote place. Still, there also are a few cable cars which facilitate access, particularly on the Slovakian side.
September 24: meet in Geneva and take private bus to Courmayeur
September 25-27: hike above Courmayeur, Italy’s oldest resort mountain resort
September 28: private bus to Cogne
September 29-October 1 hike in Gran Paradiso National Park
October 2: private bus to Chamonix
October 3-4: hike beneath Mont Blanc the highest mountain in the Alps
October 5: train to Geneva or on to your next destination
Valnontey high valley, starting point for high-mountain tours, behind the crest of the Gran Paradiso, Cogne, Gran Paradiso, Alps, Autonomous Region of Valle d' Aosta, Italy
Girl on summit of mountain peak with a valley covered with pine forest at background. Gran Paradiso National Park - Cogne - Aosta Valley
Chamois in the Alps in the Grand Paradis national park. Italy.
Alpine trail in the Gran Paradiso National Park
Lillaz Waterfall,Valle D'aosta,Italy
Aosta Valley, known for the iconic, snow-capped peaks the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso
Highlights – Cogne: Located in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park, is a hidden gem in the Val D’Aosta region of northern Italy. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Cogne offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and lush valleys. The village itself is charming, with traditional stone houses and picturesque streets that exude authentic alpine character. Cogne is a paradise for hikers, with numerous trails leading to serene mountain lakes, verdant meadows, and panoramic viewpoints. The area is rich in wildlife, providing opportunities to spot ibex, chamois, and golden eagles. Additionally, Cogne is renowned for its warm hospitality and delicious local cuisine, featuring specialties like polenta, fontina cheese, and hearty mountain fare. With its combination of pristine nature, outdoor adventure, and cultural richness.
Highlights – Courmayeur: Italy’s oldest mountain resort town, is a captivating destination nestled in the Aosta Valley at the foot of Mont Blanc. Renowned for its luxurious charm and stunning alpine scenery, Courmayeur offers an array of outdoor adventures, from scenic hikes to thrilling mountaineering. The town itself is picturesque, with charming streets lined with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and gourmet restaurants serving delectable Italian cuisine. Hikers will be enthralled by the panoramic trails that offer breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and crystal-clear mountain streams. The Skyway Monte Bianco cable car provides a spectacular ride up to Punta Helbronner, where you can enjoy unparalleled vistas of the Mont Blanc massif. With its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant atmosphere, Courmayeur is a must-visit highlight on any alpine tour.
Highlights – Chamonix: Nestled at the base of Mont Blanc in the French Alps, is a world-renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Known as the birthplace of alpine mountaineering, Chamonix offers unparalleled access to some of the most stunning and dramatic mountain scenery in Europe. The village itself is vibrant, with a mix of traditional alpine charm and modern amenities, including a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants that showcase the best of French cuisine. Hikers will find a wealth of trails that provide breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks. The Aiguille du Midi cable car, one of the highest in the world, offers a thrilling ascent to panoramic vistas of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains. Chamonix’s rich history, combined with its dynamic outdoor activities and scenic beauty, make it a highlight of any tour through the Alps.
Lead Guide: Shannon Harris, Cristiano Berta, Lynne Laflamme
Call 478/714-0829 to book your vacation or for more details.
Highlights – Selva: Selva Gardena is situated at an altitude of 1563 meters (5,126 feet) above sea level. The charming town is in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Dolomites, Val Gardena, and is surrounded by the mountains Sella and Sassolungo. Hiking here is like no other place in the Alps. The amazing shapes of the mountains will leave an impression of how grand and diverse the Alps are. Stunningly beautiful.
Highlights – Neuschwanstein Castle: Enroute from Ginzling to Neustift we visit the famous Neuschawnstein Castle. The castle was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and in honor of Richard Wagner. A beautiful place especially in the Fall when the leaves are changing.
Highlights – Neustift: Top of Tyrol is a mountain-top viewing platform placed above the Stubai Glacier at 3210 meters (10,528 feet.) The view is amazing. In the distance you can see the unique shapes of the Dolomites. Seeing them from afar really adds to the grandeur of hiking them.
Guides: Cristiano Berta, John Wigington, Lynne Laflamme
Call 478/714-0829 to book your vacation or for more details.
Highlights – Zermatt: The Matterhorn and the Matter valley, surrounded by 30 peaks topping 4,000 m (13,000 ft.); the Monte Rosa massif and Dufourspitze, the highest point in Switzerland; Gornergrat, a cog railway that travels 3,089 m (10,134 ft.) to an impressive overlook, and the Klein Matterhorn, the end point of Switzerlands’s highest cable car at 3,820 m (12,533 ft.) terrific. Having such impressive gondolas and cable cars and cog trains to our trail heads helps us keep above tree line affording incredible views of an area that holds 3/4 of all 4000-meter peaks in the Alps.
Highlights – Muerren: The Lauterbrunnen Valley seen from the village of Muerren is one of the best views in the Alps. The remote Obersteinberg hamlet deep in the mountains above Lauterbrunnen Valley is a do not miss hike when visiting Switzerland (Shannon’s favorite hike in Switzerland); plus Staubbach Falls, Trümmelbach Falls, and Schmadri Falls and Höldribach Falls make the Lauterbrunnen a top tier Swiss hiking get away.
Lead Guide: Shannon Harris, Cristiano Berta, John Wigington
Call 478/714-0829 to book your vacation or for more details.
Highlights – Zermatt: The Matterhorn and the Matter valley, surrounded by 30 peaks topping 4,000 m (13,000 ft.); the Monte Rosa massif and Dufourspitze, the highest point in Switzerland; Gornergrat, a cog railway that travels 3,089 m (10,134 ft.) to an impressive overlook, and the Klein Matterhorn, the end point of Switzerland’s highest cable car at 3,820 m (12,533 ft.) terrific. Having such impressive gondolas and cable cars and cog trains to our trail heads helps us keep above tree line affording incredible views of an area that holds 3/4 of all 4000-meter peaks in the Alps.
Highlights – Muerren: The Jungfrau massif (Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau); Lauterbrunnen Valley, including remote Obersteinberg hamlet; Staubbach, Trümmelbach, and Höldribach falls; mountain pass of Klein Scheidegg; Jungfraujoch (aka the Top of Europe railway station) are a few of the amazing sights around the village of Muerren. The view from the Hotel Eiger in Muerren has to be seen to be believed.
Highlights – Sils Maria: Sils Maria a small village as charming as one can be is just 20 minutes from glitzy St. Moritz. St. Moritz is well know for good reason it is in the center of some of the best hiking and outdoor activities in Switzerland as is Sils Maria but without the glitz just unmatched charm. The Upper Engadine is certainly one of the most impressive landscapes in Switzerland. Sils Maria The gate to the romantic Fex Valley is idyllically embedded between Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana. With only 750 inhabitants, Sils presents itself in an introspective, familiar and inviting manner. Besides the tremendous natural experience, the cultural offerings are also exquisite.
Guides: Dr. Valerie Jones, Mr. Shannon Harris and Mr. Cristiano Berta
Our Accessible Swiss Hiking Tours:
Accessible Swiss Adventure Tours are the brain-child of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician Val Jones, MD. She believes the Alps provide a unique opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts with disabilities to enjoy an immersive, life-changing travel experience. For more information about their accessible tours visit: Accessible Alpine Adventure Tours 501(c)3
“These tours are an exciting motivator for newly disabled individuals. The possibility of participating in something so challenging and beautiful gives hope and a reason to strive hard at the earliest stages of recovery – when it matters most” says Dr. Jones.
“Switzerland is ideally positioned to support people with disabilities because the mobility infrastructure is already in place. They have trains, gondolas, lifts, eBikes, recreational vehicles, and helicopters everywhere.”
“We chose to partner with Alpine Adventure Trails and Tours because they’re a family-owned U.S. company that has been running trips to the alps since 1977. They have deep knowledge of the local trails, mobility options, as well as access to multi-lingual local guides and relationships with hoteliers and restaurant owners who have embraced accessibility” adds Dr. Jones.
Lead Guides
Val Jones, MD
Dr. Jones received her medical degree at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and completed her residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation in 2006. She has been a medical director and traveling physician for the past 17 years, with licenses in 20 states, an academic appointment at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, and extensive experience with stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury recovery. She most recently was the founding medical director at HCA Florida JFK Hospital.
She is an amateur athlete, whose childhood love of downhill skiing led her to attend Swiss Challenge (organized by the American School in Switzerland) where she had her first exposure to the alps in 1985. She much later planned to join the Canadian Ski Patrol, but suffered a severe knee injury during a race in Austria and switched her focus to hiking and strength training. As a “Master’s athlete” she now enjoys low-risk outdoor activities, culinary delicacies, and helping others achieve their physical and health goals. Dr. Jones believes that this recce will be the first step in unifying her rehab career with her passion for alpine activities.
Christiano Berta
Cristiano grew up in a family of mountain guides with a long tradition of mountaineering. He comes from a little mountain town nestled somewhere in the Italian Alps close to the French border. The Alps are his natural environment, having hiked, mountaineered, skied and climbed since a tender age, and whenever he spends a few weeks away from the familiarity of his peaks, he begins to long for them. He is convinced that mountains are more than just elevations of the earth’s surface, and that hiking is more than a sport. He firmly believes that the combination of majestic mountain scenery and the act of hiking bring a sense of uplifting and self-awareness, contributing to personal growth.
He is very knowledgeable about the Western Alps, particularly about the lesser known regions of Piedmont and the Aosta Valley. In recent years he has started exploring new mountain ranges across Europe, namely the High Tatras in Poland and the Transylvanian Alps in Romania, where he went through some memorable experiences, such as encountering brown bears or being caught in a snowstorm in the middle of the summer.
He enjoys the company of others, and is always happy to share some of his personal stories and knowledge of the Alps.
Partners
Medical Evacuation and Travel Assistance
Support
Interested in becoming a partner or sponsoring a tour, therapist, or hiker?
Contact: Shannon Harris at Alpine Adventure Trails and Tours: 478-714-0829 or alpine@swisshiking.com.
Highlights – Saas-Fee: The Mischabel Range in the Pennine Alps with the Dom, Täschhorn, and six other peaks topping 4,000 m (13,123 ft.) surround the village of Saas-Fee. Whether you’re interested in gentle hiking or high altitude alpine treks, Saas-Fee is the answer. There are 217 miles of trails above the Saas Valley that provide views of 18 impressive 4,000-metre peaks. We receive a lot of complements about Hotel Allalin and comments along the line that they had no idea how beautiful Saas Fee is. They also like the pace of the town much more low key than most places.
Highlights – Muerren: The Lauterbrunnen Valley seen from the village of Muerren is one of the best views in the Alps. The remote Obersteinberg hamlet deep in the mountains above Lauterbrunnen Valley is a do not miss hike when visiting Switzerland (Shannon’s favorite hike in Switzerland); plus Staubbach Falls, Trümmelbach Falls, and Schmadri Falls and Höldribach Falls make the Lauterbrunnen a top tier Swiss hiking get away.
Lead Guide: Shannon Harris, Cristiano Berta
Testimonials:
Shannon…I’m still getting my feet back on the ground from the high I experienced in Switzerland! But seriously, I can’t tell you what a fabulous experience it was for me. Definitely a credit to your personal involvement and management, along with the support of Carrie and Lynn.
– Jerry Fleishman (Saas Fee and Muerren, Switzerland)
Call 478/714-0829 to book your vacation or for more details.
Highlights – Zermatt: The Matterhorn and the Matter valley, surrounded by 30 peaks topping 4,000 m (13,000 ft.); the Monte Rosa massif and Dufourspitze, the highest point in Switzerland; Gornergrat, a cog railway that travels 3,089 m (10,134 ft.) to an impressive overlook, and the Klein Matterhorn, the end point of Switzerlands’s highest cable car at 3,820 m (12,533 ft.) terrific. Having such impressive gondolas and cable cars and cog trains to our trail heads helps us keep above tree line affording incredible views of an area that holds 3/4 of all 4000-meter peaks in the Alps
Highlights – Sils Maria: Sils Maria a small village as charming as one can be is just 20 minutes from glitzy St. Moritz. St. Moritz is well know for good reason it is in the center of some of the best hiking and outdoor activities in Switzerland as is Sils Maria but without the glitz just unmatched charm. The Upper Engadine is certainly one of the most impressive landscapes in Switzerland. Sils Maria The gate to the romantic Fex Valley is idyllically embedded between Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana. With only 750 inhabitants, Sils presents itself in an introspective, familiar and inviting manner. Besides the tremendous natural experience, the cultural offerings are also exquisite.
Highlights – Kandersteg: Situated in the Bernese Highlands surrounded by 12,000-foot summits, Kandersteg is a great base to relish the traditional alpine lifestyle. A small farming village of 1,200, this place of unspoiled natural beauty is a mecca for hikers. The surrounding area holds secluded valleys, remote glacial lakes, hidden alps, and quaint mountaineering huts. Towering above this maze of hiking trails are glaciers that lead to four spectacular summits, the Doldenhorn, Frudenhorn, Oeschinenhorn, and Bluëmilsalphorn.
Highlights – Grindelwald: The Jungfrau massif (Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau); high mountain passes of Kleine Scheidegg and Grosse Scheidegg; and the hike from Grindelwald to the historic Mountain Lodge Faulhorn, with panoramic views over lakes Thun and Brienz; upper and lower glaciers of Grindelwald, Thunersee, Brienz See, and Interlaken; dairy farms and local cheeses and one of the best day hikes in the Alps the route above Grindelwald from First to Schynige Platte.
Highlights – Muerren: The Jungfrau massif (Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau); Lauterbrunnen Valley, including remote Obersteinberg hamlet; Staubbach, Trümmelbach, and Höldribach falls; mountain pass of Klein Scheidegg; Jungfraujoch (aka the Top of Europe railway station) are a few of the amazing sights around the village of Muerren. The view from the Hotel Eiger in Muerren has to be seen to be believed.
Highlights – Henningsvaer: Often referred to as the “Venice of Lofoten,” is a picturesque fishing village characterized by its charming, colorful houses and narrow waterways. Nestled amidst dramatic mountains and crystal-clear waters, it offers stunning coastal scenery and numerous photo opportunities. The village is also a cultural hub, home to several galleries, including the KaviarFactory, which features contemporary art in a converted caviar factory. Rich in fishing heritage, Henningsvaer provides insights into the local cod fishing industry, with opportunities to visit traditional fishing huts (rorbuer). For outdoor enthusiasts, the village offers excellent climbing and hiking opportunities, with trails leading to panoramic viewpoints and rugged coastal paths.
Highlights – Nusfjord: One of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fishing villages, offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. The village’s charming rorbuer (traditional fishing huts) provide a glimpse into the life of Norwegian fishermen. Visitors can explore the historic buildings, including the old general store and the fish oil factory, which offer insights into the village’s rich fishing heritage. Surrounded by towering mountains and serene fjords, Nusfjord is a haven for nature lovers, with stunning landscapes perfect for hiking and photography. The clear waters around Nusfjord are ideal for kayaking and fishing, providing opportunities to experience the tranquil beauty of the region up close. Additionally, the village boasts a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with local cafes and restaurants offering delicious, fresh seafood.
Highlights – Reine: Often described as one of the most beautiful villages in Norway, is a gem in the Lofoten Archipelago. Nestled between dramatic peaks and pristine fjords, Reine offers breathtaking landscapes that captivate photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. The iconic view from Reinebringen summit provides a panoramic vista of the village, fjords, and surrounding mountains, making it a must-visit for hikers. The charming red and white fishermen’s cabins (rorbuer) along the waterfront add to the village’s picturesque appeal. Reine’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for kayaking, offering a unique perspective of the stunning surroundings. The village is also a hub for fishing, allowing visitors to experience local traditions and savor fresh seafood delicacies. With its blend of natural beauty and authentic Norwegian charm, Reine is a highlight of any Lofoten adventure.
Guides: Shannon Harris, Carrie Carlquist, Steve Reynolds
Call 478/714-0829 to book your vacation or for more details.
Highlights – Portee: the main town on Skye. Its name comes from the Gaelic Port-an-Righ,which translates as “King’s Port” and dates to a visit by King James V, plus a fleet of warships, in 1540, to persuade the island clans to support him. It had earlier been known as Kiltraglen. The centre of life in Portree is its harbor. This is in a superb natural setting, being surrounded by high ground and cliffs.
Highlights – Cuillin: a mountain range on the Isle of Skye. The true Cuillin is also known as the Black Cuillin to distinguish it from the Red Cuillin (na Beanntan Dearga, known locally as Red Hills). The space between these mountains is Glen Sligachan a large valley green and lush covered in heather. The glen viewed with the jagged ridges and peaks of the Cuillin is an amazing sight.
Highlights – MacLeod’s Tables: two impressive flat-topped mountains, Healabhal Beag and Healabhal Mor. They rise in gentle contrast to the jagged peaks of the Black Cuillin. The hike to the summit of Healabhal Beag is exhilarating and the views are breath-taking.
Highlights – Edinburgh: an amazing fun and beautiful city with a fascinating history. There are so many wonderful things to see that many guests like to arrive a few days before the trip to see the sights: Edinburgh Castle, National Galleries and National Museum and Rosslyn Chapel. Rosslyn Chapel is especially well worth the visit its simply amazing. The history and beauty together leave a moving & lasting impression.
Guides: Shannon Harris and Carrie Carlquist
Call 478/714-0829 to book your vacation or for more details.
