Swiss Alps

Swiss Alps Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Geneva, Switzerland. Arrive in Geneva by 2:00 p.m. REI Adventures provides one group transfer from the Geneva airport to Verbier (please be sure to arrive in plenty of time to make the group transfer as getting to Verbier independently can be challenging). After checking into our hotel, we’ll have some time to relax before our welcome dinner and group orientation. Dinner included.

• Day 2

  A short cable car ride takes us to an important access point for Verbier’s upper ski area, Les Ruinettes, where our world-class hike begins.  We hike up grassy slopes to the Col du Greblet, and then continue to Col de Chassoure for our first lunch in the spectacular scenery of the Alps, where the green hills roll out like emerald carpets at the base of white glaciers.  After lunch, we’ll drop down to Tortin (6,745’) and then on to the charming ski resort of Siviez, where we overnight at the Hotel de Siviez (5,715’) at the heart of four valleys. Hiking: 1,805’ up, 3,315’ down. Terrain: Grassy trail until Col du Greblet, then we may encounter snowy slopes until mid-late July. All meals included.

• Day 3

  From Siviez, we begin the day with a short transfer to the dam of Lac de Cleuson (7,225’). A pleasant trail near the lake leads us to Col de Prafleuri (9,785’) and some wonderful views of jagged peaks reflected in the water below. We head downward to the enormous dam of Grand Dixence (8,015’), which, at 935 feet, is one of the tallest dams in the world. Located at the end of the Heremence Valley, it is surrounded by imposing peaks and presents a spectacular sight. Our hotel tonight is the Hotel Ritz (7,065’). Hiking: 2,558’ up and 2,790’ down. Terrain: First part is on a four-wheel drive trail, then a rocky trail. All meals included.

• Day 4

  In the morning, we follow the trail along a pristine mountain lake, and then continue our journey hiking toward the glacier of Cheilon, which has cornices so large it resembles a Himalayan peak. Reaching the top of the pass (9,600’), we get our first glimpse of the famous Matterhorn (14,770’), a very jagged, picturesque peak first scaled by British climbers in 1865. We head down to Arolla (6,615’), an appealing village in the French-speaking part of Switzerland for our overnight at the Hotel Mont Collon. Hiking: 2,535’ up and 2,985’ down. Terrain: Easy and flat along the lake, then a long uphill traverse in the meadows, becoming steep and rocky. The day ends with a descent to Arolla. All meals included.

• Day 5

  After breakfast, we transfer to Le Cotter (7,590’) to begin our hike. We ascend easily over the Col de Torrent (9,632’) to charming Lake Moiry, which turns from green to tropical turquoise with the changing sun and reflects the Dent Blanche in the background. A steep descent from the dam of Moiry (7,590’) through the forest and small gorge brings us to the charming village of Grimentz (5,015’), where we’ll overnight at the Hotel Cristal.  Hiking: 2,420’ up and 4,617’ down. Vehicle transfer is possible from the dam to Grimentz. Terrain: Easy through the meadows until the pass, then a gentle downhill past lakes and farms to the dam. From the dam, it’s a steep descent to Grimentz. Breakfast and lunch included.

• Day 6

  We depart Zinal (5,525’), heading over the Col de Forcletta (9,485’). From here, we descend into the spectacular, though very narrow Turtmantal valley and hike into Gruben (5,995’). The Hotel Schwartzhorn is our destination tonight. Hiking: 3,960’ up and 3,490’ down. Terrain: Good trail until the meadow pass, then rocky for one hour before flattening out towards Gruben. All meals included. Shared bathrooms at the Hotel Schwartzhorn.

• Day 7

  Today we hike through larch forests and alpine meadows over the final mountain pass of the trip, L'Augsbordpass (9,550'). After we reach the top and enjoy the fabulous views, a long downhill takes us into St. Niklaus. Here we take a taxi for a scenic drive to the impressive mountain village of Zermatt (5,280'). The Matterhorn stands sentinel at the head of the valley of this charming ski village. Zermatt is car-free, with the exception of electric taxis and buses, and the alpine air is noticeably clear and fresh. We will enjoy our farewell dinner tonight in a charming restaurant where we'll share memories of our journey with our fellow adventurers. Tonight and tomorrow we stay in Zermatt in a comfortable three-star hotel. Hiking: 3,555' up and 5,855' down (it's possible to take the gondola from Jungen down to St. Niklaus eliminating approximately 3,000' of downhill hiking). Terrain: Begin in forest before opening up to meadows. Rocky, undulating trail until final descent to St. Niklaus. All meals included.

• Day 8

  Our last day of hiking brings us to the tiny village of Zmutt (6,385') located at the foot of Mount Cervin. The dramatic alpine scenery and picture postcard views of the iconic Matterhorn will take your breath away. We return to our hotel in Zermatt for our final night where we bid farewell to our guides. Hiking: 1,105' up and down. Terrain: Very gentle trail on the way to Zmutt with an easy downhill lined with typical chalets back to Zermatt. Breakfast included.

• Day 9

  After breakfast we transfer back to Geneva. If you plan to return home today, please schedule your flight for late afternoon or evening. Breakfast included.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.

No single rooms are available for request on this adventure. All group members will be automatically paired with a suitable roommate when possible. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement.

Hotel accommodations as noted; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; experienced bilingual guides; luggage transportation; roundtrip group transfers to and from the Geneva airport.

Airfare to Geneva; 2 lunches and 2 dinners; soft drinks or alcoholic beverages; optional cable car rides; excess baggage charges; airport taxes (if any); trip cancellation insurance; gratuities; laundry and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated as Vigorous [4]. All trip members should be strong, experienced hikers in excellent physical condition capable of hiking 6 - 8 hours a day (8 - 11 miles) with steep ascents and descents. Trails are often rocky and elevation gains/losses of 3,000’ - 4,000’ daily are common. We hike at altitudes of 5,000-10,000’. We strongly recommend an exercise regimen beginning at least 3-4 months prior to departure consisting of hiking (with as much elevation gain and loss as possible), walking/running, cycling and/or swimming. The fitter you are upon arrival, the more you will be able to enjoy the fabulous scenery that this spectacular alpine region has to offer.

Summer daytime temperatures along our route range from 60 to 75°F.  Evening temperatures generally drop into the 50s.  As we are in the Alps, participants must be prepared for variable weather conditions that can change suddenly and include hot, sunny days, prolonged rainfall and even an occasional dusting of snow.  Please see our recommended gear list for suggestions on what to pack.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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