Alps Trips

This trip is rated as Moderate Plus [3-4] and consists of a combination of moderate and more vigorous hiking days. Trip members should be strong, experienced hikers in excellent physical condition and capable of hiking 5-7 hours a day (8-14 miles) on trails with steep ascents and descents. Trails are often rocky and daily elevation gains and losses can exceed 3,000 feet. We hike about 100 miles during the course of the adventure, much of which falls between 6,000-9,000' of elevation.

We strongly recommend beginning a conditioning regimen at least 3-4 months prior to departure that includes hiking and/or walking/running in order to best prepare for the cardiovascular component of this trip. The better shape you're in when you arrive in Chamonix, the more you will enjoy all this amazing itinerary has to offer!

This trip is rated as Moderate [3]. Trip members should be capable of hiking up to 11 miles (up to 6 hours) without major discomfort over terrain with some steep ascents and descents. Portions of the trails are rocky and uneven. Elevation gains/losses range from 1,300’-2,520’. The highest altitude reached is 8,500’.

This trip is rated as Moderate Plus [3-4]. Our itinerary consists of a combination of moderate and more vigorous hiking days. Trip members should be capable of hiking 5-7 hours a day (8-10 miles) on trails with steep ascents and descents. Trails are often rocky and daily elevation gains and losses can range from 2,000 - 4,000 feet. We typically hike at elevations between 5,000 and 8,500 feet.

In order to best prepare for the cardiovascular component of this trip, we strongly recommend beginning a conditioning regimen at least 3 months prior to departure that includes hiking and/or walking/running.

This trip is rated Moderate Plus [3-4] and consists of a combination of moderate and more vigorous hiking days. Trip members should be experienced hikers in good physical condition and capable of hiking 7-9 miles (4-7 hours) most days with daily elevation gains/losses of 1500’- 3,600’. Hiking occurs between 5,000’ and 9,000’ of elevation. Some hikes will involve short sections of trail that are steep, rocky, and exposed (many of these sections are secured with steel ropes or other aids). We strongly recommend an exercise regimen beginning at least 4-6 months prior to departure consisting of hiking (with as much elevation gain and loss as possible), walking/running, cycling and/or swimming.

This trip is rated Moderate Plus [3-4]. While most days are moderate hiking days, there are two long days (6+ hours) with elevation gains of more than 3,000’ which are a [4] Vigorous level. This trip is for active people​ with experience in mountain hiking and are capable of trekking up to 12 miles on uneven, steep terrain. Regular conditioning prior to the trip is essential so that you can fully enjoy both the beauty and ruggedness of this country.​

This trip is rated as Vigorous [4]. Trip members should be strong hikers capable of hiking 5 - 10 hours a day (6 - 11 miles) over varied terrain with steep ascents and descents.

Trails are often rocky and elevation gains/losses of 1,300' - 4,400' daily are common. We hike at altitudes of 3,000-9,000'. The trails over mountain passes are demanding with sections that are steep, rough, rocky, and exposed (many of these sections are secured with steel ropes or other aids). 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.