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Swiss Alps
With its soaring mountains, hundreds of miles of spectacular walking trails and a wonderful picturesque charm, the Swiss Alps are the premier destination in Europe for those wanting to enjoy the great outdoors.
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1 Holiday
Introduction to Alpine Mountaineering
5 day Expedition Grade Trekking Peak
- An alpine skills training day on a glacier to learn or refresh basic snow and ice skills
- A day of via ferrata on the Jegihorn with easy scrambling and spectacular wire bridge crossings
- A night in the Hohsaas mountain hut with its spectacular views giof the Mischabel range
- A magical alpine sunrise on an ascent of the classic 4,017m Weissmies
- Led by a fully qualified alpine mountain guide
Departures:
- Jan
- Feb
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Introduction
Extending for almost 500 miles in a great arc from the Mediterranean to the Adriatic Sea, the Alps encompass eight countries and a huge variety of landscapes, cultural influences, historic interest and scenic splendours.
Drawn to the crystal clear air, the bewitching vistas and the challenge of the outdoors, the Alps have attracted artists, climbers, explorers and nature lovers for hundreds of year. From Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn and Geneva to Grindlewald, the names of the peaks, passes and places of the Alps conjure evocative images and historical references, deeply embedded into the history and culture of Europe. A high-altitude battleground during two world wars, it is now only the tourists and trekkers that invade the region in any number, seeking adventure and natural beauty in equal measure.
For many, the towering mountains in Switzerland are the crowning glory of the Alps, but you need to be a confident and competent climber to tackle their challenging peaks. If you’re keen to learn or develop your mountaineering skills in preparation for climbing on the highest summits, take a look at our five day Introduction to Alpine Mountaineering also based in the pretty town of Saas Grund.
Key Facts
- Population: Approximately 14 million across the Alpine region
- Size of the Alpine region: 298,100 km²
- Countries of the Alpine region: France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Liechtenstein and Monaco.
- Three highest peaks: Mont Blanc (4,810 m / 15,780 ft), Monte Rosa (4,634 m / 15,203 ft), Dom (4,545 m / 14,911 ft)
- Popular food: Cheese fondue is one of the best known Swiss dishes and is particularly popular in the central Alpine countries.
- Did you know: The Edelweiss, a symbol of the Alps, is just one of the 13,000 species of plants that can be found in the region. It has been traditionally used in folk medicine as a remedy against abdominal and respiratory diseases.
- FCO link: FCO travel advice
- World Travel Guide link: World Travel Guide / Switzerland
Climate
When is the best time to travel to the Alps?
The Alps provide a stunning backdrop for a summer trek, with cool to warm temperatures. As the altitude increases, there is a corresponding decrease in temperature.
The best time to visit the Alps on a trek is July to September.
Precipitation levels are quite high all year around, falling as rain during the summer, and snow during the winter. The ski season in the Alps runs from November to April.
If you can't make the dates of our group departures, then take a private departure on dates to suit you, or we can create a Tailor Made holiday to the Alps, especially for you and your family or friends.