Great Alpine Traverse

Looking for the ultimate Alps odyssey? Our five-country adventure links the best trails of France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, crossing five international borders—on foot! We feast our eyes on Mont Blanc in France, the Matterhorn from both the Italian and Swiss sides, and the glacier-clad Tyrolean Alps of Germany and Austria. We make great use of cog rails, cable cars, and even Switzerland’s famed Glacier Express to connect one glorious alpine realm to another. Ours is a cultural journey, too, as we discover Europe’s ancient mountain hamlets and traditional cuisines. Our team of at least two (and often three) Trip Leaders brings style and camaraderie to this incredible experience of the Alps.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Chamonix, France / Aosta, Italy

Our hikes from Chamonix treat us to spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif. On Day 3, a breathtaking gondola ride brings us across the Vallee Blanche Glacier for a close look at its icy panoramas. Arriving at Point Heilbronner, Europe’s highest border station, we walk into Italy for a descent by cable car to Aosta.

Days 4-5
Matterhorn / Zermatt, Switzerland

A stunning amphitheater of mountains surrounds us as we hike along the remarkable Grand Balconeta trail on the Italian side of the Matterhorn (14,688'). From the Theodul Pass at 11,500 feet on the Italian-Swiss border, we hike down the Theodul Glacier for amazing views of the Matterhorn’s famed spire and arrive in Zermatt.

Days 6-8
St. Moritz / Pontresina / Diavolezza

A spectacular rail journey on the Glacier Express carries us to stylish St. Moritz. The next day we hike along the mighty Morteratsch Glacier, then take a cable car to the Diavolezza Lodge for an overnight among the high peaks.

Days 9-14
Guarda / Jamtal Hutte, Austria / Maria Alm / Karlingerhaus, Germany

We hike to Ardez in the traditional Engadine region, cross the remote Futschol Pass (9,100') into Austria, and overnight at a Tyrolean-style lodge. From Maria Alm on the mountainous Austria-Germany border, we hike into Germany to a lakeside lodge.

Days 15-16
Salzburg, Austria

Hiking down through glacier-carved limestone scenery, we head to lovely Konigsee and take a boat ride to Berchtesgaden. We continue to baroque Salzburg for a gala farewell dinner. Depart on Day 16.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 4+. Most hiking is between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. However, at times we hike at higher elevations, with a maximum of 11,500 feet at the Theodul Pass on the Italian-Swiss border. On Day 3, we ascend by cable car to 12,678 feet at the top of the Aiguille du Midi above Chamonix. There is a good bit of up-and-down hiking (often 3,000- to 4,000-foot gain or loss in elevation per day) during the 5-8 hours on the trail each day. You'll carry just a daypack on most days, but on three hiking days, when we are staying in mountain refuges with no road access, you must be able to carry your overnight needs in your daypack (a toothbrush, soap, small towel, and a fresh t-shirt suffice for most people).

Explanation of Trip Levels