Alps Hiking

If you’re in the Alps in the winter, you’ll notice that surviving in the mountains requires flexibility, especially in winter. When winter arrives in the Alps, some birds migrate south and many other animals (such …

Continue reading “Bend or Break – Wintry Challenges for Trees in the Alps”

The Italian Val Ferret is one of the wildest and most beautiful parts of the Tour du Mont Blanc and around this time of year larch trees in the valley show their beautiful autumnal colours. …

Continue reading “Flora in the Alps – Junipers and Dwarfism”

Above the tree line, conditions are so incredibly hostile that trees can no longer win the battle with the elements. Yet, every year many species of alpine plants flourish and alpine meadows turn into colorful …

Continue reading “Flora in the Alps – Adaptations to High Altitude”

  A common question by Alpenwild guests is whether or not to wear shorts on the trail in the Alps. Although it is a matter of personal preference, Alpenwild recommends wearing long pants. In sturdy …

Continue reading “Question: Pants or Shorts on the Trail?”

One of the most wonderful things of hiking through the Alps are the wild flowers. In summer, petals displaying all colours of the rainbow fill up mountain meadows everywhere, and hikers will find countless different …

Continue reading “Wild flowers to brighten up your salad-Edible plants in the Alps”

At this time of year, colourful eyebrights (Euphrasia) brighten up many hiking trails in the Alps, but don’t be fooled by these cute little flowers. Eyebrights are little thieves and parasitic plants. They use their …

Continue reading “Flora in the Alps – Little Thieves and Parasites”

The ice fall at the bottom of the Argentière Glacier is a special place. It’s where the ice forms impressive séracs. Séracs are huge ice towers that occasionally break off of glaciers and tumble down. …

Continue reading “Mighty Glaciers and Strong Flowers”