ALPS, SwitzerlandEUROPEfull-Day or Half-dayFall colors!
[ OVERVIEW ]"I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house."
Nathanial HawthorneThe fall colors are spectacular in the Alps, but they don’t last long. Catch them while you can!
Autumn is my favorite time to hike. The air is crisp, the crowds are gone and the colors, oh the colors! The larches should peak in Valais the last week of October and first week of November, and many leafy trees are already orange and yellow in early October.
Forest walks just below the snow line can be great for families, and those looking for a bit more can make the most of the shorter days with hikes that are amazing in the summer and at another level with the autumn colors.
I live in the mountains and watch the color evolution in real time, so get in touch and let’s find the best hike with the best colors for you.
October - November
Dates
Duration
Full day or multi-day
Exertion
Pricing
From CHF 380
Relaxed or sporty
"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."
ALbert camus
What to expect
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Crisp air and eye-popping colors
Hiking in autumn is spectacular. The days are shorter, and they can be crisp and bluebird or chilly and a bit damp. We’ll adapt the route to the conditions, and we’ll stay comfortable with the right gear and a well-timed stop for hot chocolate or coffee.
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These are custom trips, so I can adapt the day to your fitness level and how hard, or not hard, you want to go.
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Hiking in the Alps in autumn is definitely cooler than it is in summer. Depending on the day, it could be 10 degrees C or just below freezing. We’ll stay at a comfortable temperature with a good layering system, a steady supply of local snacks and a stop for hot chocolate or coffee.
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Rain is more common in autumn, even in the generally dry Valais. But don’t let it dissuade you, it actually creates a gloss that makes the colors shine brighter, darkens the rocks and other backgrounds to make the colors stand out more, and softens the light, reducing glares and allowing the colors to stand out. That said, it also can make for a crummy day if you aren’t dressed appropriately. I’ll send a gear list in advance to be sure you have what you need to stay warm and dry even if it rains, and you can always ask me any questions in advance about whether your kit is up to the task.
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For Fall Colors! trips, I suggest a good layering system, warm boots with a rigid sole, and a good camera! For layering, leave the cotton at home. Wear a nice warm base layer and bring a good mid layer, ideally one that can breathe while we are generating heat hiking. A good waterproof raincoat and at least one liter of water are essential, and a warm hat and gloves can make all the difference. I’ll send a more detailed packing list before the trip. I’ll cater it to the exact trip we’ll do and weather and trail conditions we can expect on the hike.
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I love taking photos, but I am not a professional photographer. As with all of my trips, I’ll take a ton of pics and send you the best after the trip. Even with a phone camera, you can get great shots with some simple tricks. I’ll share what I know and we’ll let the scenery do the rest! Or, if you are serious about capturing great photos, I have some pro photographers who we can hire to come along to take photos or teach you how to get them. Let me know in advance if you want this so we can make sure one is available.
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