With a roaring US economy, a record number of Americans will pack their bags and head to Europe this summer. For active travelers it’s not the big cities—it’s the call of the wild that draws them. In Switzerland, Europe’s top hiking destination, 78 percent of all visitors spend at least two hours hiking.  Active travelers devote even more time on breathtaking alpine trails.  For many Americans visiting Switzerland, hiking in the Alps fulfills the vacation dream of a lifetime.

Alpenwild, the top tour operator for hiking and trekking in the Alps, has seen a two-fold increase in 2018 bookings for hiking tours, resulting in some dates already being sold out.

“Adventure travelers find the scenic splendor of the Alps irresistible,” says Greg Witt, chief adventure officer and founder, Alpenwild.

To meet the increased demand, Alpenwild has added more departures for their premier tours and loaded them with new features, upgrades, and exclusive options to entice the most enthusiastic hikers.

“Classic Treks of the Swiss Alps,” Alpenwild’s most popular hiking tours, are multi-day trekking vacations designed for active hikers who want to explore these trails which offer epic scenery.

Alpenwild is the only outfitter to offer these four treks in the Alps—on a guided, custom, and self-guided basis:

• Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route offers the most scenic variety of any trek in the Alps.  The 12-day trek from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn includes daily ascents on historic and challenging mountain passes.  The route comes within view of the 12 highest peaks of the Alps, and descends nightly into villages with comfortable accommodations.  The deluxe option adds a rest day and includes spa treatments in St. Luc and Zermatt.

• Tour du Mont Blanc, the most popular trek in Europe, circles Western Europe’s highest peak.  During the 12-day journey, trekkers will uncover inspiring mountain scenery mixed with the cultural vibrancy of the alpine regions in France, Italy, and Switzerland.  Every day there are breathtaking glaciers flanking the Mont Blanc Range, deep-cut canyons, as well as charming alpine hamlets and villages to explore.  

• Bernese Oberland Traverse is often referred to as “the Filet of the Swiss Alps” passing through the Jungfrau region, and on to Griesalp, Kandersteg, Adelboden, Lenk, and Gstaad.  This 12-day trek highlights abundant waterfalls, the most scenic lakes, towering cliffs and tucked-away Swiss villages and resorts.

• Eiger to Matterhorn links the two most iconic peaks of the Alps. The historic trek traverses the best of the Bernese and the Pennine Alps.  This journey features spectacular glaciers and peaks, challenging passes and traditional villages, including Leukerbad, the largest thermal spa resort in the Alps.  This tour crosses the recently-opened Europaweg Skywalk, the world’s largest pedestrian suspension bridge.

  

Alpenwild takes care of everything, providing superior accommodations, regional cuisine, and luggage transfers.  No need for guests to carry heavy backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, or meals.  Every night they stay in comfortable mountain inns and chalet-style three- and four-star hotels.  Classic treks start at $4,395.

“Our certified guides include Olympic and World Cup athletes, historians, scientists, and professors who provide expert commentary and an enhanced experience for our guests.  With our select accommodations and superb cuisine there is simply no other destination in the world that offers that kind of experience with such a high standard of comfort and quality,” adds Witt.