What's included on a summer alpine hiking tour?

Accommodation each night (hotels, mountain huts or guesthouse), route notes, luggage transfer where road access allows, and 24/7 support.

Is luggage transfer included on alpine routes?

Where road access reaches the accommodation, yes. On high refuge stages, you'll carry your own overnight pack - this is flagged per route.

Which countries have summer alpine hiking?

France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria, plus Germany and Slovenia - from the Tour du Mont Blanc and the Dolomites to the Via Alpina, the Tyrolean Alps and the Julian Alps.

Can I hike alpine routes solo?

Generally, yes. Most of our alpine routes welcome solo travelers, though for safety reasons some hut routes don't. A single supplement applies. See each tour for details.

What hiking grades are alpine routes?

Moderate to Extreme, given the altitude and terrain. This collection is for experienced hikers - for gentler alpine trips with big views, see our Scenic Summer Alpine collection.

What gear do I need for high-altitude hiking?

Sturdy waterproof boots, poles, warm layers, and a waterproof shell - mountain weather changes fast even in July and August.

Can I customize an alpine itinerary?

Yes – while our routes are expertly planned and fine-tuned by our team, you can add rest days, extra nights before or after, or book trips back to back. Get in touch and we’ll help you find the right fit

4.8(1,105)

Summer Alpine Challenges

For hikers who want the real thing: high passes, big ascents and nights in mountain huts above the tree line. Our summer alpine challenges cover demanding self-guided routes across France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Slovenia.

The complete Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via 1 Classic are bucket-list classics, but they sell out early - both are already full for 2027. Our other alpine challenges are just as rewarding and, more often than not, far less crowded. Hike the Highlights of the TMB or the Highlights of the Alta Via 1 in Comfort, cross Switzerland on the Via Alpina, follow the Dolomites to Lake Garda or traverse the Tyrolean Alps.

With 20+ years planning high-alpine routes, Macs Adventure is a leader in self-guided travel.

The Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via 1 may be the famous names, but the Alps are full of incredible trails waiting to be discovered. Every route here earns its place: big ascents, high passes and a night or two in a mountain hut or hotel, from Switzerland’s Via Alpina to Austria’s Tyrolean Alps and Slovenia’s Julian Alps. Expect quieter paths, unforgettable scenery and every reservation handled before you set off.

Created by

Minna Harshbarger

18 hand-picked routes

France · Italy · Switzerland
4.8 (548)
Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort
Walking
5–14 days
Moderate - Challenging
from$2,480CAD pp
View Route
France · Italy · Switzerland
4.8 (125)
Tour du Mont Blanc in Huts
Walking
8–14 days
Moderate - Challenging
from$3,910CAD pp
View Route
Slovenia
4.5 (68)
High Trails of the Julian Alps
Walking
8 days
Moderate - Challenging
from$2,695CAD pp
View Route
Italy
4.7 (42)
Walking in the Heart of the Dolomites
Walking
7 days
Moderate - Challenging
from$4,005CAD pp
View Route
Switzerland
4.9 (40)
Grindelwald Trail
Walking
8 days
Moderate
from$4,120CAD pp
View Route
Italy
4.7 (35)
The Dolomites to Lake Garda
Walking
8 days
Moderate
from$2,900CAD pp
View Route
Italy
4.7 (31)
Highlights of the Alta Via 1 in Comfort
Walking
9 days
Moderate
from$4,070CAD pp
View Route
France · Switzerland
4.8 (27)
Walker's Haute Route
Walking
8–15 days
Challenging
from$3,590CAD pp
View Route
Switzerland
4.7 (23)
Via Alpina
Walking
10–18 days
Moderate - Challenging
from$5,300CAD pp
View Route
Austria · Germany · Italy
4.6 (22)
The E5 Alpine Crossing
Walking
8–9 days
Moderate - Challenging to Strenuous
from$2,660CAD pp
View Route
Austria
4.7 (21)
Tyrol: Trails of the Wilder Kaiser
Walking
8 days
Moderate - Challenging
from$2,230CAD pp
View Route
France · Switzerland
4.8 (20)
The GR5: Lake Geneva to Chamonix
Walking
8 days
Moderate - Challenging
from$3,870CAD pp
View Route
France · Italy
4.6 (19)
Classic Walks of Mont Blanc
Walking
8 days
Moderate
from$3,090CAD pp
View Route
Switzerland
4.4 (12)
High Trail to the Matterhorn
Walking
8 days
Challenging
from$4,235CAD pp
View Route
Austria · Germany
4.6 (8)
Tyrolean Alps: Garmisch to Innsbruck
Walking
8 days
Moderate - Challenging
from$2,480CAD pp
View Route
France
5.0 (6)
Hiking in the French Alps
Walking
8 days
Moderate - Challenging
from$2,840CAD pp
View Route
Austria · Germany · Italy
4.5 (6)
Across the Alps: Bavaria to South Tyrol
Walking
8 days
Moderate - Challenging
from$3,375CAD pp
View Route
Italy
4.8 (52)
Alta Via 1 (Dolomites)
Walking
7–10 days
Moderate - Challenging
from$2,245CAD pp
View Route

Real photos, real stories, straight from the trail

Over 26,000 travelers strong, our community shares #MacsMoments, swaps tips and advice, and helps each other plan the perfect trip. Many connect long before they set off - and some even meet up on the trail!

I'm headed back to the states and have a mixture of emotions. So much to process. I feel like a different person!
October 2026
Camino de Santiago, Spain
Thank you Macs for the brilliant adventure! We loved all the accommodations provided
June 2026
West Highland Way, Scotland
October 2026
Hadrian's Wall Path, England
June 2026
Cotswolds to the Cornwall Coast, England
August 2026
Via Alpina, Switzerland
In fact, if you're looking for sensory magic, give this trip a try
October 2026
Walking the Dordogne in Style, France

Join our Macs Community

When does the high Alpine hiking season run?
Mid-June through mid-September, with July and August as peak season for the highest passes. Some routes extend into early October in good years.
How difficult are these alpine challenges?
Routes are graded Moderate to Strenuous, with long days, big ascents and descents, and some exposed sections. Good hiking fitness and previous mountain experience are essential. See each route page for details.
What if the TMB or Alta Via 1 is sold out?
Try the Highlights of the TMB or AV1, Switzerland's Via Alpina and Grindelwald Trail, Austria's Tyrolean Alps, the GR5 from Lake Geneva to Chamonix or Slovenia's High Trails of the Julian Alps - often quieter, with scenery that's every bit as big.
What are your toughest alpine treks?
For very experienced alpine hikers only: the Walker's Haute Route, one of Europe's toughest hut-to-hut treks with no luggage transfers; the E5 Alpine Crossing, with some rope sections; and Hiking in the French Alps, with around 6,500ft of ascent on most days.
Where will I stay on an alpine route?
A mix of mountain huts and refuges, alpine inns and valley hotels. Many routes include at least one hut night, and some offer private rooms in huts. See each route page for details.
Is luggage transferred on high-altitude stages?
Luggage transfers are included on most stages. Where accommodation can’t be reached by road, such as some mountain refuges, you’ll carry what you need for the night. See each route page for details.
How far in advance should I book?
Book 6–9 months ahead for most trips. The complete Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via 1 Classic fill first - both are sold out for 2027 - so consider the Highlights versions or one of our other alpine challenges.

Summer Alpine Challenges