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Troy Haines

The overall experience was great from start to finish – right from the first time Troy responded to my inquiry on “would you help organize a self guided tour,” to suggesting the right kid-friendly places for us to stay at, to planning all logistics (reservations, train passes, brochures, suggestions, etc), to checking on us at Murren – all of this showed that Alpinehikers didn’t want just our “business” but deeply cared about our customer experience too!

Troy Haines

Owner + Founder

As the founder and owner of Alpinehikers, Troy Haines is intimately involved in every detail of our tours. Troy first visited the Alps while studying in West Berlin in 1989. On a break from his studies, he made the first of many trips to these wonderful mountains. The rugged, imposing power of the surrounding peaks combined with the peace of the villages below formed a powerful attraction. It was love at first sight. After many return trips to walk the trails, meet interesting people, and envy the lifestyle of those lucky enough to live in such a beautiful setting, Troy made his move to the Alps. He lived and worked in the hotels in Mürren, and spent many happy summers wandering the trails to discover new places.

Troy has a degree in linguistics from Stanford University, previously taught 1st Aid and CPR classes for the American Red Cross, and led rock-climbing, hiking, and cross-country skiing trips. He also owned a bakery for two years (which helps explain his love of Swiss pastries) before moving to Switzerland in 1997.

“When not with the tours, I love being a dad and hanging out with my two young kids. I’m also an enthusiastic trail runner, and have competed in a few of the excellent trail races in Switzerland, including the Jungfrau marathon twice. I love meeting and walking with new people in beautiful places, and always look forward to meeting others on these tours who share the same love of life and discovery that I do.”

Troy and JJ currently live in Prescott, AZ, and still travel to Switzerland (almost) every summer to organize tours and keep up-to-date on the lastest.  Also to hike. Their daughter Sidney and son Owen have both spent many happy summers in Mürren.

Alternatives to the Tour of Mont Blanc

What to do when the Tour du Mont Blanc is full

Folks, the TMB is full.  The Tour of Mont Blanc - the most popular hiking trek in the Alps - has reached its capacity.   Sure, there are large mountain towns like Chamonix and Courmayeur with plenty of hotels, and you can still go there.  But the small mountain villages, like les Contamines and Champex, and the more isolated huts and...

Behind the Scenes – the Making of Alpinehikers Videos

Take an inside look at where we go and how we travel with a series of new videos.

We finally shot some video for our website to show off just what makes our alpine hiking tours so amazing. We've been talking about it for years, but this year it actually came together with the help of our stellar team members, and the expertise of Yellow Tent Nomads. Videographers Aaron and Madeline were coming to the Alps already, they'd...

Traditional Farming in the Swiss Alps

As a traveler hiking through the Swiss Alps, you soon discover the many small farms dotting little meadows high in the mountains.  Semi-vertical fields step up the hillsides toward centuries-old huts and barns. Small groups of cows graze and farming families collect hay. It’s not uncommon to see three or four generations stretched along a fence line making repairs together. ...

Sunrise in Tahoe

"Early morning is the sweetest time of day, any day. That's when your senses are keenest, your mind liveliest, your heart most alive and hopeful" - Edward Abbey No matter what you think of Ed Abbey, he got some things right. Early morning is the best, most enriching part of the day. Plus, you get popular hikes all to yourself....

The Best Bread in the World is Swiss – Recipe Included

Switzerland has the best bread in the World.  There, I've said it.  Switzerland gets credit for doing a lot of things well, like chocolate, cheese, watches, and efficient transportation.  But they don't get enough credit for their bread. As a former baker, and long-time admirer of Swiss bread, I think it's time we drew some attention to this. Keep reading...

Dreaming of the Hotel Europe in Zermatt

The Best Breakfast in the Alps When I imagine my favorite Alpine breakfast, my daydreams always take me to the Hotel Europe in Zermatt.  This happens often, and it's no small praise.  Many of our hotels have wonderful breakfast spreads... most, in fact.  But the Hotel Europe earns a spot in the very top tier.  It might be the bright...

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