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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 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 Jennifer currently live in Crested Butte, CO, and still travel to Switzerland (almost) every summer to organize tours and keep up-to-date on the latest.  Also to hike. Their daughter Sidney and son Owen have both spent many happy summers in Mürren.

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...

When the Sun Shines at Midnight

Sidney Haines, age 13 at the time of writing, has been visiting the Alps with her family, the founders and owners of Alpinehikers, almost every summer since she was a baby. These are her reflections on her 2019 summer trip. Sometimes I can’t keep up with my own mind. My thoughts remain concentrated on what’s in front of me, the...

Taking the Kids to the Alps

"This is not worth it... we have to turn around."  I'm stopped on a steep trail part-way to the remote Berghotel Obersteinberg, and this is what I'm thinking.  I'm carrying two packs because my 13 year old daughter has been complaining of searing pain in her achilles since about thirty seconds into the hike.  Unfortunately, my solution has upset the...

Hotel Schwarzwaldalp: Home is Where the Heart Is

There are many elements of a hotel that make it a good one, and there are certainly plenty of good ones to be found in the Alps.  It might be the gourmet restaurant, the superb wine selection, the panoramic view, etc... Whatever it is, combine a few of these elements in the same place and you’ve likely got yourself a...

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