Colorado is a state with a hiking problem. Or maybe it’s an outdoor activity problem in general, though hiking is the main draw to this recreational capital. But whether it’s hiking, biking, skiing, river rafting, horses, or another of the many highlights of this landlocked headwaters state, it’s likely some type of outdoor pursuit that   Continue Reading →

Engstlenalp is one of our favorite alps.  An historic inn and scenic farm, tucked at the end of a pretty valley above Meiringen.  There are lakes, views, lifts, cheese and great walks.   A visit to Engstlenalp is a great day out anytime, but being right above Meiringen, it works particularly well as a warm-up day   Continue Reading →

Chalet Floria is a charming old stone building brimming with flowers that is nestled into the hillside near Chamonix’s famous Petit Balcon Sud.  It’s open mid-morning to late-afternoon from June to November and offers a small menu of light lunch options, deserts, coffees, juices, beer and wine.  With sweeping views of Mont Blanc, the Mer   Continue Reading →

Traveling to the Dolomites? A stop at Gostner Schwaige is a must! If you find yourself trekking through the majestic peaks of the Val Gardena in the Italian Dolomites, say on our self-guided Great Dolomites Traverse, we’ve got a must do suggestion for you. Go to a foodie’s hidden heaven, located just above Ortisei on   Continue Reading →

This is the first in a series of blog posts exploring the art (and fun!) of photography. We hope to help you take better pictures whether you’re using a camera phone or a professional DSLR. From exploring your own backyard to travelling to far-off destinations, photography is a great way to observe, record, and connect   Continue Reading →

If you missed Part 1 of our Alps wildflower primer, be sure to check it out too.  Summer in the Swiss Alps seems to burst forth daily with new flowers.  Here are some of the most recent gems. Koch’s Gentian: Gentiana acaulis is endemic to Europe and found in mountain areas in Central and southern Europe.  It   Continue Reading →

The flowers in the Alps are beyond compare.  It seems that every few days new varieties pop up.  Early June is a great time to visit to see full meadows of color. After that, the cows start to eat them, and farmers start to cut the lower fields for hay.  But there are tons of   Continue Reading →

As a new guide for Alpinehikers I arrived in Switzerland with eyes wide and feet ready to move. What would I learn this summer? Where would I go? Who would I meet? Only one way to find out . . . by hitting the trail. On my first morning in Switzerland I awake to clear   Continue Reading →