What Level of Fitness Do You Need?
You don’t need to be an elite athlete. But you will need stamina. Most moderate routes include several hours of walking with elevation changes.
Start training with local walks, adding weight to your pack and tackling steeper ground. If you plan to hike multiple days in a row, practice back-to-back walking weekends.
Remember, it’s not a race. Go at your own pace, and don’t hesitate to take rest days or adapt your plans if needed.
What About Food and Accommodation Along the Trails?
One of the best parts of hiking in the Alps is the incredible hospitality. Mountain huts—known as refuges, rifugi, or hütte depending on the country—offer hearty meals, dorm beds, and warm welcomes. These are dotted along most major routes, meaning you can travel light and enjoy fresh local cuisine without carrying cooking gear.
Expect breakfast spreads, packed lunches for the trail, and evening meals that often include three courses. In the Dolomites, you might enjoy speck and dumplings. In France, a tartiflette or raclette. Many huts cater to vegetarians, though options may be limited in more remote areas.
Advance booking is essential in high season, especially on well-known trails like the Tour du Mont Blanc or Alta Via 1. For those seeking more comfort, we can arrange boutique alpine hotels at key stages.
Safety and Trail Etiquette
- Always tell someone your route plan.
- Stick to marked trails.
- Pack out what you bring in.
- Greet other hikers along the path.
- Watch the weather and don’t push on in dangerous conditions.
If in doubt, stop and reassess. The mountains will always be there tomorrow.
Many regions work together to ensure that hiking in the Alps remains sustainable and accessible. The Alpine Convention outlines joint efforts to protect biodiversity and promote responsible tourism.
Booking with Jamie Wake Travel: Your Protection Matters
When you book your hiking holiday in the Alps through Jamie Wake Travel, you’re not only getting personal service—you’re protected every step of the way.
We’re members of Protected Trust Services and hold an ATOL licence. That means your money is safe and your trip is protected.
All tailor-made holidays include Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance. In the rare event a supplier fails, your money and plans are still secure.
You’ll also have a dedicated expert handling your arrangements from start to finish. No call centres. Just real support when you need it.
How to Pack Like a Pro for Hiking in the Alps
Packing for a multi-day alpine adventure requires balance. You want to be prepared, but every extra kilo will weigh heavy on the trail. Prioritise versatile layers that can adapt to changing weather—think merino wool tops, packable rain jackets, and convertible trousers.
Don’t forget essential accessories. Sunglasses with UV protection are a must at high altitudes. Gloves and a beanie may seem excessive in summer but come in handy on windy ridges. A refillable water bottle or hydration bladder is non-negotiable. Some trails offer regular fountains, but others require forward planning.
Footwear matters. Good boots are a start, but also pack spare laces, breathable socks, and plasters or blister prevention tape.
Your daypack should include:
· A waterproof cover or drybag
· Snacks and a packed lunch
· Map or GPS device
· Sunscreen and lip balm
· Emergency whistle and headtorch
· Lightweight microfibre towel
· Cash (many huts don’t accept cards)
We’ll help you create a bespoke packing list that matches your itinerary and accommodation choices.
Tips for Planning the Perfect Trip
- Choose your destination based on scenery, difficulty, and cultural interest
- Book early if travelling in July or August
- Don’t forget travel insurance that includes hiking activities
- If you want a bespoke package, start planning 3–6 months ahead
We’re here to help you at every step—from inspiration to itinerary.
Why the Alps Make the Perfect Tailor-Made Holiday
No two hikers are the same—and that’s why the Alps are ideal for tailor-made travel. You might want to combine a few days on the trail with vineyard tours, thermal spas, or cultural stops in cities like Innsbruck, Geneva, or Milan.
Travelling with family or a group? We can arrange mixed-activity itineraries where some enjoy spa time while others tackle a summit. Want to propose on a mountain top or celebrate a birthday mid-hike? We’ll add those finishing touches.
Solo travellers can join guided groups or travel independently with support. Couples might opt for more privacy and romantic lodges.
Whatever your style, Jamie Wake Travel will craft a holiday as unique as you are—whether you want back-to-back hikes or time to slow down and take in the views.
Can You Go Hiking in the Alps with Kids or Older Relatives?
Absolutely. Hiking in the Alps doesn’t have to mean gruelling ascents or technical terrain. Many regions offer family-friendly routes with gentle gradients, regular rest stops, and engaging scenery that appeals to all ages.
In Austria’s Tyrol or Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, you’ll find trails that pass play areas, themed paths with storyboards, and even wildlife parks along the way. These make walking fun for younger kids without losing the magic of being in the mountains.
For older travellers, cable cars and cogwheel trains open up panoramic ridge walks that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Places like the Jungfrau, Chamonix, or the Dolomites are especially good for mixed-ability groups.
It’s important to match your route to everyone’s needs. We help you plan realistic daily distances, consider accommodation access, and build in free time to explore at your own pace.
Accommodation can also be tailored—choose between family-run guesthouses, comfortable spa hotels, or even multi-bedroom chalets. Evening meals can be included, removing stress after a day’s walking.
If you’d like a guide to handle logistics and keep the group motivated, we can arrange that too.
There’s no need to leave anyone behind when planning a hiking holiday. With our help, you can create memories that span generations.
Ready to Start Your Hiking in the Alps Adventure?
There’s something magical about the Alps. Whether you’re walking among wildflowers or pausing at a glacier-fed stream, it’s a journey that reconnects you with the world.
With Jamie Wake Travel, you can tailor your experience to match your pace, style, and interests. Our team handles the details, so you can focus on the moments.
Call us on 01495 400005 or use our holiday enquiry form to start planning. Or use our website’s search tool to design your own bespoke trip that’s as unique as you are.
And remember—we’re just a call or message away if you’d prefer to leave the planning to us.

