The Best Backpacking Routes in the Swiss Alps

The Alps are Europe’s playground for hiking enthusiasts of every skill and commitment level. Here, long-distance trails take visitors through meadows, meadows, lakes and villages while offering insight into European cultural diversity.

The Alps can best be explored during summer when trails are open, however it’s wise to check weather conditions and plan ahead. Physical fitness and gradual acclimatization are essential when climbing higher altitudes.

1. The Tour du Mont Blanc

An iconic hike that circles Mont Blanc, this 100+ mile hiking tour covers significant elevation gains and losses along its path. While this adventure requires endurance and stamina, trekkers will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Western Europe’s highest mountain.

Starting and finishing in Chamonix, France’s adventure-minded alpine town that serves as a center for climbing and skiing, the route runs through three countries to provide trekkers an in-depth cultural experience – along with Michelin-star dining experiences and views of climbers clinging tenaciously to inaccessible spires – making for a trip that is both challenging and entertaining!

Beginners should begin this hike no earlier than mid-June as old snowfields may linger into early summer, posing a danger to unseasoned hikers without the skills to safely cross them. Furthermore, altitude sickness can quickly undermine anyone who hasn’t become acclimated to living at higher elevations.

2. The Tour du Mont-Blanc – Aiguille du Midi

This iconic long-distance trek encompasses Mont Blanc massif by traversing three countries (France, Italy and Switzerland). Along the trail are stunning landscapes and breathtaking vistas; making this trek one of the most sought-after backpacking routes in the Alps!

Beginning your hike at Swiss Alpine meadows and villages, the journey progresses into Swiss alpine meadows before arriving at Lac de Champex, an untouched alpine lake boasting incredible vistas.

As you ascend higher elevations on a hike, the effects of altitude will become evident – such as decreased oxygen levels and increased breathing effort. To avoid altitude sickness and to ensure safe hiking experience, stay hydrated throughout your hike to stay safe and prevent altitude sickness from developing – hiking in the Alps should ideally be done during summer when trails are open, snow has melted away, mountain huts are full capacity and vibrant plants and animals bloom freely – as this season also brings vibrant flora and fauna blooming as well as vibrant flora & fauna blooming!

3. The Tour du Mont-Blanc – Aiguille du Drus

One of Europe’s premier long-distance treks, this legendary tour of Mont Blanc Massif encases hikers with epic summits like Lac Blanc, Aiguille du Drus, Noire de Peuterey Grandes Jorasses Dent du Geant Mont Dolent. Hikers will find stunning summits like Lac Blanc Aiguille du Drus Noire de Peuterey Grandes Jorasses Dent du Geant Mont Dolent among others during this amazing hike.

Backpacking the TMB can be an exhilarating adventure, but there are certain risks. Crevasses – fractured sections in the ice that can become deadly when crossing it – are prevalent and it is best to travel in groups with at least two people and use a guide when traversing glaciers.

This itinerary begins in Les Houches, a picturesque lakeside village near Argentiere. Following the TMB path through lush forests and charming Alpine hamlets, climb the famous 13 metal ladders an hour and a half into your hike and be mesmerized by stunning views on your ascent to Tete au Vents before descending alongside Trient Glacier for an enjoyable walk back towards Argentiere.

4. The Tour du Mont-Blanc – Montenvers

The Tour du Mont Blanc trek offers hikers an unforgettable cultural and natural odyssey. Traversing across France, Switzerland and Italy borders, this epic adventure offers stunning mountain vistas, glacial valleys, charming alpine villages and high elevation hiking.

Summertime on the TMB offers some of the best opportunities for hiking as most trails are open, snow at lower elevations has usually melted away, alpine flora is in full bloom and offers picturesque landscapes and photographic opportunities aplenty; also popular are marmots out and about in their natural environments.

However, late July and early August can become particularly crowded due to Europeans taking their annual holidays at this time. Salamander Adventures suggests trekking clockwise on the TMB in order to avoid crowds.