Alps Adventures

Alps Adventures: guided small group trekking in the Swiss Alps

Alps Adventures is an adventure travel company based in Switzerland that organizes multi-day hiking and trekking trips in the Alps and other areas of Europe. Its approach focuses on small groups, with a maximum of 14 participants, and four-day itineraries. The company presents itself as a specialist in small group adventure travel with English-speaking guides in the Swiss Alps.

Trip types and sample itineraries

The company's catalogue is organized into three main categories: summer routes, winter activities, and mountain summit ascents. The summer trips listed on the site include the following:

• Vues du Mont Blanc (Aigle, Switzerland): 4 days, groups of 1 to 14 people, from £695.
• Tour Du Mont Blanc (Geneva, Switzerland): 4 days, groups of 1 to 14 people, from £669.
• Matterhorn Highlights (from Randa to Zermatt, Switzerland): 4 days, groups of 1 to 14 people, from £749.
• Swiss Winter Adventure (Martigny, Switzerland): 4 days, groups of 1 to 14 people, from £675.

In addition, mountain summit packages are offered from £2,300, described as an extreme, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to conquer a famous mountain, with very limited availability and tough, rugged terrain. Winter activities start at £650 and are presented as cold, crisp explorations of natural landscapes, with a difficulty level between moderate and fun. Summer routes start at £670 and are described as the most accessible option, suitable for wildlife and landscape watching, with waterfalls, caves, and lakes.

What trips include

According to the information published, all trips include expert instruction from qualified guides, accommodation with breakfast and dinner. Lunches, drinks, and tips are generally not included. The main accommodation is alpine hostels with shared rooms and bathrooms; most have showers and electricity, and serve hearty, energy-rich meals. The company states that the specialized equipment needed, such as snowshoes or via ferrata gear, is included in the course, while each participant must bring their own boots or mountain footwear.

Guides and group philosophy

The company states it has a team of 15 guides. Its origins go back to a small family business at the foot of the Alps, with a history the site places at 15 years. The selection of local guides and hosts is presented as especially careful, with qualified professionals who know the best areas and safety measures. Trips usually bring together individual travellers and small groups of two or three friends, and the company maintains that participants form a team and friendships in a short time. The company also mentions that it has taken thousands of people on their first trips and that many customers return.

Logistics, luggage, and fitness level

Instructions for reaching the meeting point are provided clearly. The TMB Highlights trip includes airport pickup; for other trips, it is necessary to use the Swiss rail system or arrange a transfer. On the four-day summer routes, each participant must carry everything they need, although it is possible to leave luggage at the starting points and collect it at the end. The company warns that daily distances may vary slightly from those advertised, as guides choose the best route according to the group, conditions, and weather. Regarding fitness, it notes that each trip requires a different level, but that in general it is suitable for those who can walk in the mountains all day and maintain a strong mental attitude. The use of hiking poles is recommended, which the company rents for 10 euros or Swiss francs, and which can save around 20% of energy.

Diets, accommodation, and other practical details

The company tries to accommodate special, vegetarian, or vegan diets, provided they are communicated on the trip information form when booking. However, it warns that mountain huts have limited options because they are supplied by helicopter, so those following very specific diets should bring supplementary snacks. As for accommodation, alpine hostels do not change the sheets, so each traveller must bring a lightweight cotton or silk sleeping bag; the company sells them for 25 euros or Swiss francs. It also sells adapters for Swiss hexagonal plugs for 10 euros or Swiss francs and offers earplugs. Carrying cash is recommended, between 200 and 300 per person, as many places do not accept cards; the currency depends on the trip, and Swiss francs and euros are most likely to be needed. The company reminds travellers that travel insurance covering rescues is mandatory and that participants should check visa requirements and the ETIAS system, expected in 2025, according to the information on the site.

Individual bookings, tips, and private trips