Why Guided Group trekking in the best way to explore the Alps

1. Logistics

Joining a group hike in the alps means that all of your logistics will be taken care of without you having to worry. Huts or Hotels will be booked, transfers may even be included.

No more waiting for responses to emails or hoping that there is availability in a hut. Saving you hours of time and anguish. The added cost of a guided trip is very little compared to the the time you would have to spend planning it yourself.

2. Safety

A guided group hike alps tour will have a qualified (UIMLA) and experienced guide with you that will look after you along the way. They will be familiar with the route and take care of all the navigation issues but also be able to prepare you mentally for what is coming the next day. Your group will also offer you support and reassurance allowing you to achieve your goals.

3. Back-up

Reputable companies have office support and back up operations so if things do go wrong they will be able to arrange for you to be collected. Prior to the trip they should also provide you with information like what to bring, how to prepare and what it is going to be like.

4. Knowledge

Your guide, who should be a UIMLA International Mountain Leader, should add to your trip by sharing knowledge, experience, stories and entertainment. Want to know about a mountain - ask them. Trees, flowers, animals, they’ll know them all. Where the best crepe, rosti or ice-cream is - they’ll know. All of these things add to the enjoyment of a trip as you learn and understand more about an environment they live in and love.

5. Meeting New People

Most importantly if you join a group hike adventure you will have the opportunity to spend hours with new friends. You can meet people from different walks (excuse the pun) of life who all share something in common with you - the desire to undertake and enjoy this trek. This is especially important as our tour groups for solo travelers blend everyone together. Our groups become Teams and work together, live, laugh and enjoy the trip together. Whilst walking you can get to know each other and find out lots of different thing. After a trip we often hear of people visiting each other at their homes, sharing photos, and hopefully planning their next trip together. This means you can confidently join a trip as a solo traveler, couple, or friends.

Tom Brodie is Head of AlpsAdventures.ch a trekking company that runs about 100 Guided Trekking trips every year in the Swiss, Italian and French Alps. Tour du Mont Blanc, Matterhorn Highlights and Vues du Mont Blanc (Tour de Muveran) are his favourite routes. Join him or one of his team next summer and find out the advantages of booking on a Guided Trekking Tour.

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