The Italian Alps are remarkably diverse. In the west, massive glaciers spill from the flanks of Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa. In the central Alps, quiet valleys in the Ortler region reveal a wilder and lesser-known side of the mountains. And in the Dolomites, jagged limestone peaks rise above alpine meadows and traditional Ladin villages.
At Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures, we’ve spent decades exploring these landscapes and crafting itineraries that showcase the best of them—from the hidden valleys of the Ortler Alps to the soaring peaks surrounding Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and Gran Paradiso, as well as two exceptional journeys in the Dolomites.
But hiking in the Italian Alps is about far more than spectacular scenery. Along the way you’ll wander through centuries-old villages, stay in welcoming family-run inns and alpine hotels, and on some treks enjoy an overnight in a high alpine rifugio. Evenings are often as memorable as the hikes themselves—traditional alpine cuisine and local wines shared around lively tables with the warm hospitality of local hosts.
These journeys range from easygoing walks to moderately strenuous alpine hikes—each offering a unique way to experience the landscapes, cultures, and traditions of the Italian Alps.
Italy’s Ortler Alps Trek
Moderately strenuous hiking through one of the Alps’ most dramatic and lesser-known mountain ranges.
Few places in the Alps feel as undiscovered as the Ortler Alps. Tucked along the Italian Austrian border in northern Italy and stretching into the historic Valtellina region, this dramatic mountain range is home to soaring glaciers, remote valleys, and some of the most striking alpine scenery you’ve likely never heard of.
Dominated by the towering Ortler (12,799 ft)—once the highest peak in the Austro-Hungarian Empire—the region sits within the vast Stelvio National Park, where glaciated summits rise above flower-filled meadows and remote high-alpine passes.
Our Guided Ortler Alps Trek begins in the historic alpine town of Bormio, host venue for alpine skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics, before traveling through quiet valleys and high mountain trails to Val di Mello, often called the “Italian Little Yosemite” for its granite walls and pristine natural setting.
Along the way, hikers experience dramatic views of ice-clad peaks, traces of World War I history, and a fascinating cultural blend where Italian and Austrian traditions meet. For travelers who love the Alps but prefer to avoid busier trekking routes, the Ortler Alps offer a rare sense of discovery. The trek is guided by Elsa Giumelli, who grew up in these mountains.
Italian Alps: Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa & Gran Paradiso
Moderately strenuous hikes beneath some of the highest peaks in the Alps.
If the Ortler Alps represent one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, the western Italian Alps showcase the region at its grandest scale.
Our Guided Italian Alps Trek: Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa & Gran Paradiso travels through a remarkable section of the Alps where three of the region’s most iconic mountain groups converge.
The journey begins beneath the massive glaciers of the Mont Blanc massif before moving east toward the Monte Rosa range—home to some of the highest peaks in the Alps. The trek then continues into the wild landscapes of Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy’s oldest national park and a haven for ibex, chamois, and golden eagles.
What makes this itinerary special is its variety. One day you may be hiking high above glacial valleys with sweeping views of Europe’s highest peaks; the next you’re wandering through alpine meadows dotted with stone hamlets and historic mountain refuges. Each evening brings the comfort of welcoming alpine hotels and memorable Italian meals that celebrate the culinary traditions of the region.
It’s a spectacular introduction to the western Italian Alps and one of our most rewarding guided alpine journeys.
Italian Dolomites Treks
We offer two, easygoing to moderately strenuous Dolomites itineraries linking alpine meadows, high passes, and welcoming mountain villages.
Known for their dramatic limestone towers and pastel sunsets, the Dolomites are among the most visually striking mountains in Europe. Jagged peaks rise above rolling alpine meadows and traditional mountain villages, with a network of trails that has drawn hikers to this remarkable range for generations.
Our Italian Dolomites Trek, Ryder-Walker’s original and most popular journey in the region, follows a classic route along part of the Alta Via route, and through the heart of the range. The itinerary links flower-filled meadows, high alpine passes, welcoming mountain inns, and one unforgettable night in a traditional rifugio surrounded by the towering peaks of the Dolomites.
This trek is offered in guided, self-guided, and easygoing versions, allowing you to experience the Dolomites at the pace that suits you best.
We also offer our Italian Dolomites: Lago di Braies, Fanes Wilderness & Alta Badia trek, which explores a quieter corner of the Dolomites in the Pusteria Valley near the Austrian border. One highlight is a visit to Lago di Braies—widely considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the Italian Alps—where turquoise water reflects the surrounding Dolomite peaks. From here the journey continues into the expansive wilderness of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, linking scenic trails, alpine refugios, and traditional mountain villages.
Along the way, hikers encounter reminders of World War I history, spectacular high-alpine scenery, and one of the Alps’ most distinctive cultures. Ladin traditions, language, and cuisine still flourish here, creating an experience that is as culturally rich as it is visually stunning.
This trek is also available in guided, self-guided, and easygoing versions, offering flexibility in how you explore the Dolomites.
If you’ve been dreaming of hiking in Italy’s mountains, there may be no better place to begin than the Italian Alps—and we’re here to help you choose the trek that’s right for you.
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