Apr
14
Europe's Alpine Transit Question: You guys mention cog railways, lifts, cable cars and funiculars. How do I tell these things apart? Answer: The alpine countries of Western Europe offer some of the most sophisticated public transport systems found anywhere in the world. Their systems include trains, buses, boats, cog railways,...
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Jan
27
125th Anniversary Victorinox, the manufacturer of the classic Swiss Army knife, celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. To commemorate the event, they’re holding a special “build your own knife” workshop at the Château de Prangins just outside of Geneva. The workshop is part of a much larger historical exhibition called...
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Dec
11
Trekking poles make a nice holiday gift for the avid hiker. They reduce stress on the knees, they offer added stability, and they increase stamina. How much stamina? A German physician discovered that each pole plant relieves approximately 18 pounds of pressure from the lower extremities when traveling on an...
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Aug
10
Maluns, a simple but delicious dish, comes from the Graubünden region of southeastern Switzerland. It's a satisfying hiker's repast prepared with boiled potatoes that are grated, mixed with flour, and roasted in butter. Serve with a few slices of fresh alpine cheese and cooked apples on the side, or just...
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Jul
17
Hallstatt Our group descended into tiny Hallstatt this afternoon, a storybook village perched on the rocky shore of the Hallstätter in the Salzkammergut region of upper Austria. Hallstatt is a small town, but what it lacks in size it generously makes up for in character and sensorial stimulation. Lovingly decorated...
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Feb
18
Do I Need Travel Insurance This is a question that we hear time and time again, and our most simple response is yes. Like most insurance policies, the amount of coverage that you receive is directly proportional to the amount of money that you pay for the policy. You can...
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Dec
09
Gift giving does not have to be difficult. Here are just a few ideas for the person that loves hiking and the Alps. Ryder-Walker Gift Certificate - This one should be obvious. Help that friend or relative realize their dream of hiking in the Alps. Send them on a hiking...
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Dec
02
How to choose a hiking trip in the Alps It was once written that choosing an alpine hiking tour was a bit like choosing from a dessert cart: Everything looks wonderful! In Switzerland alone, “There are more villages worthy of hiking than there are coals in proverbial Newcastle." Some are...
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May
28
The Canton Valais, or Kanton Wallis as it is referred to in German, is one of my favorite cantons in Switzerland. The Valais lies in the southwestern corner of Switzerland and forms the border with Italy and France. It is the home to more than 40 peaks topping 4,000 meters,...
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Mar
31
Did you know that Switzerland boasts more than 60,000 kilometers of hiking trails? That’s the equivalent of more than 37,000 miles of cross-country goodness. A person would have to through-hike the Appalachian Trail 17 times to rack up that kind of mileage.Here’s another perspective. A person could walk around the...
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Jan
22
The start of the New Year is a perfect time to start thinking about the various components that can either make or break a good hiking tour. Making sure that you have your passport in hand, choosing the appropriate travel insurance, beginning your athletic training and selecting the right equipment...
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Dec
03
The caffè corretto is one of my favorite coffee drinks to enjoy while hiking through the Italian Alps. It's a truly authentic Italian coffee drink that consists of a shot of espresso "corrected" with a shot of liquor, usually grappa, brandy or sambuca. This drink is usually taken after lunch...
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