Day Hiking and Sightseeing in the Swiss Alps
July 26 to August 10, 2008
Do you yearn for the excitement of
hiking in Switzerland? Then we
have the trip for you! This is a
recreational trip focusing on day
hikes but also offering options for
many cultural activities, either
individually or as a group. We will
visit 3 of the premiere areas of the
country to encompass as much as
possible while we are there; even
the train travel between destinations
is exciting.
Our adventures begin in the Bernese
Oberland in the fabulous car-less
town of Wengen, then transfer by
train to chic Zermatt, home of the Matterhorn, and finally move into a remote valley to
experience more of the traditional Switzerland. Our trip will end with an excursion on Lake
Geneva to visit a 12th century castle, with an overnight in Zurich or Geneva.
Wengen in the Bernese Oberland, Lauterbrunnen Valley – Here you will discover
picturesque villages of richly decorated chalets and guest houses in what surely is the
embodiment of Swiss-style comfort and serenity. Delight in local art, in castles that are silent
witnesses to wealth gone by, and in lovingly restored hotel palaces from the early days of
tourism. Deep, dark forests end at the foot of rocky peaks, while cows graze under the ancient
Alpine maple trees. Mountain lakes like jewels reflect towering white peaks, and above it all
reins the majestic chain of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. A cable-car is available to carry us to
Jungfrau, the highest rail station in Europe at 10,400ft. We will use cable-cars here as well as
trains and buses to facilitate one-way hikes and allow maximum time to enjoy our surroundings.
Zermatt in the Valais, Matteral Valley – home of the Matterhorn – Zermatt has many
opportunities for hiking. There are well-marked footpaths and walks (400km in all) which will
take you through pine-scented mountain forests, to the shores of calm Alpine lakes and ice-blue
glaciers. Mountain railways make it easy to reach the high altitude rambling areas. There are
many mountain cabins and restaurants ready to offer a warm welcome, great food and a
leisurely rest.
Alpine tourism was the beginning of Zermatt's development. Situated at the foot of the
Matterhorn and surrounded by 38 4,000-meter mountains, Zermatt was and is a goal for both
mountain climbers and mountain lovers from all over the world.
Arolla in the Valais, Herens Valley – We cannot leave Switzerland believing it is all chic and
cosmopolitan. So we will spend 4 nights in this quiet valley in the picturesque village of Arolla,
where French influence is strong and the fondue and raclette are superb! Compared to our
earlier destinations, this area is characterized by an appreciation of traditions: many small farms
are still tended by women in traditional dress and the dark local breed of cattle roams across
high mountain pastures.
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Day Hiking and Sightseeing in the Swiss Alps
July 26 to August 10, 2008
Families have run the small hotels for
generations.
Unlike Zermatt, there are few
mechanized means to gain elevation, but the
grades of the more strenuous trails to glacial
passes and mountain huts are still less steep
than the White Mountains, and there are also
easy paths that lead to remote villages with
sweeping vistas and welcoming cafes.
There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities in
the area. Sion, the Valais canton capital, is a
short train ride away and offers opportunities for
exploring its 12th century castle and church, old
section and wine market. Nearby Lake Geneva has gently sloping vineyards bordering the lake
shores, with the city of Lausanne across from the highest Alpine peaks.
Lively towns and small wine-growing villages appear scattered at random. The region seems
half dream and half reality, but the people in the farm villages who work the wheat fields on the
plain above the lake, the inhabitants of the medieval towns and the original inhabitants of the
castles have always had both feet planted firmly on the ground. The Jura Mountains lie to the
north and the Vaud Alps to the east, with lush pastures, chalet villages, mountain peaks and
glaciers—as well as sunny ledges ready-made for a relaxed vacation and sporting adventures.
Climate and Topography
As you’re likely aware, mountains make their own weather and summer is short. We’ve chosen
to go during high season because this is the ideal time to visit Switzerland, when the sun is at its
warmest and alpine wildflowers are still blooming. Daytime temperatures in the mountains
average 65-82 degrees, and there is no humidity or insects to detract from our adventures.
Southern Switzerland in fact has a sub-tropical climate. At the end of the trip we plan a stop to
visit a famous castle on Lake Geneva, where you’ll be surprised to see palm trees growing.
It is sometimes forgotten in the glamour of the mountains that the deep valleys surrounding the
giant peaks offer spectacular vistas themselves, often right from our hotels, as well as rushing
runoff streams and impossibly blue and tranquil lakes. We’re sure that everyone coming on the
trip will be hoping to spend a good portion of their time in the mountains. Some, though, may be
anxious about hiking at what they
perceive as extreme elevations.
On
average, our hotels will be at 3,500-6,000
feet elevation, which will minimize the
need to acclimatize to elevation. And we
plan to hike between 6,000 and 11,000
feet—less than many hikes in our Rocky
Mountains.
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Day Hiking and Sightseeing in the Swiss Alps
July 26 to August 10, 2008
Trip Leadership
Paul Davis, the excursion leader, is a British expatriate who
has been playing in the outdoors since he was a child. Paul has
hiked extensively in the NE US and England, with other trips
throughout the Americas, Europe and Himalayan Asia. Before
immigrating to the US in the late ’80s, Paul was a member of a
mountain rescue team in northwest England. Since then Paul
has been actively involved with the Delaware Valley AMC
Chapter. He is currently the Chapter Chair. In 2000, the
Delaware Valley Chapter awarded Paul Appie of the Year.
Paul is a Wilderness First Responder who most recently ran
Major Excursions to Bhutan, the Wind River region of Wyoming, and to Torres Del Paine in
Chile’s Patagonian region. He has also led several multi-day Interchapter trips in places
from the White Mountains to North Carolina. His major outdoor interests include hiking,
backpacking, orienteering, cross-country skiing and flat-water canoeing. Paul believes that
everyone should experience the joys of nature. His favorite activity is leading introductory
family backpacks.
Paul’s Contact Information
Phone: 610-667-1144
E-Mail: atdayhiker@gmail.com
Mail:
117 David Rd, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Keith Moore, the excursion co-leader, is also an expatriate, a
Canadian who moved to the northeast of the U.S. in 1995 and
fell in love with hiking. He has hiked extensively (in all
seasons) in northern New England, as well as in the Western
U.S., particularly California, Washington, Arizona and Utah.
He also enjoyed hiking and trekking in the Canadian Rockies,
Ecuador, Scotland and the Greek Islands. He became an AMC
leader for the Boston Chapter's Hiking & Backpacking and
Young Member committees in 2003 and has since led dozens of
trips. He also helps run instructional programs and edits the
Boston Chapter newsletter.
When he's not tromping through the hills or working at his full-time job as a manager of
internal communications, Keith can be found reading, writing short stories, running, and
socializing with a great group of hiking and running friends.
Keith’s Contact Information
Phone: 781-223-5822
E-Mail: kamoore1963@yahoo.com
Mail:
348 Hunnewell Street, Needham, MA 02494
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Day Hiking and Sightseeing in the Swiss Alps
July 26 to August 10, 2008
Lodging and Food
Our lodging will be in good quality hotels (3-star) with two participants per room, which will
include two double beds and private bath. All breakfasts and dinners are included, except for
the last night in Geneva or Zurich to allow everyone to explore the town. Most lunches are not
included, but can be purchased at the hotels, or local grocers, or even at the restaurants/huts
we will hike to. This will give us all the opportunity to sample the wonderful influence of French
and German cuisine in the different regions we visit, while being flexible to dietary preferences
and the fact that we may not all be together each day. Many of our hikes will take us through
small mountain villages with food to match the scenery. Even the mountain huts offer delicious
homemade soups, bread and even wine.
Airlines and Travel
We will likely fly into Zurich and out of Geneva, although the final decision won’t be made until
spring 2008 depending on airfares and connections. At that time, the leaders may book your
flight or you may choose to make your own flight arrangements. If you choose to make your
own flight arrangements, it is your responsibility to connect with the group in Switzerland. Paul
will likely fly from Philadelphia or Newark and Keith from Boston
on late afternoon or evening flights. We encourage participants to
fly with either Paul or Keith. However you may choose alternate,
more convenient departure points, but you should discuss your
plans with the leaders before booking to ensure you’re able to
meet up with the group without any logistical issues.
Our transportation within Switzerland will be via Swiss Rail Pass,
which is included in the cost of the trip. The Swiss transportation
system is acknowledged as one of the best in the world. It is also
very easy to use even by non-natives. The pass will allow
unlimited travel on most trains, buses, lake boats and some cablecars for 15 days. Each participant will be provided their own pass.
With this pass, anyone can opt out of a hike for a day in favor of
exploring a nearby village, historic or cultural attraction. Leaders
will, of course, assist with schedules and suggestions for optional
activities.
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Day Hiking and Sightseeing in the Swiss Alps
July 26 to August 10, 2008
Cost, Registration and Cancellation
Cost
The cost for the trip is $3,195.
The trip price includes the following items:
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All hotel accommodations including tax and gratuities
All breakfasts and dinners starting with dinner on arrival day until breakfast on the nextto-last day
15-day Swiss Rail pass
AMC Major Excursion fee
Emergency evacuation insurance
The trip price DOES NOT include the following items:
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Trip cancellation insurance (coverage if you personally cannot go)
Transportation between the US and Switzerland. Estimates from expedia.com in April
2007 had flights between Boston and Zurich running at about $1,100.
Alcoholic beverages
Lunches; last night dinner in Geneva or Zurich; breakfast on the day of departure for the
return flight
Optional excursions
Cable-car charges for some hikes: note that Swiss rail pass gives a discount
This trip is likely to fill quickly. If you are interested you should register as soon as possible.
Payment Schedule
A registration deposit of $1,000 is due with the application. If you have downloaded this prospectus
from the web and wish to register for the trip, please contact Paul or Keith and we will send you the
requisite application forms: Trip Application form, Confidential Medical form, and Acknowledgement
and Assumption of Risk and Release form.
$1,000
$1,000
$ 600
$ 595
–
–
–
–
With trip application
February 1st
March 15th
May 1st
Make checks payable to the Appalachian Mountain Club.
The check and forms should be mailed to: Paul Davis, 117 David Rd, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.
Cancellation
There is a $75 cancellation fee. Our cancellation policy is based on the simple precept that
your cancellation shall not raise the cost to any of the other participants or the leaders.
Therefore, if you cancel we will refund any fees that you have paid, less expenses already
incurred for you, or future expenses that will be incurred as a result of your registration that
cannot be avoided. If you cancel and the trip still fully books, then your money will be refunded
in full minus the $75 cancellation fee.
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July 26 to August 10, 2008
Please be aware that, in accordance with AMC policy, you are subsidizing some of the leaders’
costs, but not all of them. Beyond this, in accordance with AMC rules, the leaders cannot profit
from this excursion. Any unspent funds resulting from negotiating better rates for airfare,
lodging, local transportation, etc. must be refunded to all the participants. The trip fee also
includes an AMC overhead cost to cover the administrative expenses of offering Major
Excursions.
When registration is complete, we will send all participants the names, addresses and phone
number of those going on the trip. We are good communicators and will try very hard to keep
everyone well informed through regular correspondence. We will be using email as our primary
source of communication. If you prefer postal mail and/or telephone communication, please
note that on your registration form. Also, if you prefer not to have your personal information
distributed to other participants, please note that on your registration form.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact either leader.
Group Information
Group Size
The group size will be a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 16: that is, 8 to 14 participants, plus the
leaders. The leaders will establish a waiting list if more than 14 participants are registered.
Participation Restrictions
The leaders at their own discretion and in accordance with AMC policies may choose not to accept any
application.
Age Limitations
Children are permitted only at the discretion of the leaders. If you are a child or wish to bring children,
please contact the leaders to discuss your situation.
Pets
Pets are not permitted on this excursion.
Non-Members
Non-members of the AMC are permitted to partake in this excursion. A small administrative fee is
charged for non-members. If you choose to join the AMC with your application for this trip, you will be
considered as a member. Note also that the AMC offers special rate memberships for families, juniors
and seniors. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the leaders.
Pre-Excursion Meeting
During spring 2008, a pre-excursion meeting will be scheduled, which will include a day hike plus dinner.
This meeting will provide the participants an opportunity to get to know each other and the leaders.
Roommates and room selection will be resolved at this meeting. All excursion participants are strongly
encouraged to attend this pre-excursion meeting. The leaders will provide more specific information on
this pre-excursion meeting in spring 2008.
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July 26 to August 10, 2008
Requirements
a) Physical Capability This trip is suitable for persons of moderately strong hiking ability, who
are interested in a cultural experience rather than just accumulating miles and elevation.
You should be in good physical condition, able to hike over steep, rocky or slippery terrain in
changeable conditions. You should also be comfortable with open mountain slopes and an
occasional degree of exposure to heights. We will always take weather into account when
selecting our hike for the day, but of course unexpected things may happen.
Many of the hikes planned will have more than one option, meaning that you can choose to
do an easier or more difficult hike, depending on your fitness, interests, and how you are
feeling on a given day. However, a decent level of hiking fitness is a MUST as all hikes are
at altitude. At a minimum you should be able to hike 10 miles with 2,500 feet of vertical gain
in a day. Remember also that we are planning to hike each day. We may have a faster and
a slower group on the more strenuous hikes. We may also offer options to go part way on
some days, or offer a moderate and a strenuous hike on others. You may choose to take
the occasional day off, but you should be able to hike most days.
If you do not meet these requirements, this trip may not be for you. Please contact the
leaders if you have any questions or concerns.
b) Non-Hiking Days Should you choose to take a day off hiking, the Swiss rail pass allows
you to explore and still have an exciting day. Should you choose to explore, it will be your
responsibility to return to the group lodgings. Our travel days between locations will also
offer downtown to relax.
c) Adaptability An important criterion for this trip is the ability to be flexible. Weather
conditions and transportation problems can change daily plans. Everyone should be able to
“roll with the punches,” be cooperative, assist leaders as requested and add to the total
group experience while enjoying themselves.
d) Understanding Purpose of Trip This trip is designed for everyone to experience the natural
wonders and culture of Switzerland through hiking and sightseeing activities selected by
leaders while socializing with other participants. We appreciate that each person has their
own expectations, but this is a group trip. Leaders will solicit participants’ preferences
whenever possible. The leaders’ decisions are final. The leaders will always take safety as
their primary consideration when making a decision.
e) Passport
Everyone must have a valid passport that expires no earlier than six (6) months
after the completion of the trip.
f)
Equipment
You need to provide your own daypack, hiking boots and rain gear for day
hiking. A packing list will be provided for your personal gear several weeks before the trip.
No specialized equipment is required. You must transport your luggage from train stations
to our hotels, which could be several blocks. We therefore strongly suggest that you bring
only a medium-size suitcase with wheels and a backpack for your carry-on items.
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