French & Italian Alps Lodge-to-Lodge Hiking Tour

We ordinarily staff our trips with two Backroads leaders, plus one or more support leaders who are generally responsible for van support. Due to our lower reliance on driving during this trip, we’re able to offer our usual high level of support without the help of a support leader. 

Many of our hikes through the Alps are remote and do not intersect with roads. Vehicles (or mountain infrastructure like gondolas) will get us to and from the trailheads, but due to the nature of these trails, we won’t see support vans along the route. 

While the summer months in this region tend to be warm, mountain weather can still be unpredictable. Careful packing is essential for your comfort and overall enjoyment. Be prepared for all kinds of conditions, from hot sunny days to windy or rainy ones. Please pack a mix of warm- and cool-weather clothing, including base layers with sweat-wicking fabrics, a windbreaker, a waterproof rain jacket and rain pants. Refer to the packing list for a comprehensive overview of must-haves. We recommend a comfortable daypack with a 20–30-liter capacity to ensure you have everything you need on the trail.

While the hotels on this trip offer outstanding service and are ideally located for exploring the Alps, please note that some of them are not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region’s generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.