Welcome- 2011 The Alps

Summary: 170 miles of hiking in the Swiss and Italian Alps.

Includes 108,000 feet of climbing.

An incredible 3 1/2 weeks with my friends, appreciating all the Alps have to offer.

Included were regions in Switzerland, Austria, and the Dolomites in n'ern Italy. And as the pictures and videos will show, we had an incredible experience. Couldn't ask for three better hiking partners.

Favorite Pics and Video Clips and Narration of our Route and Maps and Packing List

Full size Photos by region:

• Region 1: Appenzel's. Switzerland: Wasserauen and Berghaus Ascher (the Santis).

• Region 2: Engadin Region

  • Lower Engadin (Scuol). Hiking in the Swiss National Park (Val Mingen, Cluozza/Murter).

  • Upper Engadin (LaPunt). Lej Muragl (beautiful alpine lake).

  • Upper Engadin: Es-Cha Hutte Loop:

    • LaPunt -> Madulain -> Alp Es-cha Dadour -> Val Mura -> Es-Cha Hutte & loop back.

  • Upper Engadin: Coaz Hutte hike (off Corvatsch lift)

• Region 3: Guarda (on way to Austria), & castles

• Region 4: The Dolomites, Italy (Part 1): Val Gardena: Puez Hutte Loop

• Region 4: The Dolomites, Italy (Part 2): Fredrich August Weg & St Ulrich -> Gschmagenhart Hutte

• Region 5: Ballenberg Outdoor Museum (Brienz. Near Interlachen)

• Region 5: Grindewald, Switzerland (Schynige Platte hike)

• Region 6: Murren: Long treks from Murren -> Griesalp; and Griesalp to Kandersteg, Switzerland.

• Region 7: Glarus, Switzerland. Climbing Vorder Glarnisch and hike to Glarnisch Hutte.

• Alps Food. Variety of food and places we ate.

Note: double-click or select hi-res HD in the bottom right for full screen.

Itinerary | narrated

• • July 26: PDX (depart 8:30am) -> Philadelphia -> Zurich (arrive 8:30am July 27th).

  • Region #1: July 27-29 | Appenzell: hike Wasserauen -> Santis Hut -> Wildhaus (~ 15 miles)

  • Region #2: July 29 - 31 | lower Engadin Valley (Scuol, Swiss National Park)

  • Region #3: July 31 - Aug 3 | upper Engadin (LaPunt and many great hiking options)

  • Region #4: Aug 4- 5 | Reutte, Austria & Hohenschwangau, Germany (time out for castles)

  • Region #5: Aug 5 - 8 | The Dolomites, Val Gardena (Selva), Italy

  • Region #6: Aug 9-10 | Interlachen/Brienz, Switzerland. Outdoor museum (Ballenberg)

  • Region #7: Aug 10 - 12 | Grindewald (across from the Eiger). Spectacular hikes (map) in the area.

  • Region #8:Aug 13 - 15 | Murren -> Sifinafurgga Pass to Griesalp | Griesalp -> Hohturli Pass to Kandersteg

  • Region #9: Aug 16 - 17 | Glarus (far end of Klontalersee). Hike/climb Vorder Glarnisch.

  • Aug 18: Hike up to Glarnisch Hutte. Return, shower, and drive to Zurich.

  • Aug 19: travel to Zurich: Depart Zurich (10:25am) -> Philadelphia -> PDX. Arrive 8:50pm.