National Geographic Traveller (UK)
SIX MORE HIKING & BIKING TRAILS
SWITZERLAND
THE SEGNES TRAIL
There’s always something afoot at the resort of Laax. In winter, skiers leap off any pipe, rail or lump they can find, having honed their skills at the indoor Freeride Center; in summer, it’s bikers on the Segnes Trail. Launched last summer, this new addition to the growing network of bike trails that web the villages of Flims, Laax and Falera takes mountain bikers 1.7 miles over rock slabs and hairpin bends to join the legendary 4.7-mile Runca flow trail. flimslaax.com
FRANCE
A TWO-WHEEL TOUR OF PORTES DU SOLEIL
Containing a network of resorts including Les Gets, Morzine, Avoriaz, Châtel, Morgins and Champéry, the Portes du Soleil region is a must-ride for mountain bikers, all combined on one lift pass. Les Gets is the perfect base, with 12 runs in the resort alone, along with three jump parks, numerous technical zones for the more advanced, a bike park and top-level tuition at Les Gets Bike School. portesdusoleil.com lesgetsbikeschool.com
ITALY
TREKKING IN TRENTINO
Between Lake Garda and the Dolomites, Trentino is a region of woodlands, lakes, lush valleys and historic towns. The region’s easy-to-explore trails include the two-day route through the Val di Rabbi from Malga Stablasolo farmstead, overnighting at the Rifugio Dorigoni mountain hut, via the Val Saènt waterfalls, then onwards under the peaks of Cima Collecchio to Lake Corvo. rifugiodorigoni.it
SWITZERLAND
ON FOOT IN THE BERNESE OBERLAND
Walk in the shadow of the nation’s trio of iconic peaks, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. You don’t need to tackle the summits; many of this region’s hikes are accessible but challenging, including the route up the 4,700ft Höhturli Pass. Inntravel has a seven-night, self-guided trip from Grindelwald to Kandersteg, taking in the pretty town of Murren, from £1,595 per person, including half-board in three- and four-star hotels and rail travel from London. inntravel.co.uk
AUSTRIA
HIKE AND SWIM INNSBRUCK’S GORGES
Innsbruck is superb for a summer city break, a compact Alpine city with several gorges offering splendid hiking.
Try the Mühlauer Klamm area. At the foot of the Nordkette range, a signposted path takes travellers along a river that rushes through a gorge and over a series of waterfalls. Ehnbachklamm, in the little town of Zirl, is another gem, as is Klammsteig, a gorge trail with a stairway cut into the rock: all accessible via public transport. innsbruck.info
FRANCE
THE BEST BITS OF MONT BLANC
Take the train to Europe’s highest mountain on a onechange, seven-hour ride from London via Paris for a week of guided hiking around Chamonix, including the most spectacular Tour du Mont Blanc segments. Walk seven hours daily, with ascents of 500ft. A seven-night group tour costs £1,548 per person, including B&B accommodation, rail travel and most meals. exodus.co.uk SB