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Alps - traveling alone but want to connect

Posted by on

Hi,

If I do not join a Rick Steves' Tour, I am thinking I would love to go to the Alps area (Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, and/or Austria) Tirol/Salzburg area sometime in May or early June for hiking (everything from easy/moderate river walks to alpine ridges and summits), culture, and good-for-me things (like thermal baths, spas, and saunas). I like the idea of a 2 or 3 center holiday that is not too spread out (say under 1 -2 hours from each other).

I looked into hotels in the Tirol/Salzburg area and there are many with hiking programs. But not all guests will speak English. I'd really like to connect with other English speakers, not necessarily for hiking (but that would be nice) but just in general. I checked escorted walking tours but those really do not seem to start in these areas until June/July which is too late for me. I cannot travel then unfortunately due to work needs.

Does anyone know any good hikers' hotels or have any other suggestions?

Thank you again!
Annie

Posted by
20945 posts

The reason you are not finding organized hikes until late June and July is that before then it is too early for hiking high alpine ridges. The snow is just finishing melting and it takes time for the mud to dry out. You might find that a few lifts in late May will open in the Val Gardena area.

Don't worry too much about language. When ever people from different countries(linguistically) get together, English is the lingua franca. So when my Austrian lodge owner and her Danish boyfriend get a visit from their Czech climbing buds, they all converse in English. When people see you're American, they will generally speak English if they want to talk to you. Never hurts to try to pick up some simple phrases in the local language.

Edit- Yes, I see the Seiser Alm Gondola is opening May 14, and the Resciesa Cable Railway is opening May 21. http://www.valgardena.it/en/hiking-biking/walking-trekking/lifts/

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