Just wondering about the mid-May weather on the My Way Alpine Tour. I've been looking for low profile water resistant hiking shoes (rather than boots). I'm just wondering if I'll run into snow on any of the hiking days. RE clothing, we're planning on versatile layers, including a packable down vest and water resistant windbreaker. Please share your feedback on spring Alpine weather. thanks!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Mid May is a transitional period, and conditions on any given date will vary from year to year. Some years, you have sunny spring weather, some years the temperatures may barely budge above freezing. I have no idea what hiking routes are offered on a Rick Steves tour, but I'm going to guess that they probably choose based on the prevailing conditions... meaning, I doubt they would plan a hike on terrain covered in snow.
I wouldn't start to plan your packing list now. Rather, in the weeks before your trip, monitor the mountain webcams on the areas included on the trip, and pack based on the short term weather forecast.
Posted by
Beaverton, Oregon, USA
740 posts
While the weather may or may not be fine, be aware that some trails in the Berner Oberland may still be snowed in.
Posted by
48 posts
I have been on 2 Steve's tours which included the Lauterbrunnen Valley. First one was in May 2015 and we had snow at night but it cleared and was wonderful both in the valley and the peaks in the morning and day. This year I returned with the Alpine My Way tour and also beautiful weather. Must be doing something right!
There was much less snow on the peaks but still very pretty. Be aware that the tour that you are referring to is very, very dependent on the weather versus other tours.
That being said, May should be good, but not as sure a deal as Sept Oct for sure.
Posted by
11 posts
I was in Murren at the beginning of June two years ago. They had snow two days before we arrived, and some of the smaller lifts to the higher hiking trails hadn't opened for the season yet.