The Alps
The Alps are Europe’s iconic crescent of high peaks and glacial valleys spanning multiple countries, renowned for skiing, hiking, and alpine culture.
Learn More
The Alps
The Alps are Europe’s towering spine, a crescent of high peaks, glaciers, and green valleys that straddles multiple nations. The range stretches roughly 1,200 km from the French Riviera toward Vienna and covers about 207,000 km2, with Mont Blanc at about 4,807 m as the highest summit. From glacial blue lakes to vine-draped terraces, the Alps blend rugged adventure with centuries of Alpine culture in towns like Chamonix and regions such as the Dolomites and Tyrolean Alps. Visitors can ski in famed resorts like St. Anton or Chamonix, or hike and via ferrata through limestone crags and pine forests in summer.
Geography
| Continent | Europe |
|---|---|
| Region | Alps |
| Subregion | Western EuropeCentral Europe |
| Country | FranceSwitzerlandItalyAustriaSlovenia |
| Timezone | EuropeZurichEuropeParisEuropeRomeEuropeVienna |
| Latitude | 46.5 |
| Longitude | 9 |
| Maps |
2:47 AM LOCAL TIME
Where to Stay
A mosaic of high peaks, crystal lakes, and iconic alpine towns offering diverse stays across the Alps.
Chamonix Valley in France's Haute-Savoie is a magnet for mountaineers and hikers. Bold peaks like Mont Blanc crown the valley, and the area hosts world-class skiing, glacier routes, and alpine trails. Choose from luxury chalets or budget stays across the valley, with easy access to iconic sites such as the Aiguille du Midi and Mer de Glace.
Courchevel & Three Valleys is the heart of the French Alps' linked ski domain, offering 600 km of slopes and lift connections across Méribel and Les Menuires. The area features multiple villages with strong lift access, including ski-in/ski-out spots in places. Lodging ranges from luxury chalets to premium hotels for an immersive alpine base in the Three Valleys.
Annecy & Lake Annecy blends medieval charm with alpine drama. The lake enables summer water sports and scenic lakeside promenades, while the Vieille Ville canals add color and character. Accommodations range from budget to premium, with easy access to nearby mountains for day trips.
Zermatt sits beneath the iconic Matterhorn and is largely car-free, preserving a classic alpine village vibe. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and the surrounding ski paradise offer year‑round adventures, while the Gornergrat Railway delivers panoramic glacier views. Lodging ranges from luxury hotels to boutique stays with Matterhorn views and easy lift access.
Engadin St. Moritz is Switzerland's sunlit high valley known for lakes, peaks, and refined alpine culture. With nine ski areas and snow-sure runs, you can chase sun on Corviglia and Diavollezza, or explore winter hiking and spa towns. In summer, the valley shines with hiking, sailing, and scenic trains. Lodging leans toward luxury and premium options in St. Moritz, with varied bases in Pontresina and Zuoz for broader budgets.
Cortina d'Ampezzo is the Queen of the Dolomites, a chic alpine town in the Italian Alps. The Dolomiti Superski network opens vast runs, while Cortina serves as a stylish base with high-end dining and boutiques. Stay in luxurious hotels or premium chalets in the resort and its surrounding Dolomites.
Innsbruck sits in the Tirol, a city framed by alpine peaks and rich Tyrolean culture. It’s a gateway for urban exploring and easy access to nearby peaks like Nordkette and Patscherkofel for day trips, hikes, and winter activities. A wide range of stays exists from budget to premium in the city and surrounding villages.
Kitzbühel is a centuries-old Tyrolean town famed for the Hahnenkamm Races and a premium, year‑round resort. The region offers roughly 233 km of slopes and a vibrant après-ski scene, plus a medieval town center with shops and dining. Lodging ranges from premium hotels to boutique inns.
Bovec & Soča Valley in Slovenia offers whitewater rafting on the emerald Soča River, canyoning, and hiking in the Julian Alps. It’s an adventure hub with a range of stays from budget guesthouses to mid-range lodges, all set amid pristine alpine scenery.
Books
Alpes du Nord, les plus belles randonnées
Authors: Collectif
Éditions Glénat · 2021
Topo-guide featuring 50 hikes across the Northern Alps (Isère, Savoie, Haute-Savoie) with route notes, topo diagrams and evocative photography. Ideal for day trips or multi-day treks across iconic massifs.
Lacs de Savoie. Les plus belles randonnées
Authors: Jean Gotteland
Éditions Glénat · 2024
Guide to 26 lake-centered hikes across Savoie (Beaufortain, Haute-Maurienne, Vanoise, Tarentaise). Includes Lac du Roselend, Lac de la Plagne and other scenic lakes, with practical route details and scenic notes.
Écrins, les plus belles balades et randonnées
Authors: Jean-Marc Roux
Éditions Glénat · 2025
91 walks in the heart of the Écrins National Park, with GPS downloads and thematically rich sidebars. A curated set of routes for exploring high-alpine landscapes.
Treks dans les Parcs nationaux des Alpes
Authors: Gian Luca Boetti
Éditions Glénat · 2024
Itineraries for 18 treks (3–8 days) across alpine national parks and protected areas from Mercantour to Triglav (Slovenia) and beyond; richly photographed with practical trek details.
Alpes du Nord, Guide Vert Michelin
Authors: Michelin
Michelin Editions · 2023
Guide Vert for the Northern Alps (Savoie, Mont-Blanc, Dauphiné) with must-see sites, favorites, practical addresses and proposed itineraries.
Alpes du Sud, Guide Vert Michelin
Authors: Michelin
Michelin Editions · 2023
Guide Vert for the Southern Alps (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes) featuring essential sights, recommended routes and handy travel tips.
Alpes, les plus beaux circuits de randonnée
Authors: Convention alpine
Éditions Glénat · 2013
A broad topo-guide presenting 20 emblematic Alpine treks across multiple massifs, with itineraries spanning 3–13 days.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Tue Nov 18, 2025, 4:36 AM