We will be travelling to the Alps in early June, and wondered if the snows will be melted enough to do some good hikes in the mountains, and what kind of weather to expect.

In June you'll find snow only in glaciers ... and I doubt you'll wish to hike that far up! <BR>Paulo

Depends on where in the Alps and what the weather has been this year. <BR> <BR>We've been in snow as low as 1650 meters as late as June 10, and been blocked from some routes at around 1900-2100 meters much later in the month. This in the Jungfrau region. <BR> <BR>At the same time we've been in snowstorms at 1600 meters as early as August 25, and hiked through 6-10 inches of snow the next day below 1900 meters. <BR> <BR>Much of the area often has some snow in shielded spots all year long some years, though not blocking trails. This usually occurs above 2000 or so meters. <BR>By late June you'd normally be okay most places. <BR> <BR>Ed

We were in the Alps (Berner Oberland region) mid-June, 2000. The snow has melted except in the highest mountains in the Jungfraujoch or the Schilthorn but it was very, very cold and it rained most afternoons-that's why we were glad we are early risers and saw the mountains first thing in the morning. My husband even has to buy a wool sweater because of the cold. However, in the lower part like the Lauterbrunnen area, the weather was just fine not very hot and not very cold. Again it was drizzly though. Hope the weather will be more cooperative this year if you are hiking.

the hiking season doesn't kick off until the first of July. You'll notice that many hotels in resort areas are even closed in May/June. But you'll still find plenty of wonderful walks everywhere. Just won't be able to do the very high routes or passes. In other areas you may have a few small snowfields to cross, but not a problem. I live near Lucerne and find that the mountain weather in June/first 2/3 July is somewhat unsettled, with late afternoon thunderstorms very possible. <BR> <BR>Having said that though the snowpack this year is very low. So it is very probable that snow will be all melted very early this year. <BR> <BR>I'm half way done with the Swiss Alps Pass Route myself. Finishing the rest this summer.

oh yeah, one great reason to pick June/July is the wildflowers!