DebWestman

Hi there, We have the month of May and would love to explore the Alps. We have heard that there hasn't been much snow this year but are still worried about trails and lifts being closed. We want to hike, bike and explore small villages without the crowds. Are we crazy to go in May? If we stay on the southern parts were it's warmer does it have the stunning views?
Would love your input, thanks!
Deb

J62

Your options for hiking in the Alps in May have more to do with altitude than latitude.

The highest peaks will all still be snow/ice covered and the temperatures not warm enough for what I would consider comfortable May hiking.

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DebWestman

thank you

neckervd

In Italy and Southern Switzerland (Swiss Cantons of Valais and Ticino), May is a excellent month for alpine hiking if you walk at altitudes up to about 1600 metres.
Forget the North of the Alps (Bernese Oberland, Central Switzerland, Austria, Germany) where snow tends to remain longer and where it's more rainy anyway (although there isn't any fine weather guarantee for italy neither.
Many areas will be full of lowers in May (white narcisssus above Lake Geneva, first rhododendron above the North Italian Lakes, lilies of the Valley.........

Many lifts don't run in May. If you are interested in a specific area, I can tell you what's running.