Easy Alpine summer hikes
Aug 3rd, 2010, 06:04 PM
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Easy Alpine summer hikes
I have been dazzled by Chamonix, Murren, Wengen, Zermatt and the Dolomites in summer months. Is there anyplace in U.S. or Canada that can rival these magnificent mountain villages with their mountain scenery? If the answer is "no," then I'll spend the extra flying time to return to Europe. What I like about the Alps is ease of access to high altitude vistas and easy hikes. Are Whistler Mountain or Aspen or Breckenridge or wherever comparable in beauty and ease of access?
Aug 3rd, 2010, 07:42 PM
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I spent some time in Switzerland as a college student and remember a drive through alpine meadows with snow capped peaks, wildflowers and the gentle ringing of the bells around the cows' necks... exquisite!
The closest I've experienced to this bucolic scene in the States is Maroon Bells near Aspen (ironically enough, without the bells!) It is the quintissential mountain vista, with jagged, snowcapped pointy mountains reflected in the still waters of a lake, just bursting with wildflowers in July and August. Some of the flowers particularly attract humming birds which you practically have to swat away like flies! There are easy and challenging trails on which to meander and enjoy the scenery from different vantage points, a gurgling stream to cross, everything one could wish for in mountain heavenliness! It is one of the most photographed spots in Colorado, with good reason! Google the image if you're not familiar with it. Aspen isn't quite Zermatt, but it's a lovely town in which to enjoy upscale lodging and dining. Much to see and do otherwise in the area. You'd even probably hear German and French spoken on the street if you listen!
The closest I've experienced to this bucolic scene in the States is Maroon Bells near Aspen (ironically enough, without the bells!) It is the quintissential mountain vista, with jagged, snowcapped pointy mountains reflected in the still waters of a lake, just bursting with wildflowers in July and August. Some of the flowers particularly attract humming birds which you practically have to swat away like flies! There are easy and challenging trails on which to meander and enjoy the scenery from different vantage points, a gurgling stream to cross, everything one could wish for in mountain heavenliness! It is one of the most photographed spots in Colorado, with good reason! Google the image if you're not familiar with it. Aspen isn't quite Zermatt, but it's a lovely town in which to enjoy upscale lodging and dining. Much to see and do otherwise in the area. You'd even probably hear German and French spoken on the street if you listen!
Aug 3rd, 2010, 08:45 PM
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Well, the obvious answer is the Canadian Rockies, which are every bit as spectacular as the Alps. I'd start there. Banff and Jasper are both great towns. Whistler is also beautiful though not quite as rugged, and Whistler Village is scenic, compact, and pedestrian-only.
I'm also partial to the Eastern Sierra, but there aren't a lot of villages there, except for Mammoth which is a fairly typical ski town.
I'm also partial to the Eastern Sierra, but there aren't a lot of villages there, except for Mammoth which is a fairly typical ski town.
Aug 4th, 2010, 01:33 AM
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I agree with azzure about the Canadian Rockies--amazing!
Lake Tahoe is also beautiful--mountains, lake, desert, rock formations.
I've never skied anywhere in the western US or Canada that I didn't think was beautiful.
Lake Tahoe is also beautiful--mountains, lake, desert, rock formations.
I've never skied anywhere in the western US or Canada that I didn't think was beautiful.
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