A Different Kind of Alpine Journey
Kathleen Dunlap, 67, from Alamo, and her son Doug, 36, recently experienced the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps on a 10-day journey. Unlike traditional backpacking trips with heavy packs and shared hut accommodations, they chose a lodge-to-lodge itinerary curated by Berkeley-based Backroads. Each night, they stayed in comfortable hotels while enjoying daily hikes across the Mont Blanc region.
Starting in Geneva and Chamonix
The adventure began in Geneva, where they explored the city for two days before visiting the Lavaux vineyards, known for breathtaking views and outstanding wine. On Day 4, they traveled to Chamonix, France, to meet their group and begin a six-day trek. Their first hike up the valley provided remarkable views of Mont Blanc, followed by a stay at the Grand Hotel des Alpes at the mountain’s base.
Highlights on Mont Blanc
One standout moment was dining on raclette at the Refuge du Montenvers, perched high above Chamonix with sweeping views of the Mer de Glace glacier. Their journey continued with a balcony trail hike that ended with a tram ride to the top of Mont Blanc at 15,774 feet. From there, they took the famous panoramic gondola over the peak and glacier into Italy, where they hiked the Italian side for two days, staying in Courmayeur.
A Perfect Balance of Hiking and Comfort
The Backroads program offered curated hikes of 10–12 miles per day, with alternatives for those seeking a lighter pace. Kathleen said every meal was memorable, with lunches on the trail and regional specialties at night. For her, the combination of challenging hikes, luxury stays, and spectacular scenery made the trip unforgettable.
