Autumn hikes

On autumn hikes in the Alps, the colours of the foliage and the clarity of the days come together in an experience that is hard to match.

Autumn is an extraordinary time to discover the mountains, thanks to the incredible colours of the foliage that paint the landscape in warm, welcoming shades. In this season we suggest a selection of hikes designed to immerse you in the magic of autumn, on routes at lower altitudes than the summer hikes, to make the most of the changing seasons.

The foliage first turns at high altitude and on north-facing slopes (larch woods between 1,500 and 2,000 metres) in the last two weeks of October, then moves down to lower altitudes (broadleaf woods between 1,000 and 1,500 metres) during November. After days of rain, you can see the summits dusted with snow, a spectacular contrast with the warmth of the autumn colours.

In autumn the Alps have a high number of clear days, with skies swept clean by northerly winds. The hikes in this section have been chosen to offer you the best routes for admiring the foliage and enjoying the ideal conditions typical of autumn.

Huts, hunting and the désalpe

In autumn the calendar matters as much as the weather. Many mountain huts close between September and October, and some leave a winter room open, which at Swiss Alpine Club huts is paid for in cash in the box provided or by bank transfer within a few days; opening periods and conditions vary from hut to hut, though, so a call or a look at the website before setting off is essential. In Italy, the hunting season opens by law on the third Sunday of September, with calendars set by each region, and in valleys popular with hunters it is sensible to stay on the paths and wear visible colours. The days also shorten quickly, and a head torch in your rucksack is the cheapest insurance against a longer return than planned.

This is also the season when the herds come down from the high pastures. In the Aosta Valley the désarpa marks the end of summer: cows decked with flowers parade down to the valley barns, and 29 September has long been an important date for herders, while in French-speaking Switzerland the same festival is the désalpe and in German-speaking Switzerland the Alpabzug. This seasonal movement of flocks and herds, transhumance, has been on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage since 2019, following a nomination by Italy, Austria and Greece. If you meet a herd on the path, let the animals pass calmly and keep your dog on a lead.