Yesterday I got this email from Odile (quoted with her permission): It struck a chord ... I had been complaining about the haze after the July rains stopped. I did two hikes that promised wonderful views: from Macolin to Twanberg and the Jura Crest to Le Chasseral. On both hikes I barely saw the far side of the lake

I had also been thinking of this for a few years, ever since reading the description of a hike labelled Plan Monnay -- dans les melélèzes en feu. No photos, but the phrase "les melélèzes en feu" excited my imagination.

I obviously cannot afford to come to Switzerland twice a year (no, I will not ask whether I can survive on CHF 10,000 a month ). Also, hiking at a reasonable elevation is a large part of what I come for. OTOH I might well be satisfied, for one year, hiking at lower elevations (Jura, Préalpes and lower elevations in the Alps). So what do you all suggest????

No more questions right now; I am sure that your replies will lead to many new questions later.

And thanks, Odile, for giving me a needed push!

Fafleralp in the high Valais is the most beautiful autumn walk we ever did - there is a very old traditional Hotel up there- that closes from Mid October. the bus can take you right up to the Hotel - then you can walk to the Anen alpine hut and stay overnight. The colours were just amazing. And of course your favourite, the Val d'Hérens - stay at the Grande Peur dans la Montagne B&B, with my friends Patrick and Madeleine. Nax is just brilliant for the larches - and of course Ferpècle and Arolla.

For views of the Alps- then the Jura is great. Chasseron has a Hotel at the top. And also from the Creux-du-Van. Very happy to host you if you come this way one day.

Who fell over?

I haven't met you, but from the impression I have developed about you from so many posts and pictures, I can relate to your sense of adventure and exploration...like I mean I think you are my type.

True, autumn colors are so beautiful, I have appreciated the beauty of autumn colors, they make great pictures, but after a few days I would miss the excitement of high altitude rugged beauty of the Alps proper...the "high" that thin air gives you.

I don't think the serene beauty of the meadows, traditional cottages, cow pastures, chapels etc, can ever be a long-term replacement for the raw and rugged Alps...

OT: I am leaving Switzerland end of this year, already planning how I will be an annual (or at least biannual) visitor to the Alps, like you I really wanted to meet you in some hut this year, but maybe next time.

We may share a sense of adventure, but I am a few (or should it be several?) decades older

And my age is showing ... this summer I was only able to do one hike with 1,200 meters of elevation gain That is why I posted so little this summer ... I felt that what I did was not worth posting. So even if I come before snow is an issue I will probably spend about half my time in the Jura and Préalpes.

Time for a (preliminary) decision!

I have a friend who will be finishing a trip in the Dolomites on September 25th, and is asking whether I would be interested in doing something in Switzerland after that.

Is that too early to qualify as "fall" in Switzerland? I am looking for both the foliage and the clear views if possible.

Mildly early for brilliant fall colour, but the childrens' school holidays always start at the end of the September (this year 28 September for 2 weeks) and we always take a fall holiday as it is quite the best time of year possible in the mountains. Last autumn we went to the Zillertal valley in the Tyrol, Austria and the weather was amazing .. swimming in the outdoor, unheated pool and shorts on every day. But cool enough in the evening to mean the views were crystal clear. Quite beautiful but it is challenging for the packing .. pack for both winter and summer!

Previous years we were in Leukerbad, central Switzerland (Vierwaldstattersee) and have also been to Zermatt area for the autumn holiday and it has always been beautiful .. beautiful weather, views and the best fun.

Do it!

I've fallen plenty of times whilst skiing, but never whilst hiking

Salut RNH.

The end of September in the Engadin is normaly very nice (1600 mtr).
The area between La Punt and Maloja is great for hiking in summer and the fall. The Engadin valley is about 1600mts high and the best time to go is from the end of May, until the end of October. Before this there is normaly still snow in the high valleys.

They have very nice flats to rent with1, 2 and 3 bedrooms.
Here is an eg.http://interhome-travel.com/holiday/...nd/Sils__Maria
Don't be shocked by the price of this eg. they are normally much cheaper. My favorite is Sils Maria and La Punt.
Where to look for accomodation?
Maloja.
Sils Maria.
Silvaplana.
Samedan.
Bever.
La Punt.
Zuoz.
Where to hike?
Swiss National Park.
Muottas Muragl.
Corvatsch and Rosegtal.
Fextal. (from Sils)
Grevasalvas (comonly called Heidi village)
Tour of the Sils Lake.
The region of Bergel with a visit to Soglio.
And many more!!
The POST BUS have a very good service in the whole Engadin and Bergel.
There is also the train service direct from the South Tyrol.
At one end of the valley is Italy and the other end is Austria.

Have a look in Google Maps there are some very good photo's of the region.

If I can help more PM me.
Salut Zämma