For nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, it doesn’t get much better than the European Alps. They offer the perfect blend of culture and alpine splendor. Think cozy chalets, snowcapped mountains and endless cross-country hiking. But for non-locals, it can be daunting choosing where to stay and navigating this region. Not only are there a myriad of options — be it for relaxing, hiking, skiing, and luxury escapes — but logistics and accessibility are a big factor when you’re not familiar with these parts.
The Alps at a Glance
While most think of France and Switzerland, you can branch out to other countries on your travels to experience the most majestic Alps and a bit of the local culture at the same time. Stretching across Italy, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia — the Alps form the spine of Europe. They run from the Mediterranean coast to the borders of Central Europe.
Planning You Alpine Adventure
When it comes to the Alps, you are spoilt for choice. Having designed hundreds of itineraries, we tend to recommend places that best blend adventure, accessibility, and charm. Among our favorites are Zermatt and St. Moritz in Switzerland, Innsbruck in Austria, and Madonna di Campiglio in Italy. Many of these can be reached on scenic routes from major cities like Milan or Zurich, with lovely detours along Lake Maggiore or Lake Lucerne.
Here’s where we send our clients in the Alps — not just for skiing in winter but also for hiking, cycling, and scenic drives in other seasons.
Where to Stay in the Alps
The French Alps
France’s Alpine towns combine style, gastronomy, and adventure in perfect measure. A visit to the French Alps is the perfect way to end an Alpine road trip, combining Italy and Switzerland.
Chamonix
Chamonix sits at the foot of Mont Blanc and has been Europe’s mountaineering capital for over a century. Beyond its legendary slopes, our clients love the elegant hotels, lively après-ski, and cable-car rides to sweeping viewpoints.
Annecy
For summer travelers, Annecy is a dream — a turquoise lake framed by mountains, pastel façades, and a charming Old Town filled with canals and cafés.
The Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps are simply jaw-dropping, with many quintessential towns perfect for expert skiers and luxury travel seekers. On a ski-trip or a hiking trip with us to Switzerland, you will almost always find Zermatt and St Moritz on the itinerary, and for good reason.
Zermatt
Framed by the iconic Matterhorn, car-free Zermatt is Switzerland at its most pristine. Arrive by train through glacier-cut valleys and settle into a chalet overlooking the peaks. In winter, it’s one of Europe’s premier ski resorts. In summer, trails and cable cars offer endless hiking and panoramic views. The town’s mix of rustic charm and world-class hotels makes it a perennial favorite for luxury travelers.
St. Moritz
The pinnacle of sophistication, St. Moritz has hosted winter sports elites for over a century. Expect polished service, designer shops, and lakeside promenades lined with five-star hotels. Beyond skiing, it’s also a summer hub for mountain biking, polo on the lake, and spa retreats too.
Austrian Alps — Innsbruck and Beyond
Austria’s Alps combine vibrant city culture with dramatic mountain scenery, offering travelers the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation. Innsbruck, the “Capital of the Alps,” sits at the heart of the Tyrolean mountains and serves as an ideal base for experiencing Austrian alpine life. The Tyrolean region surrounding Innsbruck is dotted with postcard-perfect villages, traditional wooden chalets, and quiet alpine meadows. Whether you’re seeking a day trip or extended stay, Austria offers both adventure and elegance. All within easy reach of the city.
Innsbruck
Nestled between towering peaks, Innsbruck blends history, culture, and adventure. Stroll through its baroque Old Town, enjoy coffee at charming street-side cafés. Or why not explore contemporary art galleries before hopping on a ski lift that takes you directly into the surrounding mountains? In winter, Innsbruck is a gateway to world-class skiing across multiple nearby resorts. In summer, lush valleys and alpine trails beckon hikers and cyclists alike. Its accessibility, cultural richness, and mountain charm make it a must-stop on any Alps itinerary.
Salzburg
The birthplace of Mozart and the backdrop for The Sound of Music, Salzburg combines cultural sophistication with Alpine charm. The city’s baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cafés offer a rich urban experience. The surrounding mountains provide immediate access to hiking, cycling, and winter sports. A short drive or train ride from Salzburg leads to quaint villages and breathtaking landscapes, an ideal base for exploring the Austrian Alps. So whatever your travel preferences, Salzburg effortlessly blends culture, history, and alpine adventure.
Italian Alps
Italian warmth meets alpine tranquility, creating the perfect balance of sport, scenery, and culture. We are obsessed with this part of Italy, for good reason. And we love showing our clients another side to Italy beyond the typical tourist hotspots. Not that we consider Italy a compromise to the Swiss Alps at all, but it can be a more affordable alternative, especially for dining out.
Madonna di Campiglio
Nestled in the Brenta Dolomites, this elegant resort town is Italy’s answer to St. Moritz — stylish yet relaxed, welcoming yet refined. In winter, visitors ski through pine forests and dine on rich Trentino cuisine; in summer, the meadows burst with wildflowers and fresh mountain air.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Nestled in the dramatic Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo is Italy’s most glamorous mountain resort. Known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” it offers a sophisticated blend of luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and charming alpine chalets. Winter transforms the town into a world-class ski destination, while summer reveals lush hiking trails, alpine lakes, and spectacular climbing routes. Its accessible location in northern Italy makes it a convenient addition to a multi-country Alps itinerary, and its vibrant dining scene ensures visitors enjoy authentic Trentino cuisine after a day on the slopes or trails.
Choosing the Right Alpine Base for You
The Alps are vast, and each region offers a slightly different flavor of mountain life — from refined Swiss luxury to Italian dolce vita charm. Your ideal base depends on what kind of alpine escape you’re after.
- For Ski Enthusiasts: Head to Zermatt, St. Moritz, Madonna di Campiglio, or Cortina d’Ampezzo for some of Europe’s best skiing and après-ski culture. These resorts combine perfectly groomed slopes with lively town centers, Michelin-starred dining, and glamorous winter atmospheres.
- For Summer Hikers & Nature Lovers: Choose Chamonix, Annecy, or Innsbruck — where alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and endless mountain trails come alive from May to September. These towns make ideal bases for scenic drives, gentle hikes, and active outdoor adventures.
- For Culture & City Charm: If you prefer your mountains with a touch of history and elegance, Salzburg and Aosta are your perfect match. Each offers a blend of baroque beauty, local cuisine, and easy access to the surrounding peaks — ideal for those who want to balance sightseeing with alpine serenity.
- For Romance & Relaxation: Looking for a quieter retreat? Annecy, Zermatt, and Madonna di Campiglio pair lakeside or mountain tranquility with spa indulgence, fine dining, and stunning views that change with every season.
Wherever you choose to stay, private transfers make exploring the Alps far more comfortable — especially given the winding roads, variable weather, and scattered resort locations. With a dedicated driver, travelers can relax, enjoy the views, and easily combine destinations such as Milan, Lake Maggiore, and the high mountain passes of Switzerland and Austria.
Navigating the Alps can be as challenging as it is breathtaking. Narrow mountain roads, steep passes, and sudden weather changes make driving here unpredictable, even for experienced drivers. A private driver transforms your journey into a seamless experience — you can relax and focus on the scenery while an expert handles the logistics. For Bellarome travelers, it’s the ultimate way to enjoy the Alps without worrying about maps, snow, or challenging drives.
At Bellarome Travel Worldwide, we craft bespoke itineraries across Italy, France, and Switzerland, combining scenic routes, hand-picked hotels, and authentic local experiences.
If you’re dreaming of a ski escape in St. Moritz or a summer drive from Milan to the Dolomites via Lake Maggiore, get in touch and let our specialists design a journey through the Alps that’s as unforgettable as the views themselves.
