There is a day dedicated to snow, to the silence of winter, and to untouched mountain landscapes.
And it is precisely from here that we want to begin talking about mountains meant to be walked — the mountains that come alive when the snow retreats, the paths reappear, and travel once again becomes possible on foot.
The mountains we love at SloWays are not about extreme feats or athletic performance, but about places that can be crossed and experienced, alive and generous: green pastures, shaded forests, panoramic ridgelines, welcoming mountain huts, quiet valleys, and small villages. These are the mountains of spring, summer, and early autumn — beautiful and open, yet demanding respect, awareness, and thoughtful choices.
Walking in the mountains is a powerful experience. Doing it well means choosing the route that truly suits you, understanding the environment you are entering, preparing with care, and accepting that here — more than anywhere else — nature sets the pace.
One of the questions we hear most often is: “Am I suited for a mountain walking trip?”
The answer is almost always the same: it depends on which mountain.
Our journeys span a wide range of difficulty levels, designed to accompany walkers with different backgrounds, expectations, and physical conditions. There are easy, non-technical itineraries, ideal for a first approach to mountain walking: well-marked trails, moderate elevations, gentle gradients. Routes such as the Chestnut Trail, Val di Fassa Easy, or certain sections of the Alpine Via Francigena fall into this category — trips where you stay in hotels and walk without pressure.
Other journeys are more panoramic and dynamic, with greater elevation changes but still accessible to regular walkers. Think of the Dolomites, the Alps, the Apennines, or Mediterranean mountain landscapes such as the Alpujarras, mountainous Crete, the Menalon Trail, or the Val Maira. Here, the effort is rewarded with wide-open views and a deeper immersion in the landscape.
Then there are more adventurous and demanding experiences, such as the Tour du Mont Blanc, Alta Via 1, the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland, or wilder treks in the Balkans. In these cases, walking often takes place at altitude, moving day by day from one mountain hut to the next. It’s important to be aware that interrupting the route can be logistically complicated, and that overestimating your abilities is not a challenge — it’s a real risk.
Some itineraries offer greater flexibility, with multiple nights spent in the same hut or accommodation and the option to choose different daily routes based on energy levels. These are ideal for groups with slightly different abilities, or for those who appreciate the freedom to rest when needed.
Choosing the right level is not about limiting yourself — it’s about experiencing the mountains with intelligence, safety, and enjoyment.
Sleeping in the mountains is an essential part of the journey, but not all itineraries offer the same kind of accommodation.
Some trips combine mountain huts and hotels, others rely exclusively on high-altitude huts, while some take place entirely in hotels, B&Bs, or family-run guesthouses, always with private rooms and bathrooms. In mountain huts, sleeping is often in shared dormitories, with communal bathrooms and a strong sense of community. In some cases, private rooms are available, but they are limited and tend to sell out quickly, especially in peak season — which is why early booking is essential.
Journeys without huts generally offer a higher level of comfort and are perfect for those who want to enjoy the mountains without giving up privacy and a more structured rest.
To avoid any confusion, every SloWays trip description clearly states:
In the mountains, using a cable car or public transport does not mean “doing less.”
It means making a conscious and practical choice.
Many itineraries include cable cars, chairlifts, or local transport to avoid paved sections, shorten overly long stages, or adapt routes to weather conditions or physical needs. In some cases, they allow you to reach panoramic areas directly, focusing your walking on the most beautiful sections of the trail.
In our journeys, every transfer is clearly explained, day by day: which cable car to take, where the trail begins, and where each stage ends. Routes are always designed to start and finish at well-defined points, leaving no room for doubt or uncertainty. In some cases, cable cars can also be used as an option to shorten a day’s walk, offering flexibility in distance and difficulty.
This approach makes mountain walking smoother and more accessible, allowing you to enjoy the landscape with confidence and without unnecessary stress.
In the mountains, clothing is not a minor detail — it’s an essential tool for enjoying the journey calmly and safely. Even in midsummer, conditions can change quickly, and what feels unnecessary in the valley may become indispensable just a few hours later, especially at higher elevations.
The basic rule is layering, which allows you to adapt easily to temperature changes throughout the day. A breathable base layer helps manage sweat during climbs; a lightweight insulating layer is invaluable early in the morning, on ridges, or during breaks; and a waterproof, windproof jacket is always necessary, even when the forecast looks perfect. In the mountains, wind can dramatically lower the perceived temperature, and storms can arrive with little warning.
Beyond clothing, there are a few essentials that should always be in your pack: a sun hat and a warmer hat, sunscreen (exposure increases with altitude), sunglasses, and lightweight gloves, especially at the beginning and end of the season. Footwear deserves special attention: well-tested hiking boots or shoes — never brand new — are essential to avoid blisters and foot problems, along with good-quality technical socks.
Every journey is different. On treks with high-altitude huts or without luggage transfers, clothing choices become even more important: fewer items, but truly functional ones. On trips with luggage transport, there is more flexibility, but the advice remains the same — pack thoughtfully, because even in the mountains, lighter packs make for happier walking.
Mountain weather is never just background scenery. It is a constant presence, shaping each day of walking and deeply influencing the experience. Unlike in the lowlands, changes can be rapid and pronounced: a clear morning can shift within hours, temperatures can drop suddenly, and wind or low cloud can transform the landscape entirely.
Even in summer, it’s not unusual to encounter lingering snow on certain sections, particularly at higher elevations or on north-facing slopes. In other cases, snow may have melted but left the ground wet or unstable. This makes preparation essential — checking not only general forecasts, but also local mountain bulletins, which are far more reliable in alpine environments.
Summer storms are often underestimated. At altitude, they can be more intense and dangerous, especially on ridges, passes, or exposed terrain. For this reason, starting early in the morning, avoiding high ground during unstable hours, and being willing to adapt plans are all signs of good judgment. In the mountains, knowing when to turn back or change course reflects experience, not weakness.
Some routes have very specific seasonal windows: snow may melt late or return early, limiting when they can be safely walked. This is why consulting the trip description is so important — it explains the recommended periods and expected conditions, helping you travel with greater awareness.
The mountains are a fragile environment, where every action carries greater weight than in many other settings. Infrastructure is limited, waste collection is sparse, and nature takes far longer to “absorb” what is left behind. For this reason, walking sustainably is not optional — it’s a responsibility.
The first principle is simple: everything you carry in, you carry back out. Even organic waste, which does not decompose as easily at altitude. Using reusable water bottles, reducing packaging before departure, and choosing snacks with minimal wrapping may seem small actions, but multiplied across many walkers, they make a significant difference.
Respect also means staying on marked paths, which protects vegetation and limits erosion. Leaving trails, crossing meadows, or entering unmarked areas can disturb wildlife and local activities. Observing animals from a distance, without approaching or interfering, and respecting the work of those who live and farm in the mountains are all part of responsible travel.
Walking slowly, on foot, is already a sustainable choice. Doing so with care, minimizing impact, and supporting local economies — huts, small hotels, regional producers — makes the journey not only more responsible, but also more meaningful. The mountains are not a backdrop to be consumed; they are living places that welcome us only if we learn to pass through with respect.
Trust in your body, in your limits, in time stretching out.
It’s not a race, not a test of strength, not a challenge to conquer.
It’s a journey that requires attention, listening, and honesty. When you choose the route that suits you, pack thoughtfully, respect the weather and the land, the mountains give something rare in return: space, silence, and clarity.
That’s when the journey truly becomes SloWays.
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2025
Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486
