Frequently Asked Questions

More information on my consultation and planning services

General Questions

Who are your services for?

My services are for anyone planning a hiking-focused trip to Switzerland! However, they are especially suited for hikers who want to get off the beaten track and explore trails and regions beyond the typical tourist hotspots.

When is the best time to book your services?

For QA sessions and consultations, you can book at any stage of your planning—whether you're just starting or need last-minute advice before your trip.

For Custom Itineraries, I recommend reaching out at least a few months in advance to ensure availability and to allow enough time for detailed planning. If you're interested in a multi-day hut-to-hut itinerary, I suggest booking at least 6 months ahead, as huts fill up quickly, especially in peak season.

What locations do you specialize in?

I don’t focus on just one region—I can design custom hiking itineraries anywhere in Switzerland and fit them into any schedule. But, I love introducing visitors to the lesser-known sides of Switzerland. There is much more to the Alps than the Jungfrau region! I especially love hiking in Valais, Graubünden, Ticino, Uri and Glarus, but I can plan an itinerary for any part of the country based on your preferences.

When do you recommend a hut-to-hut hike?

The most reliable months for hut-to-hut hiking are July, August, and early to mid-September. Outside of this period, it becomes more difficult to plan multi-day hut treks due to snow conditions and hut opening/closing schedules.

  • June is still considered spring in the mountains, and many high-altitude trails remain covered in snow. Even though most huts officially open by mid to late June, access to them may still be difficult or unsafe due to lingering snowfields.

  • By late September and October, temperatures drop, and many huts begin closing for the season, making multi-day hut-to-hut routes less feasible.

For these reasons, I only recommend hut-to-hut hikes from July to mid-September to ensure safer and more enjoyable hiking conditions. 

Are you currently based in Switzerland?

Yep! I’ve lived in Zürich for seven years, and have extensive firsthand experience hiking and exploring trails across the country. Living here also means I am up-to-date on trail conditions, seasonal changes, hut openings, and local logistics.

Do you guide hikes or lead tours?

No, I specialize in trip planning and consulting, but I do not personally guide hikes or lead group tours at this time.

QAs and Consultations

What is the QA session for?

The QA call is an informal, 30-minute conversation where you can ask any questions about hiking in Switzerland. I can share personal insights, general advice, and off-the-cuff suggestions to help with your trip planning. While this isn’t a tailored call, it’s a great opportunity to get quick, reliable information.

What is included in a hiking consultation?

Each consultation is a 60-minute video call customized to your specific needs and interests. You’ll first complete a short survey so that I can provide tailored suggestions. On the call, we can discuss things like trail options, hiking regions, itinerary organization, essential apps - all things to equip you with the knowledge to plan your trip. After the consult, you’ll receive:

  • A written recap of our discussion

  • A document with key information on hiking in Switzerland

Can you help me plan non-hiking activities?

My expertise is in hiking and hike planning, so my recommendations will always come from a 'best places for hiking & outdoors' perspective. While I can talk generally about other activities (like via ferratas, paragliding, city visits), my main value is helping you plan a hiking-focused trip.

What if I have follow-up questions after our consultation?

I offer limited follow-up support via email for quick questions. If you need more detailed guidance, you can book an additional consultation.

Custom Hiking Itineraries

What is included in a Custom Hiking Itinerary?

I design a personalized hiking plan tailored to your preferences, experience level, and overall trip itinerary. It may include:

  • Curated Hiking Routes: Carefully selected routes suited to your fitness level and time availability, with detailed trail information, estimated hiking times, elevation changes, and key points of interest. For hut-to-hut hikes, I provide insights on the best routes and reservation requirements.

  • Logistics & Hiking Resources: Advice on public transportation, trail access, hut etiquette, and essential apps

  • Hut Reservations (Optional): While not included in the standard package, I can handle mountain hut bookings for an additional fee.

Is the Custom Hiking Itinerary only for hut-to-huts hikes?

Most of my clients use the Custom Hiking Itinerary service to plan hut-to-hut hikes, but I can also create a series of day hikes if that’s what you prefer. 

Can I request a hut-to-hut hiking itinerary in May or June?

I primarily plan hut-to-hut itineraries from July onward. While some huts may open in mid-June, high-altitude trails that connect the huts often remain covered in snow, making conditions unpredictable and sometimes unsafe.

If you're visiting outside the summer hiking season, I’ll likely recommend lower-elevation day hikes, or single hut overnights (without multi-day trekking), as a safer and more enjoyable alternative.

Do you book hotels or transportation for me?

I can provide suggestions on where to stay and how to get around, but I do not book hotels or transit tickets.

Payments & Policies

What are your pricing and payment options?

Pricing varies depending on the service. After reviewing your inquiry, I will provide a quote. All payments are securely processed via PayPal.

What is your cancellation or refund policy?

For QA and consultations:

  • You can reschedule your consultation with at least 24 hours’ notice

  • Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the appointment are eligible for a full refund

  • No refunds are provided for no-shows or last-minute cancellations (less than 24 hours before the session)

For custom itineraries:

A 50% deposit is required before itinerary planning begins, with the remaining 50% due upon delivery of the final itinerary.

  • The deposit is non-refundable once work on the itinerary has started.

  • Refunds are not available after the final itinerary has been delivered.