Western Alps Tour: A True Action Adventure in the Alps!

The Western Alps Tour isn't for the faint of heart or for rental vehicles! If you're looking for real off-road action, then this Western Alps Tour is the perfect choice. Full concentration, advanced driving skills, and all-wheel drive are a must! Then you'll be rewarded with some of Europe's most beautiful natural landscapes. Thanks to old military roads, you can admire breathtaking views of the Western Alps. In this article, I'll give you helpful tips and special highlights you shouldn't miss! Get ready for a Western Alps adventure in your all-wheel-drive campervan!

Western Alps Tour: Contents

Where are the Western Alps located?
What makes the Western Alps special?
Best time to visit the Western Alps?
How much time do you need for the Western Alps Tour?
Suitable campers for the Western Alps Tour?
Food & Fuel
Off-road equipment
Itinerary: Western Alps Tour
Special Highlights
Conclusion: Western Alps Tour

Where are the Western Alps located?

The Western Alps are located in France, Monaco, Switzerland, and Italy. They are the entire section of the Alps that stretches southwest from Lake Constance. The Western Alps are a huge mountain range with numerous sub-ranges. Since many national borders follow the main ridges, it's difficult to distinguish the mountains by nation. Therefore, some of the highest peaks belong to two nations, such as the Dufourspitze, which lies between Switzerland and Italy.

What makes the Western Alps special?

The Western Alps have many peaks over four thousand meters, making them significantly higher than the Eastern Alps. The Western Alps are home to 81 of the 82 four-thousand-meter peaks in the Alps, including Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. The mountains of the Western Alps are very popular with hikers and winter sports enthusiasts. This won't surprise you, as the various peaks offer deep gorges and spectacular panoramas.

Best time to visit the Western Alps?

Between late June and early September is the optimal time for the Western Alps Tour. At this time, the snow in the higher altitudes has usually already melted. Most military roads are closed or dangerous to drive on before and after this period due to snowfields. Due to snowfields, certain routes may not be passable even in midsummer.

How much time do you need for the Western Alps Tour?

You should plan at least 10 travel days for the Western Alps Tour. Even the journey from, for example, Germany already takes two days, and you generally only make slow progress on the military roads. Once you've arrived in the Western Alps, you'll surely want to enjoy their beauty for as long as possible.

Suitable campers for the Western Alps Tour?

We strongly advise against taking this camping trip with a rental vehicle – especially one without all-wheel drive. On the rugged and stony military roads, even a small stone can leave scratches in the paint. The subsequent repair costs and effort simply aren't worth it.

For everyone else who owns a campervan, caravan, or vehicle with a pop-top roof, you'll have a great time on this trip. Without all-wheel drive, some sections could become very tricky. Especially if snow from last winter blocks parts of the road.

Never drive off-road routes with a rental car or without all-wheel drive! Despite claims to the contrary, no matter how good your driving skills are. What happens if there's a storm or if it suddenly snows? Play it safe.

Food & Fuel

The Western Alps are still quite untamed, and some valleys look like Canada. Nevertheless, you'll find good infrastructure here. The nearest grocery store or gas station is sometimes not far away! Everything you can get beforehand means you won't have to worry about it later. You can pack basic foodstuffs like pasta, rice, olive oil, or spices in advance. Fresh fruit or vegetables can be bought locally.

As with any other road trip, you should fill up your tank before starting your journey. You'll have a hard time finding gas stations in the mountains. You don't need to bring extra jerry cans for this Western Alps Tour.

Off-road equipment

Depending on which routes you choose in the Western Alps, you'll need different off-road equipment. Basically, your campervan, motorhome or vehicle should be able to camp self-sufficiently. An integrated bathroom and toilet, auxiliary heating, an additional battery, a kitchenette with a sink and built-in refrigerator, sleeping berths, and much more will make your outdoor adventure even more fun!

Itinerary: Western Alps Tour

Route 1: Col du Parpaillon

On this route through France, you'll drive through a dense forest that quickly transitions into rocky mountains. The road rapidly climbs the north slope before reaching the main attraction of the trip: the Col du Parpaillon, a narrow and pitch-dark pass tunnel! This route is absolutely not recommended for large caravans. Inside the tunnel, you'll have to navigate deep holes and muddy puddles. Pure action!

On the south side, however, an exciting descent awaits: the path is carved into the rock and just wide enough for one car. Sometimes you'll have to drive over loose scree and tight hairpin bends. The descent offers an incredible perspective down into the valley!

Route 2: Maira-Stura Ridge Road

Plenty of driving fun meets gigantic views: The Maira-Stura Ridge Road is one of the most beautiful routes in the Western Alps, and rightly so! The road takes you over beautiful high roads and through impressive high valleys!

The entire route is easy to drive. However, after just a few kilometers, you'll need to take a right turn that requires off-road knowledge and driving skills. This 2.6-kilometer section is challenging to drive and brings you back to the Maira-Stura Ridge Road. There are some great spots here for overnight stays. Be sure to observe the closing times of the military roads!

Route 3: Assietta Ridge Road

The Assietta Ridge Road leads you along a mountain ridge, past eight passes, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain scenery in good weather! The ridge road is located at an altitude of 2,000 to 2,500 meters and is also suitable for off-road beginners.

Note that this route partly leads you through the Parco naturale del Gran Bosco di Salbertrand. Campfires and camping are strictly forbidden here.

In bad weather, the easy route can become a difficult affair. Poor visibility and narrow, exposed sections of the route could become exciting.

Special Highlights

For those who want to be active on the Western Alps Tour, here are a few suggestions and inspirations for sporting activities.

Valais Alps

The largest mountain range in the Western Alps is the Valais Alps. They are located in the Swiss canton of Valais, but the Italian regions of Aosta Valley and Piedmont also have a share of this mountain range.

Over the Rotgrat to the Alphubel

From Lyskamm East Summit to Lyskamm West Summit

Crossing of the Pigne de la Lé

Bernese Alps

The Bernese Alps, unlike the Valais mountains, are located entirely in Switzerland.

1- Jungfrau Ski Region Grindelwald – Wengen Ski Resort

2- Meiringen – Hasliberg Ski Resort

3- Adelboden Ski Resort

Appenzell Alps

The Appenzell Alps are the mountain range between the Western Alps and the Eastern Alps. The wide valleys offer a beautiful landscape and invite you to hike.

Ice Grotto, Rhone Glacier
Belvédère Rhone Glacier
Seealpsee

Mont Blanc Massif

This mountain range is the part of the Western Alps where the three countries of France, Switzerland, and Italy meet. Here lies the namesake Mont Blanc, which, at an altitude of 4,810 meters, is the highest peak in the entire Alps.

For us, the Mont Blanc massif became an extraordinary mountain experience thanks to its mystical allure, even if we didn't climb Mont Blanc.

There are numerous beautiful mountain hikes starting from Chamonix, where you don't have to push your limits to enjoy an impressive mountain backdrop. The small mountain village of Chamonix is a sight to behold through and through. The history of mountaineering has greatly shaped the place.

Conclusion: Western Alps Tour

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you shouldn't miss the Western Alps! With breathtaking views and exciting off-road routes, this tour is perfect for anyone who wants to connect with nature. The Valais Alps, the Appenzell Alps, the Bernese Alps, and the Mont Blanc Massif will leave you in awe as you experience some of Europe's most pristine wilderness areas. You'll even have the chance to traverse old military roads and narrow tunnels. Whether you're a beginner or have been exploring these mountains for years, there's something for everyone here. Are you ready for a true adventure on four wheels?