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A trekking company you can trust

Salamander Adventures has over 30 years experience running adventure holidays throughout the world. Key staff have worked for Exodus, Explore and Trailfinders.

We started operating group trekking holidays in the Alps in 2007. We specialise in running the Tour du Mont Blanc and are currently introducing new and innovative point-to-point treks. We have extensive local knowledge of the Tour du Mont Blanc, Italian Dolomites, Swiss Alps, Amalfi Coast and Austrian Tyrol.

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Hiking
guides

All our guides are qualified International Mountain leaders

Small sociable
groups

Solo travellers, couples or groups of friends

Unforgettable
experiences

Awesome landscapes, new friends, complete a challenge

Responsible
tourism

Support local businesses and respect the environment

Let’s get your bag packed

Ready to explore the world’s most stunning landscapes? Reserve your spot today!

Choose Your Trek

Frequently Asked Questions . . .

Discover what makes Salamander Adventures unique, who our trips are suited for and how we prioritise safety and sustainability. Learn about our expert Guides, classic and unique routes, accommodations and your financial protection.

What makes Salamander Adventures unique?

At Salamander Adventures, we are passionate about crafting unforgettable trekking experiences that go beyond the ordinary. With over two decades of experience in the industry, we have honed our expertise in creating immersive, small-group adventures in the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain ranges.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to delivering expertly guided trips that strike the perfect balance between challenge and comfort. We believe that trekking is not just about reaching a destination, but about the journey itself. That’s why we carefully curate our itineraries to ensure that every moment is memorable, from the breathtaking landscapes you’ll traverse to the authentic cultural encounters you’ll have along the way.

Our team of passionate guides is the heart and soul of our company. They are not just experts in mountain safety and navigation, but also knowledgeable storytellers, naturalists, and cultural ambassadors. They go above and beyond to create a supportive, inclusive group dynamic that feels like a family. With their guidance, you’ll not only push your limits and conquer new heights, but also gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the communities that call it home.

What kind of trekker is a Salamander Adventure suitable for?

We believe that the joy of trekking should be accessible to anyone with a passion for the great outdoors and a thirst for adventure. That’s why we offer a diverse range of itineraries that cater to different fitness levels, interests, and experience levels.

Our trips are designed for active, curious travellers who see hiking not just as a physical pursuit, but as a means of immersing themselves in the natural world and discovering new cultures. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer looking for your next challenge or a first-time trekker eager to step out of your comfort zone, we have a trip that will suit your needs.

For those who prefer a more moderate pace and the comfort of a cosy bed each night, our inn-to-inn walks offer the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. You’ll hike through stunning landscapes by day and savour delicious local cuisine and warm hospitality by night. These trips are suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to walk for 4-6 hours per day on varied terrain.

For more experienced hikers seeking a true wilderness experience, our strenuous high-altitude treks offer the ultimate challenge. These trips involve long days on the trail, often at elevations above 3,000 metres, and require a high level of physical and mental stamina. You’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping vistas, a sense of accomplishment, and the camaraderie that comes from pushing your limits together.

No matter which trip you choose, all of our adventures are suitable for strong hikers with a sense of curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. We believe that the best trekkers are those who approach each day with an open mind, a positive attitude, and a readiness to learn and grow.

If you’re comfortable walking for 5-8 hours per day on varied terrain, carrying a daypack with your essentials, and staying in rustic accommodations like mountain huts or basic lodges, then a Salamander Adventure could be the perfect fit for you. Our trips are designed to take you off the beaten path and immerse you in the local way of life, so a spirit of adventure and a desire to step outside your comfort zone are essential.

Ultimately, we believe that trekking is not about how fast or how far you can go, but about the experiences you have and the memories you make along the way. If you share our passion for exploration, conservation, and cultural exchange, then we’d love to have you join us on a Salamander Adventure.

What safety measures does Salamander Adventures have in place?

Your safety is our top priority. We understand that trekking in remote mountain environments comes with inherent risks, which is why we have a comprehensive safety management system in place to mitigate those risks and ensure your well-being throughout your trip.All of our trips are led by certified mountain guides who have undergone rigorous training in wilderness first aid, emergency response, and risk assessment. They are highly experienced in the specific terrain and conditions of the areas where they guide, and are constantly monitoring weather patterns, trail conditions, and group dynamics to anticipate and prevent potential hazards.

Our guides carry comprehensive first aid kits, emergency communication devices like satellite phones and radios, and are well-versed in evacuation procedures should the need arise. They also have established relationships with local search and rescue teams, medical facilities, and helicopter services in case of a serious emergency.

In addition to our guides’ expertise, we carefully vet all of our local partners and accommodations to ensure they meet our strict safety standards. From transportation providers to mountain huts, we only work with reputable operators who share our commitment to safety and have proven track records of responsible practices.

Before your trip, we provide you with detailed packing lists, training recommendations, and safety briefings to ensure you are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. We’ll advise you on the appropriate gear, clothing, and equipment for the specific conditions you’ll encounter, as well as provide guidance on physical conditioning and acclimatisation.

During the trek itself, we keep a close eye on weather conditions and trail hazards, adjusting our route or itinerary as necessary to avoid unnecessary risks. We also foster a culture of open communication and teamwork, encouraging you to speak up if you have any concerns or feel unwell at any point.

Despite our best efforts, accidents can still happen in the mountains. That’s why we have robust emergency response and evacuation plans in place for every trip. Our guides are trained to quickly assess and stabilise any medical emergencies in the field, and have the means to call for backup or evacuation if needed. We also require all our clients to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking at altitude, emergency medical treatment, and repatriation.

At Salamander Adventures, we believe that safety is a collaborative effort between our guides, our partners, and our clients. By working together and adhering to best practices, we can minimise risks and ensure that your trekking experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible.

How does Salamander Adventures support sustainable tourism?

We believe that trekking is not just a way to explore the world’s most beautiful places, but also a powerful tool for promoting sustainable tourism and making a positive impact on the communities and ecosystems we visit.

As a responsible tour operator, we are committed to minimising our environmental footprint and supporting local economies in the destinations where we work. We believe that by treading lightly and giving back to the places that inspire us, we can help preserve these special landscapes for generations to come.

One of the key ways we support sustainable tourism is by operating according to Leave No Trace principles. This means that we educate our clients and guides on how to minimise their impact on the natural environment, from proper waste disposal to respecting wildlife and staying on designated trails. We also limit our group sizes to reduce our collective footprint and ensure a more intimate, low-impact trekking experience.

In addition to our environmental efforts, we are committed to supporting the local communities that are the backbone of our trips. We work closely with local guides, porters, and other service providers, providing fair wages and opportunities for professional development. We also seek out locally owned accommodations, restaurants, and other businesses to ensure that the money we spend stays within the community and benefits those who call these places home.

We also support a variety of conservation and community development projects in the areas where we operate. From reforestation efforts to education initiatives, we believe in giving back to the places that give us so much. We often incorporate visits to these projects into our itineraries, giving our clients a chance to learn about and contribute to these important efforts.

In popular trekking destinations like the Alps, we recognise the importance of dispersing crowds and supporting lesser-known trails to minimise overcrowding and environmental degradation. By offering unique itineraries that take you off the beaten path, we hope to spread the benefits of tourism to more remote communities while also providing a more authentic and uncrowded trekking experience.

Ultimately, we believe that sustainable tourism is not just a buzzword, but a way of doing business that benefits everyone involved. By supporting local economies, protecting fragile ecosystems, and promoting cross-cultural understanding, we aim to create a more equitable and sustainable future for the places we love.

When you trek with Salamander Adventures, you can feel good knowing that your travel choices are making a positive difference in the world. We are committed to being responsible stewards of the incredible places we have the privilege to explore, and we invite you to join us in this important work.

What qualifications do Salamander Adventures guides have?

All our guides are certified International Mountain Leaders (IMLs) accredited by the Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA).

UIMLA certification is the gold standard for mountain guiding and requires rigorous training in navigation, rope work, mountain safety, first aid, group management, and environmental ethics. Our IMLs are multilingual, knowledgeable about local culture and natural history, and skilled at creating a fun, inclusive group dynamic.

In addition to their formal qualifications, our guides have years of practical experience trekking in their region. They know the trails, weather patterns, and local customs inside out. They’re passionate about sharing their love of the mountains and making your trip unforgettable.

With a Salamander Adventures guide, you can relax and enjoy the journey knowing you’re in capable hands. They’ll handle all the logistics, adapt the itinerary as needed, and provide expert guidance and support every step of the way.

What financial protection does Salamander Adventures provide?

When you book with Salamander Adventures, you can have peace of mind knowing your money is fully protected. We’re proud members of the Travel Trust Association (TTA), the only travel trade association in the UK that operates a stand-alone independent trust account.

Here’s how it works: when you pay for your trip, your money is deposited directly into the TTA trust account. It’s held there until after your trek is completed, so in the unlikely event of our financial failure, your money is safe and can be refunded to you.

The trust account is managed by an independent trustee who is a banker, chartered or certified accountant, or solicitor. They oversee all payments in and out of the account to ensure funds are handled correctly.

As TTA members, we also adhere to a strict code of conduct and are subject to regular financial monitoring and reporting. We must provide proof of financial solvency, maintain adequate insurance, and act with integrity and transparency.

In addition to the TTA trust, your booking is protected by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. This means that if you don’t receive the services you paid for due to our insolvency, you’ll be refunded or repatriated if necessary.

With Salamander Adventures, you can book with confidence knowing your investment is secure. We believe financial protection is a crucial part of responsible tourism and are committed to upholding the highest standards of fiscal management.

What kind of hotels does Salamander Adventures use?

We believe that where you stay each night is just as important as the trails you hike each day. That’s why we put a lot of care into selecting high-quality, characterful accommodations that offer a warm welcome to trekkers.

On our hotel-based treks, we use a mix of comfortable 2 and 3-star hotels, family-run inns, and traditional mountain auberges. We look for properties with a cosy Alpine ambiance, delicious regional cuisine, and a stunning location, whether in a charming village or a pristine natural setting.

All our hotels have clean, comfortable en-suite rooms (though occasionally bathrooms may be shared). Expect traditional decor with wood furnishings, colourful fabrics, and balconies that make the most of the views. Most have additional amenities like a sunny terrace, sauna or hot tub – perfect for soothing sore muscles after a long hike!

We have longstanding relationships with many hoteliers who have been welcoming Salamander Adventures groups for years. They understand the needs of trekkers and go above and beyond to provide a memorable stay.

On our hut-to-hut treks, we use a mix of mountain refuges, agriturismi (farm stays), and small hotels. The refuges are more basic but offer an authentic taste of mountain hospitality. They have shared dorms, hearty communal meals, and unbeatable alpine locations.

No matter where you lay your head, you’ll enjoy a warm bed, filling meals, and a convivial atmosphere. We handle all the reservations so you can focus on enjoying the journey. After a challenging day on the trail, you’ll appreciate the comfort and charm of our carefully selected accommodations.