Alpine Adventures

I can't believe that we are already counting down the fifth reason of the Top 10 Reasons to Visit Munich. Time is really flying, which means that my trip to the States is rapidly approaching. On Wednesday, I depart Munich for my second of two trips back to the US, signifying that half of our time in Munich is behind us and the beginning of Katie's time as a married woman will commence in one week (congratulations Katie and Will!). So, without further ado:

#5: the Alps

If you know me, you know that I LOVE the mountains. Hardcore camping and hiking are my favorite past times. Leading five-day leave-no-trace backpacking trips for OSRUI during my college summers, I used to hold competitions with my campers to see who could make it back to camp the stinkiest. Very lady-like, I know.

If I had to choose between a mountain or beach vacation, I would run for the hills. However, now living through this snowy Munich winter, as much as I like the mountains, I might consider migrating South for winter. Oops! I'm supposed to be convincing you to come visit.

In all seriousness, Munich's easy access to the Alps is fantastic. There is skiing and snowboarding in the Alps like none I have ever seen before. Even though as a little girl I only skied at Paoli Peaks...in Indiana, I am a good judge of decent skiing conditions. I swear! After college, I braved snowboarding in the mountains of Washington, Vermont, and North Carolina, which all pale in comparison to the Alps:

The Alps, Switzerland

And, if skiing and snow boarding aren't your thing, there's always extreme Alpine sledding:

Steve Sledding
(The Alps, Switzerland)

Plus, many ski resorts in the Alps have huts on top of the mountain where you can enjoy hot chocolate while sunbathing:

Kim Sunbathing on Top of the Mountain in Grindewald
(The Alps, Switzerland)

Me and the North Face of the Eiger
(The Alps, Switzerland)

The Alps are also fantastic for adventures in the spring, summer, and fall. There are thousands of hikes from Austria to France and in between. It is easy to take a day trip or wander much longer:

On a Hike in Fall
(Foothills of the Alps, Germany)

On a Hike in Fall
(Foothills of the Alps, Germany)

Hiking from hut to hut is a popular summer activity amongst Europeans and something that Steve and I are really looking forward to trying in the warmer summer months. Huts offer bed, breakfast, and beer, making it einfacher to pack and a fun way to meet people along your walk. This year, we are looking into hikes in Berchtesgaden National Park in Germany and on the Walkers' Haute Route in France and Switzerland. Let us know if you want to come along. Auf geht's!