It’s Not Too Late to Book an Alps Hut-to-Hut Trip for Summer 2026
If you’ve been thinking about hiking in the Alps this summer but haven’t booked yet — here’s the good news: It’s not too late to plan an incredible hut-to-hut trekking trip for 2026.
With the European hiking season starting in just a few months, many hikers assume they’ve already missed their chance. While some popular mountain huts are booked out, there are still plenty of ways to complete the most iconic trails in Europe.
In this guide, we break down where availability still exists and how you can still make your Alps hiking trip happen this summer.
Updated: March 20, 2026
Why 2026 Isn’t “Too Late”
It’s true that trails like the Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via 1 Dolomites are extremely popular, with some huts getting booked out early — sometimes months in advance.
But what many hikers don’t realise is:
You don’t need every hut to be available to complete a trail
Many routes have flexible itinerary options
Nearby villages and transport connections open up more accommodation options
Some incredible trails still have excellent availability across the entire route
Here’s a breakdown of what availability looks like across the most popular hut-to-hut treks in Europe:
2026 Accommodation Availability by Trail
Tour du mont blanc
Complete a lap around the highest mountain in Western Europe, Mont Blanc, standing at 4,810m (15,781 ft).
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is the most popular trek in Europe — and as expected, many on-trail huts are already booked. However, the trek is still very doable for summer 2026.
What to expect:
You may need to spend 2+ nights in nearby villages, rather than mountain huts
These villages are easily accessible via local transport
Flexible itineraries make this manageable
👉 Use our TMB Anytime Itinerary to plan around availability.
ALTA VIA 1 dolomites
Famous for the limestone pinnacles that tower from the valley floor, alpine lakes, and lush green meadows.
The Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites is another high-demand trail, but still possible to plan a hut-to-hut trip from the beautiful Lago di Braies down to Belluno.
What to expect:
Plan for at least 1 night in a village, rather than a mountain hut (rifugio)
These villages are easily accessible via local transport
If you are considering only private rooms, consider a short route to avoid the Southern mountain huts that have shared rooms only
👉 Our AV1 Anytime Itinerary or Private Rooms itinerary helps you adapt your route.
walker’s haute route
Alpine adventurers have been completing the journey from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn for over 100 years.
Good news — the Walker’s Haute Route still has strong availability for the full trail between Chamonix and Zermatt
Only constraint:
Trient (overlaps with Tour du Mont Blanc) is heavily booked
Solution:
Stay in a nearby village and continue the route via transport
alta via 2 dolomites
This hut-to-hut trail is a popular choice for experienced hikers seeking a multi-day adventure in one of Europe's most spectacular mountain ranges.
The Alta Via 2 in the Dolomites is a more challenging and less crowded alternative to Alta Via 1.
What to expect:
Some huts are booked during peak periods and Saturday nights
Some hotels have 1+ night minimums during peak periods
Flexibility in hut choice is key
Hikers may need to have some longer or shorter days to fit with hut availability
bernese oberland
Visit bustling Swiss alpine villages, areas of outstanding natural beauty, rugged and remote mountain passes and locations steeped in mountaineering and literary history.
The Bernese Oberland region in Switzerland is one of the best options for a hut-to-hut hiking trip in summer 2026.
Availability:
✅ Plenty of huts and hotels
✅ Flexible itineraries
✅ Easier logistics with ample transport choices - gondolas, buses, trains, chairlifts
Perfect if you want a stress-free booking experience. There are many different multi-day routes to choose from - including the Bernese Oberland Traverse, Tour of Jungfrau, Bear’s Trek, Via Alpina.
tour of monte rosa
Hike around the Monte Rosa massif and Mischabel group which has more than 20 peaks over 4,000m.
The Tour of Monte Rosa is a spectacular and underrated Alpine trek in Switzerland and Italy.
Availability:
✅ Strong availability across the route
✅ Mix of huts and hotels
✅ Flexible itineraries with use of transport to shorten days
tour des combins
Hike around the majestic ‘Combins Massif’ (4,314m), one of the highest in the Alps, located on the western end of the Pennine Alps.
The Tour des Combins is a quieter alternative to the nearby Tour du Mont Blanc.
Availability:
✅ Plenty of accommodation
✅ Less crowded trails
Tour des Combins is one of the best hidden gems in the Alps!
How to Still Plan Your Trip
If you’re booking now, the key is flexibility.
1. Be flexible with accommodation
Don’t rely only on huts directly on the trail — nearby villages can unlock your itinerary.
2. Use transport connections
Many routes are well connected by buses and lifts.
3. Adjust your itinerary
A slightly different stage plan can make all the difference.
4. Consider alternative trails
Some of the best hikes (like Tour des Combins, Bernese Oberland and Tour of Monte Rosa) still have excellent availability and are less crowded than the popular ones.
5. Use our trail experts to create an itinerary
Our team of trail experts can design an itinerary based on current accommodation availability. Learn more about our Expert Access packages.
We guarantee you’ll find availability!
We’re so confident that you’ll be able to plan a summer 2026 hiking trip, we’ve got some risk free options for you.
👉 If you purchase a package and can’t find enough accommodation to complete your trip as planned:
Reach out for advise from our team of experts to give you accommodation options where you are stuck
Switch to another less-popular trail for free, OR
Roll your access forward to the 2027 season for free
No stress. No wasted money.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been thinking about hiking in the Alps this summer, don’t assume it’s too late.
Yes — some huts are booked.
But no — the season is not sold out.
Using our one of our packages, you can still experience one of the best hiking adventures in the world in 2026.