Mountful Hikes

29/06/2024

Our 2nd home always offers stunning views, but it’s less comfortable during strong winds and thunderstorms ⛈️ . So, we’re happy to be back in our first home now. 🤗

Btw what do you think of our neighbors? (see the last pic)

⭃ ⭃ ⭃ Follow for hiking inspiration, insider tips, stunning views, and unforgettable experiences in the Swiss Alps!

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Best hikes in Switzerland | Where to hike in the Swiss Alps | Beautiful destinations in Switzerland | Hiking in the Swiss Alps | Swiss hiking trails
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28/06/2024

12/06/2024

Do you love learning to read maps, or do you prefer relaxing while someone else navigates so you can daydream?

06/06/2024

The magical light of spring evenings ✨

09/05/2024

For those who haven’t noticed my post regarding leaving this platform. (I don’t mention the name, otherwise I’ll get another spam-attack…)

So if you'd like to continue following our adventures and stay connected, I invite you to join me over on Instagram. You can find me under the username famke_mountainleader. It's quite fun if I may say so myself: I host a quiz every Tuesday, share videos of beautiful hikes, and occasionally offer some tips. Hopefully, I'll see you there!

Ciao, Famke

07/05/2024

Unfortunately, I've been bombarded with unwanted spam messages lately, which I suspect are from hackers. Therefore, I've made the decision to slowly phase out my presence on Facebook. (Fingers crossed I won't get hacked before then...)

However, I don't want us to lose touch! If you'd like to continue following our adventures and stay connected, I invite you to join me over on Instagram.

👉You can find me under the username famke_mountainleader

It's quite fun if I may say so myself: I host a quiz every Tuesday, share videos of beautiful hikes, and occasionally offer some tips. Hopefully, I'll see you there!

Ciao, Famke & Woody

05/05/2024

10% discount on the trek around the Mont Fallère when you sign up with your hiking buddy!

🏔️✨ Have you checked out my posts and the details on my website about the hut-to-hut tour around the majestic Mont Fallère? Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

👉 when you book together with a friend you’ll both enjoy 10% off each!

P.S.: Hurry, this deal only lasts till next Friday and there are only 4 spots left! !

https://famkevanderelst.com/tour-du-mont-fallere/

01/05/2024

3 things I love about the Tour du Mont Fallère:

✨ Majestic surroundings that take your breath away.
✨ Comfortable and cozy mountain huts serving delicious Italian cuisine.
✨ Wide and scenic paths, allowing you to admire the view without constantly watching your step.

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And most important, Woody is welcome too! (But he has to accept that they call him Bello 😉)

Reply with 🇮🇹 and I’ll send you more info about this great 3 day trekking.

👉Tip: Save this post in your ‘holiday ideas’ folder

22/04/2024

As yesterday it was the last day in Verbier the 🚠🚡 were open, I tend to say: it’s a wrap. But as I write this, snowflakes ❄️❄️❄️ are even drifting through the air at just 850 meters!

However, I still think it’s a wrap and want to thank all my clients for the beautiful and fun snowshoeing adventures this winter ! 🙏

18/04/2024

Can you relate? You’re eager for a mountain hiking vacation, but you can’t find anyone in your circle to join you. You’re not alone!

That’s why we’ve got a lineup of group trips planned for this summer. ⬆️
Whether you’re a hardcore adventurer or a luxury traveler, we’ve got something for everyone. (From sleeping in a 🏕️ in the wild or in a 5 ⭐️ hotel…)

Check out www.famkevanderelst.com for more info about these (and other) trips.

🫶Please share this post with a friend who could benefit from it.🙏

Furthermore, I still have a few slots available if you want to go on an adventure with your family or friends, but be quick as Woody 🐾🐾 and I haven’t been able to clone ourselves yet…🙃

17/04/2024

Ready to elevate your mountain adventures?
Join our newsletter and be the first to find out about our planned adventures and epic outdoor inspiration!
And don’t be afraid to be spammed, I only send a newsletter when I have really news 😉

You can sign up here: https://famkevanderelst.com/contact-en/

15/04/2024

It wasn’t the first time (and certainly won’t be the last time) I was on the Vallée Blanche. But I’m always struck by this special environment up there. The majestic peaks, glacier crevasses and an ice cave!

Would love to take you up there, but as a Mountain Leader, I’m not authorized to take you there. However, if you join me on the Hikers Haute Route, you can admire all this beauty and other from a (safe) distance.

Respond with an 🧊 and I’ll DM you the link to this stunning trekking from hotel to hotel.

12/04/2024

Do you know what I wish for? That I could simply post beautiful photos and have you reply with: “Oh, what a stunning place! 🤩Can I book a trip there with you?”

That way, I wouldn’t have to tap into my latent sales talent or come up with strategies to seduce you to join us. Got me? But, that’s also part of my job as a mountain leader. So, watch how I evolve into a sales 🐅 ….

11/04/2024

Are you intrigued to give wild camping a try after reading the review in my latest post?
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But perhaps you’re unsure about committing to 2 or 3 nights? No worries, we can mix it up...
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How about spending one night under the stars ✨
and the next night at the extraordinary Weisshorn hotel?
It’s a brilliant combination, if I may say so myself…☺️

10/04/2024

The ultimate review comes from a customer so thrilled that they rebook, but below, you can also discover their firsthand experience of our wild camping trip.

“Last September, together with a group of 5 other women, I joined Famke on a 3 day wild camping trip through the Swiss Alps.
�Famke had prepared an amazing hike - with great detail - that guided us through this journey. During this journey she was not only guiding us the way, but also monitoring our progress - making sure we we ok at all times.

Famke is a true source of so much knowledge on the area, but also an example of how to live hand in hand with nature and the mountains. She showed us several amazing spots during those hikes, where we could, rest, revigourate and relax.

She shared with us her love for the mountains - and made me realise how much energy they bring and how amazing it is to spend time in them. So I already booked Famke & Woody 🐾🐾 for another trip! “

Thanks a lot for this amazing review Merel! We are looking forward to our next adventure together! 😘

07/04/2024

Where is Woody?

02/04/2024

Last week, a lady who had just registered for a 4-day hiking trip asked a really good question:

“How can I best prepare for the trekking ?“

So I emailed her a training schedule. If you’d also like to receive this schedule, drop a 🥾 in the comments and I’ll send it over to you.

31/03/2024

Done hunting for Easter eggs? 🐣
Well now it’s time to hunt for your perfect holiday destination! (Same goes for me, but we are looking for a nice 🏄‍♀️ location)

You won’t be surprised 😉 that I’d love to help you with this quest and I think I’ve got some fantastic options for you.

From day trips around Verbier or multiple-day adventures, the choices are endless. Whether you prefer camping under the stars ✨ , cozying up in a remote bivouac or mountain hut, or indulging in luxury boutique hotels, there’s something for everyone. 😎

⭃ ⭃ ⭃ Explore my website and feel free to reach out for personalized recommendations! Enjoy the rest of your long weekend !

PS: in case you have something better to do than surfing the internet 👉Save this post in your ‘holiday ideas’ folder

27/03/2024

When leaving for a couple of days together in the mountains, I guess it’s nice to know a bit more about your partner in adventure, isn’t it? ⁣

⛷ ⁣When I was five, my parents took me skiing for the first time. To me, the snow-covered mountains were the best playground ever, and I genuinely didn’t understand why we lived in the Netherlands and not in the mountains.

😌 However I followed the beaten track, went to University, studied Law and French and started my career as a lawyer…I experienced though that it is very tough to work long hours if you don’t feel the passion.

💚 So after a few side roads (company lawyer, new business developer, entrepreneur), I finally followed my heart, became a ski-instructor and signed up for the International Mountain Leader training course in🇨🇭, and now I am a UIMLA qualified Mountain Leader living in my favorite country!

🏔It goes without saying that I am more than happy to share my passion for the mountains with you!

📍𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 can join me on one- or multiple day hikes, which you can find at 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗸𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘀𝘁.𝗰𝗼𝗺
📍𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 can book me to organize an extraordinary Company Outing or a Leadership Trail. Please have a look at 𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗵𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀.𝗰𝗼𝗺 to get inspired!

📷 by

26/03/2024

Springtime strolls in the Alps are all about soaking up the fresh mountain air and taking in those breathtaking views. 🏔️. Sipping tea while listening to the birds sing 🎶 adds that extra touch of tranquility to the experience. 🍃

Nature’s magic absolutely helps you unwinding…

24/03/2024

Some of you asked me if their dog was also welcome on our trips. The answer to this is: YES. I have selected the mountain cabins and hotels based on their dog friendliness, and of course, your pup is welcome while wild camping too! It goes without saying that Woody will be thrilled to share his alpine playground ⛰️.

17/03/2024

Despite all the signposts, it wasn’t easy last summer to find the right path in the Aosta Valley. The maps are mediocre at best and signposts are randomly placed. 😳

That’s why I already did a rehearsal last weekend for the hut-to-hut trek in 🇮🇹 scheduled for the end of June. 🤪

By the way In the winter, it’s actually much easier because you can make your own trail. (And ⛷️back down)

If you’d also like to spend a night in this beautiful mountain hut (and another one, just as nice) then reply with 🍝 and I’ll send you more info about this great 3 day trekking.

13/03/2024

Do you love hiking, but your family and friends aren’t as keen? Then one of these 3 group trips might be perfect for you.

1️⃣ Explore the breathtaking landscapes and the delicious food of Italy with a captivating hut-to-hut tour. Want more details? Simply send 🇮🇹!

2️⃣ Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Wallis, combining rejuvenating yoga with invigorating hikes and aryuvedic food. Curious? Send 🧘 for more info!

3️⃣ Embark on a luxurious Via Alpina journey in the magical Bernese Oberland.
Excited to know more? Just send ⭐!

PS: To ensure a warm and secure atmosphere, I always keep the groups small, so don’t wait too long to make your reservation.

👉Tip: Save this post in your ‘holiday ideas’ folder

11/03/2024

Some days, I find my job even more enjoyable than others.
I think you’ll get it when you see these photos! 🤩
Thanks, guys, for letting me share all the beauty of our valley with you!

07/03/2024

Yesterday, we were exploring a snowshoe trip for a couple joining us for a full day on Sunday.
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It was so beautiful and serene that I kept telling Christel: Wow, it’s unbelievably stunning here! So I’m sure my clients will be delighted too!
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Fingers crossed for a sun-kissed summit moment, revealing the incredible view, including the picturesque Rhône Valley.
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05/03/2024

I just closed an email to a client with: “We’re looking forward to our snowshoe trip with you!”.
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Most people then think: “huh, but I only booked one guide, right? That’s not entirely true because I do (almost) all the tours together with my dog, Woody.”
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Not only does he bring the cheerful vibes, but he also genuinely helps with navigation, which can be quite handy in winter...
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Note to self: I can’t completely rely on him because he always chooses the itinerary we walked the time before...

03/03/2024

Are you looking for a holistic escape for your mind, body & soul, then this Hiking & Yoga retreat is for you!
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Immerse in daily Hatha yoga sessions, hike while breathing in the crisp mountain air, enjoy our Ayurvedic meals and finish the day with a guided yoga nidra meditation to ensure a good night’s sleep! 💤
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Join us from June 28 to July 1 for a unique fusion of mountains, yoga, and mindful living.

👉check out https://famkevanderelst.com/hiking-yoga/ for more info.

💫 Tip: don’t wait too long to book your spot, as there are only 6 places available…💫

27/02/2024

Although many of the holidaymakers come to Verbier for the extraordinary skiing, there are activities available for non-skiers, like snowshoeing…
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If you’re someone who likes to take things at a more leisurely pace and loves being in nature there are some beautiful hikes around Verbier and the surrounding forests.
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Woody 🐾🐾 and I would love to take you for a beautiful winter hike in the backcountry!