Adventure Travel Pioneers at AMC for Age Groups 20-30 Announce Debut Trip: Explore the Via Alpina Trails in Switzerland
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is set to launch its inaugural Adventure Travel trip for young members aged 20-30, focusing on the renowned hike through the Swiss Alps' Via Alpina trail in July 2026. This exciting nine-day expedition promises an unparalleled experience in the heart of the Swiss alpine region.
As the oldest conservation and recreation organization in the United States, AMC has been connecting individuals with the great outdoors for over 150 years. Although Maine to Virginia remains its primary stomping grounds, the organization's love for the outdoors transcends borders. For nearly a century, AMC has sent adventurous members worldwide to explore mountain peaks, immerse in diverse cultures, and embark on unforgettable outdoor experiences. Its Adventure Travel program, which offers volunteer-led trips, has showcased some of the most spectacular places across the U.S. and around the globe by various modes, including foot, bicycle, skis, or boat.
The 20s/30s trip is a nod to AMC's historic roots, as the organization's first organized trip outside North America in 1925 saw a group of nine adventurers setting off for France and Switzerland to hike and climb in the Alps. Their adventure was documented extensively and published in an early issue of Appalachia, where they were described as "much above the average" and "tough, wiry, and tireless footsters."
Leading the Swiss Alps expedition are two experienced guides: Rami Haddad and Selene Berube. Rami, a long-time Adventure Travel leader who has traveled the globe extensively and has been guiding AMC members for 15 years, as well as Selene, the current chair of the AMC New Hampshire Chapter, who has been leading AMC trips since 2021.
So, what sets the Via Alpina apart from other hiking destinations? Backpacker magazine ranked this 100-mile trail as "The World's Best Hike" for its captivating scenery, cheese, and chocolate. The Via Alpina consists of a network of five long-distance hiking trails across the alpine regions of Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Italy, France & Monaco. AMC's 20s/30s trip follows Swiss National Route #1 from Altdorf to Kandersteg.
One may wonder why venture to the Swiss Alps for a hiking adventure with strangers. As Rami, the trip leader, puts it: "It works." Rami, who guides these trips from a place of service and passion, emphasizes the unique bonds formed during these treks. The shared love for the outdoors and the AMC mission creates a genuine and welcoming community for participants.
Whether you have prior hiking experience or are seeking your next big challenge, AMC's 20s/30s trip to the Via Alpina is an opportunity you won't want to miss. With stories of camaraderie and adventure filled with challenges ranging from mud to long days, Selene, a trip participant and leader, looks forward to sharing these experiences with a new group of adventurers. So, get ready to conquer the Swiss Alps and create lifelong memories alongside new friends.
For those who aren't drawn to the Swiss Alps, the AMC Adventure Travel program continues to develop trips for all experience and difficulty levels. As the 20s/30s Adventure Travel program begins, AMC welcomes young hikers to share their preferences and dream trip ideas by completing a quick survey.
[1] July 18-26, 2026[2] Swiss National Route #1 from Altdorf, Switzerland, to Kandersteg, Switzerland[3] Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Adventure Travel program for 20s/30s Young Member affinity group.
- The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is encouraging its young members aged 20-30 to embark on an adventure of a lifetime, as they launch the Adventure Travel program's inaugural trip focusing on the renowned hike through the Swiss Alps' Via Alpina trail in July 2026, offering an unparalleled experience in the heart of the Swiss alpine region.
- Whether you are an experienced hiker seeking your next challenge or one looking to explore a new outdoor adventure, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) 20s/30s trip to the Via Alpina in July 2026 is an opportunity to conquer the Swiss Alps, create lifelong memories alongside new friends, and immerse yourself in diverse cultures, all within the framework of an authentic and welcoming community centered on the love for the outdoors and the AMC mission.
