THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT
A Journey of Discovery and Environmental Awareness Through the Mountains of the Valais
The Environmental Equation in Switzerland:
The effects of global warming in the Alps are undeniable; the glaciers are disappearing at a drastic pace, the mix of species in the ecosystems is changing and ski resorts are closing earlier. In the face of this, we each find our own way of living in balance with nature and the modern world. We like to think of this as your environmental equation: maybe you take public transportation to work every day, but once a year you indulge in a day of heliskiing.
Perhaps nowhere else is the changing environment and its impact on our lives so clearly demonstrated than in the alpine Canton of Valais, home to the densest population of glaciers and hydroelectric dams in continental Europe - but for how long? The Valais is a land of incredible natural beauty, a place where the interconnectedness of man and nature makes it easy to appreciate the importance of protecting our environment.
Swiss adventure travel operator Epic Europe has created a unique itinerary to highlight the changes in the Alps. The idea is for the guest to witness first-hand the effects and learn to appreciate and desire to protect our surrounding environment. Agreeing with the idea that "You can't protect what you don't know." (Lars-Eric Lindblad, leader of the first commercial Antarctica cruise in 1966), Epic Europe will guide you on a week-long journey of discovery, awareness and inspiration.
A week of learning through hikes and bike rides in magical isolated valleys that seem to be lost in time. We will visit small sustainable farms still using traditional and sustainable methods, where you can enjoy a meal prepared with fresh and seasonal produce directly from the garden.
We want to educate our guests both on the damage that’s already been done and ways to make a difference for the future. We believe that positive experiences in these environments are the most powerful motivators for action. Guided hikes will be accompanied by local specialists in the fields of climatology, glaciology and botany, and travel will be by train, on foot and by bike whenever possible. Accommodations have been selected from Switzerland’s most comfortable and environmentally friendly.
Highlights
- Hiking and biking in the stunning landscape of the Valais (Valleys) canton of Switzerland
- Visit a small sustainable farm, making cheese on the Alp
- Overnight in a traditional hameau of centuries old barns & buildings, converted into modern accommodation respecting ecological values through the use of existing and/or local materials
- Hike above the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in Continental Europe, and learn the geology and history of Swiss glaciers and some actions we can make in our daily life to slow global warming.
- Tour one of the largest dams in the world, a place of contradiction and incredible beauty
- Walk through the vineyards of the Swiss Rhone Valley, visit and tasting at a biodynamic cave
- Hiking in the ‘secret valley’ of Binntal, a Swiss Nature Park
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WHAT WE DO
Epic Europe is a luxury experiential adventure travel operator based in the Swiss Alps.
Epic Europe specializes in private bespoke itineraries for small groups. Experiencing the best of each region, from interacting with the local people and enjoying authentic regional food and wine, as well as time-honored traditions and festivals, to recreating in the alpine landscape, and truly understanding why the Alps are the birthplace of adventure travel. From custom ski, hiking, or cycling trips to building in city tours, cultural itineraries, or gastronomic discovery, these award-winning, multi-dimensional trips are tailored to our clients' wishes every time, and are not packaged tours. From Switzerland, Italy, and France's Alps, to world-class cultural cities and larger towns, Epic Europe can design a tailored adventure that fulfills your every need.
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"I have done trips in the Alps and surrounding regions with Epic Europe for the past 4 years, and every one has been unique and surpassed the last. The experiences that they deliver due to their personal relationships are a window into the real life in these incredible locations, and they share these friendships with us." - K.B., CT USA
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"Our family spent last Christmas in Zermatt on a bespoke Epic Europe ski trip. The special thought and care that they put into our holiday made it our best yet." - L.M.; CA USA
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"Epic Europe's custom road biking trip that they put together for my buddy's bachelor party was great - the right combination of killer rides, great hotels, and outstanding restaurants. Great guides, and overall a perfect trip." - A.S., London UK
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“The team at Epic Europe created the most incredible trip for us, where everything came together seamlessly, and we never had to think about what came next - it just magically happened as if it was meant to be. That takes real talent, and they make it look easy." - B.N., WY USA
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"A day of heliskiing in Italy culminated with a sunset run off the Breuil saddle of the Matterhorn - one of the most thrilling runs of my life - and we left our tracks in a place where they remained for a week afterward, reminding us of the best day of skiing in our life!" - WG, CT USA
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"Hiking in the Alps has always been on my bucket list, but I wasn't sure that a typical trip was my style. Epic Europe designed a custom route for our group, staying in the best little inns and hotels, and we felt like we had the trails to ourselves. I will come back again and again to explore new trails with their guides every year that I can!" - R.B., NY USA
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"Epic Europe has coordinated several corporate events for us over the past 5 years, and I cannot imagine a more professional operation to handle all of the details. From a team-building event for 50 people in a 17th-century castle atop a mountain pass, to marketing conferences and catalog shoots, their knowledge of the best locations in the Alps is second-to-none, and they are as good as it gets at being creative." - E.P., Lugano CH
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"I would have to say that Verbier and Zermatt might be the best places I have ever ridden a mountain bike, and I couldn't imagine going without the help of Epic Europe's guides. It was a dream trip for sure." - B.S., PA USA
PROCESS
Would you like more information, or to have us create a tailored trip for you? We would be glad to begin the design process for your ultimate experience in the Alps.
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