Geneva based hiking groups?

Sports and Hobbies
1
Hi,

I have searched a lot and don't seem to turn up much in the way of international hiking groups (given my French is sooo basic..) in the Geneva area - does anyone know of something suitable that organises hikes on a regular basis?

For example a Geneva version of this:

http://www.meetup.com/Zurich-Hike-Outdoor/

is exactly what I am after.

If not are others in the same situation? Perhaps we can start a hiking group if there are quite a few interested people?

Mark

2
I sent you a pm about it.

3
Hi Mark,

You can try on Couchsurfing.org, there are few activities like that (not so many in this area, I have to admit) and I saw few hiking and via feratta activities as well on glocals.com

But I guess here you can find a lot of people as well to organize this kind of stuff. I will participate for sure

4
You can look at www.fraicheair.com . A small fee but well run, regular events of different length and difficultly. English speaking.

5
Members of glocals.com often post group hikes on the 'Things to do' section.

6
Hi Mark and any other outdoor enthusiasts,

I started www.fraicheair.com and we have been organising local hikes in the Geneva area for the last 3 years. Check out what we are up to until December on www.fraicheair.com . Send me an email to join our mailing list (info @ fraicheair.com) and like our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/fraicheair

Looking forward to meeting you... Yvette

7
There's also the International Ski Club which organizes hikes in the summer.

Although as it says on its website:

The International Ski Club of Geneva (SCIG) is mainly open to staff members and former staff members of international organisations, to staff in permanent missions and the diplomatic corps, as well as to their families; the Club also admits other persons who are interested in its activities.

... so for just about anybody really.

I understand some of the social events can be rather well lubricated.

8
All good tips, another one is Swiss alpine club (SAC/CAS), they usually do little bit more advanced stuff like glacier treks, skitouring in winter, trainings etc. Drawback is paid membership (~170/year, every canton has different prices - don't ask me why), the way they organize events few months in advance is far from ideal (at least from what I heard). You will also get discount on Swiss huts accommodation.

Or - you can do it like me (sometimes) - get a good & lightweight camping equipment and go by yourself. 15 kg backpack is not that limiting, and if it is you'll get a good training and improvement in strength & stamina Plus if heading for peaks you can leave it somewhere below and do the summit lightweight (great feeling & speed).

There are no dangers in that - bears are only animals that might pose a danger to lone trekker in europe and they are not present in these parts of alps as far as I know. Camping in the middle of nowhere under super-starry sky is simply amazing - and if you find other people to participate fun is doubled