Hiking, Biking Europe

If you plan on going on your own to Europe next year but would like to spend a little time with a group, hiking, biking, walking or mountaineering, the travel services of the Swiss Youth Hostel Assn. can help. It has announced a variety of economical programs for next summer.

Walking, hiking and cycling trips are limited to 16- to 30-year-olds. To participate you must join the International Youth Hostel Federation. On tour the official language is German but most leaders and participants are fluent in English and French.

Cycling trips are limited to 30 to 50 miles a day. Tour fees include dormitory accommodations in youth hostels, breakfast, dinner and the services of a tour guide. You must supply the bike.

Basel to Lausanne

One-week cycling trips from Basel to Lausanne (as far as 37 miles a day) will start July 12 and 26. The cost will be 235 Swiss francs (about $148 U.S.).

Another cycle tour takes participants across Switzerland from the German border through Zurich and Bern to the mountainous region of the Bernese Oberland and Lucerne. The 14-day trips begin July 5 and 19. Price is 425 Swiss francs ($267 U.S.).

Walking-tour participants must be in good condition because they carry their gear. Groups average about 15 people, walking five to nine hours a day. Tour prices include accommodations in youth hostels, mountain shelters or hotels, breakfast and dinner and a guide.

A 14-day trip in the southeast corner of Switzerland visiting well-known regions such as St. Moritz, Arosa and Davos will leave July 5 and 19. The price is 585 Swiss francs ($368 U.S.). Trips to the ski areas of Murren, Wengen and Grindelwald depart July 12, 26 and Aug. 8. Cost is 595 Swiss francs ($374 U.S.). Fourteen-day trips through the passes in the canton of Wallis and by rugged mountain passes up to 3,000-meter peaks depart July 13 and 27. Price is 625 Swiss francs ($393 U.S.).

If you don’t want to worry about carrying your gear you can join one of the Rambling Weeks. You stay in a youth hostel and go out with your group leader on half- and full-day tours. Prices include seven nights’ accommodations plus breakfast and dinner, local transportation and your tour guide.

Grindelwald, a famous ski resort, is a great area for hiking. One-week programs based there will begin July 4 and Aug. 15. Cost is 290 Swiss francs ($183 U.S.).

Mountains and Lakes

Arosa is a holiday resort with beautiful mountains and blue lakes. Five one-week programs will operate there beginning July 11 and 18, Aug. 1, Sept. 26 and Oct. 3. Cost is 275 Swiss francs ($173 U.S.).

Maloja is about 15 kilometers from St. Moritz, among ice-capped mountain peaks and forests. Week-long rambling programs will begin on July 18, 25 and Sept. 26. Cost is 285 Swiss francs ($179 U.S.).

In Zermatt you can ramble at the foot of the Matterhorn. Weeklong programs start July 11 and Sept. 3 for 290 Swiss francs ($182 U.S.).

For further details or reservations contact Jugi Tours, Neufeldstr. 9, CH3012 Berne, Switzerland. Telephone: 31/23 2623. Space is limited and early booking is suggested.