“What an incredible adventure”

  • "Melissa is an outstanding guide"

    My wife and I, along with family and friends, completed the Tour of Mont Blanc this past September. Melissa was our trip leader and performed a fantastic job of managing our group of 9 hikers. She has done the TMB 7 times and has personal connections with a multitude of individuals and companies that provide lodging, dining and logistical support for the TMB. She is the insider who knows all the local people and places to make your trip really special. But beyond her organizational skills, she is funny, engaging, and just a delightful person. She is an outstanding guide, and I would recommend her enthusiastically to anyone planning a Tour of Mont Blanc trip.

    Brad and Leanna

  • "I finally had a chance to hike in the alps last fall and it did not disappoint!"

    My wife and I, along with some other family members, had the opportunity to hike the Tour of Mont Blanc last fall with our friend Melissa and her son, Trevor. Melissa had already completed the tour several times, and she not only knows the route and variations well, but also is dialed in on great accommodations along the way. Our tour with Melissa was well beyond my expectations. It was so nice to have the expertise Melissa had to create a seamless journey around the mountain. I would highly recommend this trip with Melissa. Thank you Melissa for an amazing journey!!

    Eric

  • "What an incredible adventure!"

    This trip has always been on my bucket list! So we were fortunate to get on one of Melissa’s trips with her son Trevor. Everything was well planned out with hiking routes, places to stop and have a snack, and our wonderful lodging each evening. Fabulous accommodations and magnificent scenery. Melissa and Trevor are amazing people and are a joy to be with. Myself and my family members will never forget this trip! I want to go again!!!

    Debbie

In the fall of 2022 we were lucky enough to join Melissa on her TMB trip with a close group of friends. First of all, this is an incredible journey with great hospitality and the most spectacular views you will ever have an opportunity to witness.  It’s by no means an easy hike, but if you prepare for it properly, it will be one of your most rewarding trips ever.
One of the joys of a Melissa’s trip is you have the opportunity to hike independently or with Melissa. The trails are extremely well marked with options on some days.
The crux of a TMB trip is coordinating all the accommodations (R&B). It’s almost impossible to do this yourself as an individual. This is what Melissa has done for you. All her contracts love her and we never had a single issue.
The timing of the trip is perfect. Fall is the best time to tour Europe with sunshine in abundance. Bring lots of sunscreen!
Go on Melissa’s trip and knock the TMB off your bucket list.
Rick and Susan Reynolds

We had the most perfect Tour du Mont Blanc under Melissa’s expert guidance in September 2023. Melissa buffed us out with all the best accommodations at some of the most sought-after spots (e.g., private rooms at Refugio Bonatti – there are only a few!). The itinerary was clear and well organized with just the right amount of flexibility for different fitness levels and desired pace. I was so grateful every time I passed one of the other tour groups forced by policy to stick together in one long line. The portage of our equipment was perfect. When unexpected issues arose, Melissa knew how to manage/solve with patience, grace, and determination. All the innkeepers along the route knew her and aimed to please. She knew all the best people, places, and things and was fun to be with. We are now family. Perfect 10 out of 10!

Marianne & Carl Salas

My time hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc with Alpine-Aster Hikes was one of the best weeks of my life. I had never done a trip like this, and I felt so incredibly supported by Melissa's planning and expertise of the area. It felt like such a dream to have everything already planned out for me, including the best places to stay and eat, which routes to take, where the best views were, and where to take an "off day". It was so fun to get to stay in different places each night, meet new people, try new food, and connect more deeply with the other people on our trip. We had SO much fun! Without the stress of planning and setting up camp and cooking every day, we were able to take our time on the hikes, enjoy lunches in the most beautiful places, and enjoy one another's company. I had time to find a cold plunge every day, followed by a trip to the local butcher and baker to resupply on meat, cheese, and bread for the next day. The hike itself was absolutely spectacular. I was blown away every single day at how beautiful it was, all the different flowers, animals, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and epic mountain views we saw. Melissa's friendship with the owners and employees at the places we stayed made us feel so welcome and comfortable, like VIPs. It was truly a life-changing experience and I highly recommend anyone considering this trip to go with Alpine-Aster Hikes.

Ann Britt

Melissa’s Tour du Mont Blanc hike is nothing less than exceptional. She is dedicated to creating memorable experiences, ensuring our safety, and always making sure we are enjoying ourselves! She has a deep respect for nature and mountains, inspiring us to develop greater appreciation for the nature around us. Thanks to Melissa’s guidance, I was able to witness awe-inspiring vistas, conquer challenging terrain, and forge unforgettable memories with my fellow adventurers! Each day brought new discoveries and moments of wonder, reminding us of the beauty and resilience of the natural world.

Tarja