BY Rami Rasamny | June 26 2025
Cool Alpine Mountains to Climb
Rami Rasamny
Exploring the Fun, the Wild, and the Wonderfully Different in the Alps
When you think of the Alps, your mind might immediately jump to Mont Blanc or the Matterhorn. And while they deserve the fame, there is a whole other side to Alpine mountaineering that is cooler, quieter, and even more rewarding. At Life Happens Outdoors, we love the climbs that feel like an escape into something wild, beautiful, and just a bit off the beaten path. Here’s our pick of cool alpine mountains to climb — routes that are as fun as they are unique, and perfect for anyone looking to go beyond the mainstream.
Monte Rosa in the Gressoney Valley, Italy
Big glaciers, endless options, and a valley full of charm
Monte Rosa is not just one peak. Climbing from the Gressoney side via the Gnifetti or Mantova Hut gives you access to a full playground of high altitude summits. What makes this route so fun is the scale of it all. The glaciers are massive, the views stretch forever, and the summit options feel limitless, from beginner friendly climbs to more technical challenges. The Gressoney Valley itself is stunning, far less developed than its Swiss neighbors and full of Italian alpine beauty. For anyone looking to bag multiple 4000 meter summits in one trip while enjoying an adventurous but comfortable experience, this is a dream.
Monviso in Piemonte, Italy
Italy’s iconic pyramid with no crowds and no cable cars
Towering over northwest Italy like a sentinel, Monviso dominates the skyline. Climbing it feels like stepping into a different era. There are no tourist villages, no lifts, just wild terrain, mountain lakes, and forests. Routes from the Quintino Sella Hut suit both beginners and experienced climbers, with solid rock and sweeping views. What sets Monviso apart is how remote it feels. Reaching the hut is part of the adventure, and once you start climbing, the sense of solitude and scale is unforgettable.
Pigne d’Arolla in Valais, Switzerland
Hidden valleys, quirky huts, and one unforgettable glacier view
Pigne d’Arolla sits in a quiet part of Switzerland that feels blissfully tucked away. The traverse from Cabane des Dix to Cabane des Vignettes makes this climb feel more like an alpine journey than just a summit day. Both huts have serious personality, and the view from Vignettes Hut — looking down on a sweeping glacier basin — is one of the best in the Alps. Pigne is a perfect introduction to high alpine terrain and is also a favourite segment of the Haute Route. If you are after something quiet, beautiful, and surprisingly wild, this is the one.
Aiguille du Moine in the Mont Blanc Massif, France
A remote feeling classic with world class climbing and views
Tucked deep into the Mont Blanc range, the Aiguille du Moine feels like a hidden gem. Reaching the Couvercle Hut takes around five hours, and from there, the routes up the Moine are as classic as they come. From the standard PD face to the full D plus integral, the climbing is fantastic. And the views across to the south face of the Grandes Jorasses are world class. In a range known for its crowds, the Moine offers solitude, scale, and a pure alpine experience.
La Dibona in the Écrins Massif, France
No lifts, no crowds, just a granite spire made for adventure
You cannot talk about fun in the Alps without talking about the Écrins, and you cannot talk about the Écrins without mentioning La Dibona. This razor sharp granite spire shoots into the sky like something out of a dream. The only way up is by rock climbing, with multiple routes leading to the summit. What makes La Dibona so special is the spirit of the region. No lifts, no glitz, just wild terrain and real adventure. The local climbers take pride in that, and once you are on the wall, you will understand why.
Why These Climbs Matter
At Life Happens Outdoors, we believe adventure is not about ticking boxes. It is about choosing mountains that move you. These climbs are cool not just because they are high or technical, but because they offer something different. Beauty without the noise, challenge without chaos, and moments you will carry long after the summit.
If you are looking to come back different, the Alps are waiting. These mountains are just some of our favourite places to begin.
