You'll often find different grading systems in ski touring guidebooks. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about these different scales.
Travel Blog: All our blog posts
You will find on this page all our articles on a world map or in chronological order. Click on the pins to see more details and access the articles directly.
Note: we are currently in the process of getting our blog translated! In french there are more than 330 blog posts... in english? well slightly less :) But stay tuned, there are more articles being added every week!
Find below all our blog articles on the destinations we have visited over the years. Whether it is during our world tour or during other trips we share with you all our good advice from all over the world.
If you like this google map with all our articles, know that I have developed a wordpress plugin so that you too can insert beautiful maps of your articles on your blog. More information about my plugin here
World Map: all our blog posts
How to go zero waste while traveling?
Is it possible to enjoy the joys of travel without producing waste? The answer is yes! Here's the lowdown on waste and our tips for reducing it!
Evolène Carnival: a festival not to be missed in Switzerland
Discover the traditions and characters of the incredible Evolène carnival in the Val d'Hérens.
Pigne d’Arolla and Vignettes hut, ski touring from Arolla
The emblematic mountain of Val d'Hérens, the Pigne d'Arolla is a magnificent summit for ski touring via the Vignettes hut, with some incredible powder descents guaranteed
Our year 2024 in review: coliving in the mountains really gets us going :)
We take a look back at 2024, our 1st full year of coliving in our little mountain village (+ our year in numbers)
Roadtrip in Tuscany: 1 week exploring villages and vineyards
We're taking you on a week-long roadtrip through Tuscany to discover the prettiest typical villages to visit, as well as a host of hot springs.
Hiking the Apuan Alps natural park (Alpi Apuane) in norther Tuscany
After a 2-week road trip through Liguria and Tuscany, it was slowly time for us to head back towards Switzerland. We still had a whole other week of vacation left, and had planned to discover the Apuan Alps (Alpi Apuane in...
Northern Italy road trip: Liguria – a paradise of hiking and pretty villages
Here's the story of our week-long road trip in Liguria, discovering the prettiest villages, climbing spots and, of course, hiking trails!
5 lakes hike in Zermatt – the best Matterhorn viewpoint
Discover the legendary 5-lake hike in Zermatt. We suggest several variations, depending on your desire to hike and your budget.
Matterhorn Glacier Trail : One of the most stunning hike to do in Zermatt
It's time for a magnificent hike in Zermatt to get as close as possible to the mythical Matterhorn: the Matterhorn Glacier Trail.
The Matterhorn tour: our 4 day trek from Arolla to Zermatt through high alpine passes
Today we bring you with us on the Matterhorn tour, an incredible trek around the most iconic mountain of Switzerland
Climbing the Bigerhorn in 2 days
Europe's highest hike is in Switzerland, in the Valais! Find out all our practical tips for climbing the Gross Bigerhorn!
Visit Jura in France: hike ideas to discover the most beautiful lakes and waterfalls
Getaway in the Jura mountains to discover the most beautiful waterfalls and lakes. Our hiking itinerary ideas to get away from it all
Our full packing list for a day hike
If you're going on a day hike or trek, here's the list of gear we recommend you take with you in you backpack
Hike to the top of Pointe du Tsaté (3077m) from La Forclaz – Val d’Hérens
Let us take you on a hike to the Pointe du Tsaté, a lovely peak right next to our home in the Val d'Hérens. Breathtaking panorama guaranteed!
Binntal: nature park and unspoilt valley in the Valais
A little getaway in a wild and authentic valley in the Valais: the Binntal. Right next to Aletsch, Binn is definetely off the beaten tracks
Behind the scenes of Novo-monde in recent months and our future Projects – the blog is not dead ;)
A year's review of our coliving space in Switzerland and how we manage to combine it with our blogging activities (or not) ;)
Beginner’s guide to ski touring: what you need to know and essential gear
Ski touring (also known as backcountry skiing) is an extraordinary sport, but one that requires a great deal of knowledge and equipment. In this guide we give you all the tips you need to get started :)
Val d’Hérens: Hike to Ferpècle (Mont Miné glacier) and the Bricola hut
The Vallon de Ferpècle is an absolutely magical place in the Val d'Hérens. There are a number of hiking routes you can take to admire the Mont Miné glacier.
Grande Dixence dam loop hike: the Prafleuri hut
The Ibex trail from the Grande Dixence dam via the Prafleuri hut - route details with map and pictures + ideas for alternative hikes
The UNESCO ridge trail between the Eggishorn and Bettmerhorn with breathtaking views of the Aletsch glacier
We take you on the ridge between the Eggishorn and the Bettmerhorn for an incredible panorama of the Aletsch glacier
Our year 2023 in review: the year we created our Coliving in a small mountain village
We take a look back at 2023, certainly the most intense year of our lives and the one that led to the birth of Alpiness coliving.
Hardergrat trail: one of the most impressive ridge hike in Switzerland
We finally hiked the Hardergrat, this beautiful ridge above lake Brienz. And here is everything you need to know if you want to go on this adventure
Visit Santiago de Compostela: best things to see
After our 3rd visit in Galicia, we finally made it to Compostela and here are all our best tips and addresses to visit Santiago de Compostela in Spain
Lac bleu in Arolla: all the hiking routes to get there!
Looking for a hiking route to admire the magnificent Lac Bleu in Val d'Hérens? Look no further!
Hike to the Aiguilles rouges hut and climbing at the top of Mont de l’Etoile for sunrise
The story of a magnificent sunrise at the summit of Mont de l'Etoile after a night at the Aiguilles Rouges hut in Val d'Hérens.
Hiking to the lac d’Arbey from the village of Evolène (or Les Haudères)
Nice walk to the Lac d'Arbey (from Evolène or Les Haudères) which offers a splendid panorama on the Dent-Blanche and the glaciers around
An unforgettable week in Galicia for a “Rural Hacking” workshop at Anceu
The story of an intense and emotional week learning about "rural hacking" (or how to create impact in rural areas) at Anceu Coliving in Galicia
How we bought a former hotel in the Swiss Alps to create our future coliving space
In this post we tell you how we decided to buy an old hotel in the Swiss Alps to turn it into coliving space
Lac de Soi in Switzerland: hiking to a unique mountain lake
Idea for a hike in Valais: we take you to discover the magical world of the Lac de soi at the foot of the beautiful Dents du Midi
Trails app: why and how we use AllTrails – our review
Our opinion on the hiking application AllTrails, the tool we use every day to prepare our hiking itineraries
Trelino: portable composting toilets with urine diverter for van, camper or caravan 💩
After 1 year of intensive use, we explain you why we like so much the Trelino composting toilet with urine diverter in our Van
Hike near Lausanne: Dent de Jaman and Merdasson
We take you for a superb hike of 11km (with 800m of ascent) above Lake Geneva: the dent de Jaman from Haut-de-Caux + bonus the ascent of Merdasson
Col de la Forclaz: our hiking ideas (winter + summer)
Our hiking ideas starting from the Forclaz pass in Valais: towards the Mont de l'Arpille and its panorama or the bisse du Trient
Our 2022 review: a pivotal year for us ( travels, numbers, projects, coliving…)
A look back at this year 2022 in pictures and numbers with our projects, our thoughts, statistics, the sales of our books, the coliving... We tell you absolutely everything!
Roadtrip in Switzerland: Itinerary and budget for a 7-day trip in autumn (October)
What is the budget for a roadtrip in Switzerland? We give you our figures after 7 days between Oeschinen, Aletsch and the lake of the 4 cantons
Stoos: panoramic loop via Fronalpstock and Klingenstock
An easy and stunning loop-hike from Stoos to the Fronalpstock and Klingenstock for the best view of lake Lucern and the alps.
The Aletsch glacier panorama trail in Valais (Aletsch panoramaweg)
The Aletsch glacier is an emblematic place of Switzerland and the least we can say is that it has not stolen its reputation
Panoramic hike on the Brienzer Rothorn (+ a little bit of the Hardegrat)
Embark on a wonderful day on a steam train and a panoramic hiking route over Lake Brienz
Oeschinen lake (Oeschinensee): a practical guide to hike and discover one of the best lakes in Switzerland
Here is all the information you need to hike the Oeschinensee, one of our favorite lakes in Switzerland
Switzerland: the best hikes in the valley of Lauterbrunnen
We continue our little roadtrip in Switzerland by a region which is often quoted as being a must: the valley of Lauterbrunnen and its 72 waterfalls. Coming here in October (just after visiting the Oeschinen lake), we took the...
Best things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava is a rather unknown city for a weekend getaway in a European capital! I have known this city for almost 20 years and I have seen its evolution over time! In this article I will present you Bratislava in all its facets;...
Hiking in the swiss Alps: From Hohsaas to Saas Grund (via Saas Almagell)
A 14 km panoramic hike from Kreuzboden - Hohsaas (Saas Valley). An easy route with a great view!
3-day hike between the Zermatt and Tourtemagne valleys via the Topali hut (difficult hike)
3 days of hiking between the valleys of Zermatt and Tourtemagne through the demanding pass of the Schöllijoch
Tour des Combins: our complete trekking guide for this stunning hike in the Swiss and Italian Alps
Find all the information and detailed stages of the Tour des Combins, a 5 to 7 days hiking itinerary between Switzerland and Italy
Petit Mountet: a kid-friendly mountain hut near Zinal, Val d’Anniviers
Hiking in the Val d'Anniviers: the Petit Mountet hut from Zinal. An ideal hut to do with children!
Balcon du Mont Blanc: Hike from Finhaut to Emosson
How about a hike facing the Mont Blanc? We take you for a superb loop starting from Finhaut in direction of the lake and the dam of Emosson
10 years of adventures, travels, blogging, projects and nomad life!!!
Novo-monde is 10 years old! For 10 years we have been sharing with you our little adventures here. It deserves an anniversary post, doesn't it?
Hiking to the Pico Gilbo (the Matterhorn of Leon) from the village of Riaño
Story of my ascent of the Pico Gilbo, a beautiful mountain that lies just in front of the village of Riaño in the north of the province of León - Spain
Along the Ebro: from Orbaneja del Castillo to Tobera
Road trip in the north of Spain: We'll take you along the Ebro river to discover the nicest villages and hikes in the area
The north of the León province: from the Valporquero cave to the Riaño mountains
The north of the León province is not very well known. However, there are some beautiful things to discover such as the mountains of Riaño or the cave of Valporquero.
Peñalba de Santiago and Astorga: getaway in the province of León
A trip to one of the most beautiful villages in Spain; Peñalba de Santiago and a visit to the palace designed by Gaudi in Astorga
Galicia: our guide to Ponferrada and Las Medulas
Welcome to Castilla y Leon, in the northwest of Spain. We take you to discover Ponferrada and the site of Las Medulas
The Cies Islands: a unique archipelago next to Vigo in Galicia
We share with you our experience on the Cies Islands, a wonderful archipelago close to Vigo which is part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park
La Alberca, las Hurdes and the Sierra de Francia: discover western Spain
Getaway in the west of Spain: we take you hiking in the Sierra de Francia and the region of Las Hurdes. A place off the beaten track and definitely worth a visit!
Our ideas of things to do and see in (and around) the city of Toledo, Spain
After spending a few days in the region of Toledo, we share with you our favorites in this historical city which is located just a stone's throw from Madrid
Roadtrip in Andalucia: Our review and detailed travel budget after 10 weeks
10 weeks of road trip in Andalusia: it's time to take a look at our travel budget and to review of our adventure. Budget, itinerary and favorites: we tell you everything
Sierra de Cazorla: nature’s paradise in northern Andalusia
The Sierra de Cazorla is the largest protected natural area in Spain. We take you for some hikes in this magnificent nature paradise!
Multi-day hike in Switzerland: The Dents du Midi tour – ebook
The complete topo-guide of the Dents du Midi tour containing all the information you will need to prepare this hike
The Guadix region in Andalusia: its troglodyte houses and the Gorafe desert
Our big favorite in Andalusia! Spectacular desert landscapes, cave houses, dolmen... not to be missed under any circumstances
South of Spain: our ideas of things to see from Barbate to Jimena de la Frontera
Let's head for the south of Spain and more particularly the southern tip of Andalusia. In this article we take you for short hikes along the coast and in the natural park of los Arconocales.
Ronda in Andalusia: our ideas of things to do in (and around) the city
After spending a week in Ronda, we share with you this small guide of our highlights in and around the city of Ronda
The Sierra de Grazalema natural park: hiking paradise next to Ronda
The Sierra de Grazalema is a small paradise for nature lovers and hikers: we take you to our selection of the most beautiful hikes to do in the park.
The Caminito del Rey in a different way: 3 viewpoints & hikes to discover in El Chorro
The area around Caminito del Rey is a little paradise for hiking! We suggest 3 routes to take a little height!
El Torcal de Antequera: hiking paradise north of Málaga
El Torcal de Antequera is a natural park north of Málaga that is worth a visit! We take you on a hike through these karst landscapes.
La Axarquia: a region between sea and mountains just east of Malaga
La Axarquia is a region of Andalusia located east of Málaga and offers a beautiful mix of sea, mountains and white villages
Andalusia: discover Frigiliana and our hiking ideas
Frigliana is a well-known hilltop village near Málaga, but it is also a small paradise for hiking. We suggest you to follow our beautiful panoramic route
Traveling around the world in the middle of Covid: Emilie and Taylor’s experience
We asked some questions to Émilie and Taylor, a couple of backpackers who left for a round the world trip in the middle of the Covid pandemic
Nerja Caves: a practical guide to prepare your visit
50 km east of Malaga are the beautiful Nerja caves, a must-see if you come to Andalusia!
Visit Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park close to Almeria
Story of our stay in the natural park of Cabo de Gata, in the south west of Andalusia. Practical advice and hiking ideas
Montserrat: interesting mountain range and monastery near Barcelona
We take you to discover the surprising Montserrat mountain range and its monastery just 1 hour from Barcelona
Roadtrip in Catalonia: From Cape Creus to the Ebro Delta
Welcome to Spain, and more precisely to Catalonia! During the winter of 2021-2022 we decided to “migrate” to the south of Europe in search of some warmth with our van. Our initial plan was to drive straight down to...
Review of our year 2021 in images and figures (+ carbon footprint)
2021 is coming to an end and it's time for our yearly review! We talk about travels, carbon footprint, blog numbers and a BIG project for 2022
Roadtrip in Brittany: our overall impressions and budget + itinerary ideas
Review of our 2 months roadtrip in Brittany during the fall of 2021. Itinerary ideas and budget for a van trip
The most beautiful villages (and towns) we discovered in Brittany, France
After several trips to Brittany (almost 4 months), we share with you the towns and villages we liked the most during our visits in Brittany
Roadtrip in North Finistère – Brittany: best things to see and do
Our little guide to North Finistère; find here all our travel tips to discover the North coast of Brittany between Carantec and Brest.
Van Life Review: 1 year with Dahu, our Toyota Proace 4×4 van
1 year after buying our van Dahu, we share with you our 1st impressions about Van Life and regarding our choices for our vehicle
Hike between the Val des Dix and the Val d’Hérens via the la Meina pass
A beautiful hike that starts at the base of the Grande Dixence dam to pass the Meina pass towards Chemeuille and the Mandelon mountain pasture
Hiking the Chalin shelter from Chindonne, via the Dents de Valerette and Valère
An aerial hike along the impressive Dardeu ridge to reach the Chalin shelter, at the foot of the Haute Cime des Dents du Midi
Travelling to Graubunden: Alp Flix, Landwasser viaduct and Viamala gorges
We take you to the heart of Graubünden, to discover the Alp Flix, the Viamala gorge and the famous Landwasser viaduct
Our favorite hikes and things to do in Engadin and in the Swiss National Park
Lots of ideas for hiking and sightseeing in the beautiful Engadine region, east of Graubünden.
From the source to the Rhine Gorge, via the Caumasee and the Safiental
Roadtrip at the heart of Graubünden, to discover the source and the gorge of the Rhine but also the Caumasee, Crestasee, Il Spir, the Safiental
Graubünden: 8 days along the Alpine Circle route
8 days road trip in the Graubünden in the west of Switzerland. All our best tips to prepare your camper van trip in Switzerland.
Asturias: Road trip in the north of Spain
The Asturias region is known for its cider but also for its varied and natural landscapes. All our advices to prepare your road trip
About the quest for purpose: its importance, its dangers…
A personal thought on the quest for purpose in everyday life... but also its dangers if pushed too far
Comparison of the best trail running shoes for hiking, backpacking and traveling
Trail running shoes are very versatile and are perfect for hiking and traveling. Here is our comparison table of all our favorite models
The Rias Altas: discovering the wild northern coast of Galicia
We take you with us on a road trip through the beautiful Rias Altas and their incredible landscapes in northern Galicia
Coliving: Definition of this new accommodation type to work while traveling
We have already lived more than 12 months in different colivings across Europe. After many questions, we tell you more about this way of travelling that we like so much.
Road trip in Galicia: our favorite things to do along the Costa da Morte
This is an article about our few days spent along the Costa da Morte, the northwestern part of Galicia. Follow us on a road trip from Malpica to Muros
Ribeira Sacra: our road trip in the wine region of Galicia
We take you with us to the Ribeira Sacra, at the confluence of the Sil and Miño rivers, for a road trip between canyons and vineyards in the heart of Galicia
Ria de Vigo and Pontevedra: our hiking ideas between Bueu and Cabo de Udra
We went to explore the region between the rias of Vigo and Pontevedra with some nice discoveries like the Udra cape or the salinas of Ullo
Road trip in Galicia: 4 days from Catoira to Lanzada
Lots of ideas of things to see along the coast north of Pontevedra in Galicia. This is a summary of our wonderful 4 day road trip.
Our list of 7 hikes to discover the countryside around Pontevedra in Galicia
We share with you all our favorite hikes in Galicia to discover the countryside around Pontevedra to the strength of your legs
Getaway in Switzerland: Visit the Gruyere village in winter
Small winter getaway in the village of Gruyère. What's on the agenda? The incredible HR Giger museum but also a nice walk around the lake of Montsalvens.
Czech Republic: Visit Cesky Krumlov and ski at Lipno Kramolin
Account of a short 4-day stay in South Bohemia. This region in the south of the Czech Republic is probably not the best known by tourists, but it's well worth the detour. In this article, we present the family-friendly ski resort...
Anceu: a beautiful rural coliving in Galicia, northern Spain
We spent more than 4 months at the Anceu coliving in Galicia (north of Spain)... We tell you all about our experience in this blog post
Review of our year 2020 in images and figures (+ carbon footprint)
The end of the year is slowly coming up and as I have been doing for the past 6 years (in french), it is time to take a look back ! It has almost become a tradition in December… I like to stop for a moment, take a step back...
Ready for Vanlife: Presenting our 4×4 Toyota proace van named “Dahu”
It took a confinement to help us decide, but in 2020 we (finally) bought our converted van. In this article we present you Dahu, our van that will follow us on many adventures.
A beautiful hike near Zurich: Sihlsee and Stöcklichrüz
A beautiful panoramic hike in the canton of Schwyz: the Stöcklichrüz. A 10km long route with a magnificent view of Lake Zurich is presented to you.
The mount Rigi panorama trail, Lucerne
A stunning hiking trail to the top of Rigi Kulm. Enjoy a breathtaking view over Lake Lucerne and the alps.