Do You Need Microspikes for Summer and Fall Hiking in the Alps?
Last Updated on July 28, 2025 by Charlotte
Yes! and Here’s When, Why, and Which Ones I Trust
Picture a bluebird July day in Chamonix, sunny, warm, with wildflowers blooming in the meadows. But halfway up the trail to Lac Blanc, we hit snow. It wasn’t a charming patch here and there; the snowpack completely blanketed narrow ledges that cut across steep, icy slopes, risking a 100 m (~330 ft) tumble into sharp rocks if a boot slipped. Midway across this ledge, a girl in Nike Airs was frozen mid-step, tears streaming down her face, her fingers dug into the snow for traction.
In comparison, we put on our microspikes, crossed safely, and then talked her through each step until she made it across. Your summer hikes don’t have to be traumatizing! This wasn’t a freak weather event. If you’re hiking above 2,000 meters in early summer, snowfields and ice are still common, and having personal traction devices can make all the difference.
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Why There’s Still Snow in the Alps (Even When It’s 25°C / 80°F in the Valley)
Did you know that high-elevation trails in the Alps can still hold snow well into July, sometimes even August. Just because lifts are operating for the summer Alps hiking season does not mean that the trails are completely snow free. Along the trails, shaded gullies, north-facing slopes, and glacier-adjacent routes tend to melt much more slowly than southern-facing slopes. You can leave your hotel in shorts, hop a cable car, and suddenly find yourself sliding across a snowfield.
Here are some trails in the Alps where I’ve hit snow in early summer:
- Lac Blanc in Chamonix
- Lac Bleu in Chamonix
- Grand Balcon Nord in Chamonix
- Albert 1er Refuge in Chamonix
- Bachalpsee in Switzerland
- Oeschinensee in Switzerland
Wait, What Are Microspikes?
Microspikes are kind of like snow chains for your shoes. They are metal spikes attached to stretchy rubber that slip over your boots or trail runners, and fold up small enough to carry easily in your pack. While microspikes can commonly be confused with crampons that mountaineers wear, microspikes do not have a toe pick, and the size of the spike is a lot smaller than that on crampons.
While I shouldn’t have to say this, I would not recommend putting microspikes over your Crocs. And funnily enough, we did see some tourists hiking in the Alps in Crocs this summer. Having a solid pair of hiking boots or trail runners will get you pretty far to start. I personally wear the Brooks Cascadia as my regular trail runner, and Travel Buddy likes the Merrell Moab hiking boot line.
When Microspikes Help, and When They Don’t
In general, microspikes tend to be good for traversing packed snow and hard icy crusts. They are not so handy for soft slushy snow because you’ll just sink in, deep powdery snow (that’s snowshoe territory), very very steep inclines, or pavement or bare rock.
These use cases for microspikes were especially highlighted on our trek to the Albert 1er Refuge in mid-June. That morning, the snowpack was firm and walkable on the way up to the Altbert 1er Refuge. But by 1 PM? The snow was the slushy consistency of mashed potatoes. We ended up rock-scrambling around the trail while watching three hikers slip and eat it on the melting snow (and yes, the fall was absolutely comical, although we did feel bad for that hiker). Micropikes wouldn’t have helped in that exact moment in the afternoon, but if they had come two hours earlier, they’d have been ideal.
My Favorite Microspikes for Summer Hiking
While you can find some pretty cheaply priced microspikes on Amazon, I personally prefer not to trust my well-being to something cheaply manufactured with unknown quality control standards. We’ve enjoyed using Kahtoola Microspikes because they’re low profile enough to carry in my trail running vest, easy to slip on and off, and have excellent traction.
In fact, they grip so well that even when we forgot our second pair and had to share them, each of us wearing one spike on our uphill foot, we still had way more control than other hikers sliding around in regular boots.
Do You Really Need to Bring Microspikes?
Here’s a simple checklist:
Yes, bring them if…
- You’re hiking above 2,000 m (~6,500 ft) before mid-July
- Your trail includes snow crossings or shaded slopes
- You’re unsure of the conditions
- You like having options and peace of mind
Probably fine without if…
- It’s late July or August
- You’re sticking to low-elevation valley trails
- You’ve checked recent trip reports, and there’s no snow
When in doubt? Bring them. They’re small, light, and worth the space in your pack.
How to Check the Trail Conditions Before Your Hike
- Mountain webcams – look at lift stations or refuges
- Instagram – check recent tagged photos of the trail
- AllTrails – read recent trail reviews
- Local guides and tourist offices – always helpful and they usually have the most up to date trail condition information.
Final Words
Microspikes are one of those things you don’t think you’ll need, until you really, really do. They’ve let us cross sketchy exposed, snowy ledges, descend snow-packed trails with control, and help others who were stuck. I’ve never once regretted packing them. But I’ve absolutely regretted leaving them behind. If you’re hiking in the Alps in early summer, just bring your microspikes. They’re much less expensive than a helicopter rescue!
