“Call me stupid but I somehow don't think a Sportcruiser (a VFR only machine) would be something I'd be willing to use to fly around there...”
I have toured the Alps in a Pup 150, DR400, C172, AA5B and an MCR. Give me the MCR any day! Uses very little runway, even hot and high, will average over 1000 fpm all the way up to 10,000ft, superb vis to avoid the Gliders and you can run away quick if need be. Given that most UK pilots do not have an IR, all the above aircraft are VFR only anyway (I am IMCR). I hope to be back there again next year, but no dates yet.
Rod1