The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word PIEDMONT
P
I
E
D
M
O
N
T
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "somewhere below the Alps" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case somewhere below the alps = piedmont.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PIEDMONT mean?
PIEDMONT noun- Any region of foothills of a mountain range.
- Formed or lying at the foot of a mountain range.