Alps Summer Holiday: 6 Reasons To Get Here

Long sunny days, Alpine meadows and lakes, farmers markets and enough adventure activities to keep the biggest adrenaline junkies grinning from ear to ear all week. What’s not like to like about summer in the Alps? And yet it remains it’s biggest kept secret. So many people head here each year for their skiing fix but have they never considered the draw once the snow melts? If you’ve never taken an Alps summer holiday, you’re really missing out.

Here are our 6 reasons why.

1. Event-filled action

OK, so the UK might have Glastonbury to boast of, and there is the little matter of Wimbledon to consider, but if you’re looking for a reason to visit somewhere, an event to plan your trip around, then look no further.

If there’s one thing they do well here in the French and Swiss Alps, it’s summer events.
From weekly mountain cycle races to musical festivals and the Tour de France. There’s so much going on during an Alps summer that you’ll be pushed to find the time to fit it all in.

2. Incredible hiking with breathtaking scenery

Think wild flower-filled meadows, mountain vistas and stunning sunsets.
The scenery here is jaw dropping in the summer.

With a cacophony of colourful blossoms, emerald green lakes and incredible wildlife you’d be hard pushed to find somewhere better to explore on foot. And if you fancy making a trip of it there are some amazing mountain huts to rest your head en route. Some are unmanned, but the majority offer half board with hearty fare, local wine and some Alpine charm at the end of the day, before continuing on to your next refuge the following evening.

3. Climb some infamous cols on two wheels

Road biking has taken off in recent years since the Tour kicked off in God’s own country. And what better way to see the sights than by pedal power as you take on some breathtaking climbs. If you like your wheels thin and your Strava-habit is out of control then there’s plenty of famous climbs to tick off from the Col de la Madeleine to the Petit St Bernard, atop which an Italian coffee or gelato awaits. Don’t mind if we do!

4. Explore the extensive mountain biking trails

Prefer to descend over bumpy tracks, dodging natural obstacles, suspension assisted? Look no further.

Many ski resorts in the French and Swiss Alps run the lifts in the summer providing access to some incredible mountain bike trails, with gentle routes and more hair raising challenges. In particular Morzine, Méribel and Tignes are mountain-bike meccas with a variety of routes for all levels of biker.

5. Activity-packed breaks

Aside from the biking, if you like your holidays with more than a little adrenaline punch then the Alps is the place to be. From white water rafting, to wake boarding, paragliding to paddle boarding.

We’ve got the options if you’ve got nerve.

6. Summer fêtes

And if all these activities have helped you work up a thirst then be sure to take in one of the local fêtes during stay. The Alps summer fêtes are put on each month and every town or village hosts at least one, just keep your eyes peeled for the signs. French village fêtes are jovial affairs with music, dancing, cheese and wine and there’s usually some local tradition thrown in for extra measure.