When you think of the Alps, snow and skiing often come to mind. But have you ever considered visiting the Alps in the summertime? If not, you might be missing out on a fantastic holiday experience.
The Alps during summer are truly breathtaking as the weather is usually warm and sunny , and it's amazing to see your favourite ski resort transform into what feels like a completely different place. Instead of endless white snow, you’ll find lush green alpine landscapes. Where frozen streams used to be covered with snow, now they bubble and trickle down the mountainside. Plus, instead of bundling up in layers of heavy clothing, you can explore in a simple T-shirt and shorts.
Summer in the mountains is a unique experience, and if you haven’t tried it yet, now is the perfect time to book a chalet and plan your summer alpine getaway. We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite ski resorts that transform in the summer to help inspire your trip.
If you need any assistance, our team is always here to help on +44 1865 817 420.
Chamonix Holidays in Summer
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (usually shortened to Chamonix) is tucked into the corner near the junction of France, Switzerland, and Italy. This resort sits at the base of the iconic Mont Blanc Mountain, making it a fantastic destination year-round. Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or a summer adventure, Chamonix has something for everyone.
Many of Chamonix’s ski lifts operate in the summer, giving you easy access to breathtaking mountain trails. For a rush of adrenaline, you can try some water activities like rafting, hydrospeed, or canyoning, or for a unique perspective of the stunning surroundings, consider a paragliding flight (known as parapente in French). A tandem flight offers incredible views of forests, glaciers, and the majestic peaks, or for an even more spectacular ending to your day, take a helicopter ride over the Mont Blanc massif, as it's an experience you won’t forget.
Prefer to stay on the ground? Rent an electric mountain bike and explore the trails designed for exciting rides through the beautiful forests. Guided tours are available, allowing you to discover some hidden gems in the area. If you still have energy to spare, you could enjoy a round of golf or embark on a glacier hike.
After a day full of activities, you’ll want to unwind in luxury. Chalet Amazon Creek, located in the Les Bossons area of Chamonix Valley, accommodates up to ten guests in five stunning bedrooms. Spend your evening relaxing in the cinema room, indulging in the luxury spa, or enjoying a dip in the outdoor infinity pool. Then, head out to the balcony to savour a cold beer or a glass of white wine as the sun sets over the mountains. Pure bliss.
Verbier Holidays in Summer
A real go-to destination all year round, Verbier is a chic and trendy alpine village in Switzerland’s Valais Canton. The gateway to the 4 Vallées ski area, trails from the village lead onto the Mont Fort Glacier and have views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc Mountains. In common with Chamonix, there is a wide range of outdoor activities which will allow you to enjoy the epic scenery and soak up as much sun as possible. If you’re a keen cyclist, then test your fitness on some of the most gruelling sections used in the Tour de France around Verbier.
Cycling not your thing? Then hop on a horse and head out to enjoy the fantastic mountainside trails. You can cover a lot more ground than you would on foot and get an elevated view of the scenery, as well as often manage to sneak a closer peek at the wildlife in the area. For a more cultural activity, you must make sure you make time to enjoy some of the many concerts laid on during July and August as part of the Verbier Festival. This annual performance extravaganza includes performances from renowned musicians, so you must remember to book your tickets in advance.
A summer holiday isn’t complete without some relaxation, and we have the ideal chalet for you. Chalet Chouqui stands out because of its fantastic location and spaciousness. With a dedicated team of 9 staff members, you can expect a truly comfortable stay. Each of the 9 en-suite bedrooms features its own terrace or balcony, offering stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif. When you’re not soaking in the scenery, you can take a dip in the chalet's private indoor swimming pool, which is considered one of the largest in Verbier.
Veysonnaz Holidays in Summer
Located in the Swiss canton of Valais, Veysonnaz offers the perfect destination for those of you who are looking to get away from any stressors and escape to a peaceful retreat. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, this is a particularly sunny area of Switzerland with a Mediterranean like climate in the summer. Because of the warmth, it is a prosperous fruit-growing area that produces some excellent wines. If you’re happy to enjoy your holiday in the immediate vicinity then you’ll enjoy the beautiful views over the Rhone Valley and to the Bernese Alps, with extensive hiking for those of you who are so inclined, with 300km of footpaths to be explored. Walking will take you through a landscape that has remained unspoiled and includes a wide range of flora and fauna. For families with children, there is a children’s entertainment programme provided every day for children aged between 4 and 9 with a wide range of supervised activities for them to enjoy. For a different experience, head to the eye-popping Grande Dixence, the world’s highest gravity dam which collects melting water from 35 Valaisian glaciers in the region surrounding Zermatt and leading up to Val d’Hérens. Standing at 285 meters tall, it’s not for those afraid of heights.
When it comes to accommodation, Chalet V is the perfect choice for a luxurious stay. The outdoor space is perfect for those summer months when you want to be outside, enjoying the stunning climate and scenery of the Rhone Valley. The outdoor heated pool and extra-large Jacuzzi are a great place to unwind, and the dining terrace is perfect for dining al fresco.
Zermatt Holidays in Summer
Probably one of the area's prettiest resorts, Zermatt is a fantastic choice for a summer break in the mountains with lots to keep everyone occupied, including outdoor activities, great shopping, and fantastic restaurants. Lying at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt has maintained its original character despite its huge popularity both in the winter and summer. The streets are famously both cobbled and car-free). You’ll enjoy the freedom you can give the children whilst you wander the streets shopping in some of the beautiful boutiques which line its main street, Bahnhofstrasse. Definitely a foodies paradise, Zermatt boasts a wide range of restaurants and eateries, many of which include amazing views across the surrounding area (we’ve mentioned one of the most famous, Chez Vrony in our article ‘Top ten mountain restaurants in the Alps). To burn off some of those excess calories, take to the mountains on foot, by bike, or even by Paraglider. To cool off, head to Zermatt beach to enjoy the crystal clear waters of Lake Leisees. And for the younger children in your party take them to Wolli’s adventure park at Sunnegga where they can explore the playgrounds whilst you relax by the idyllic mountain lake with its gorgeous view of the Matterhorn.
Chalet Grace in Zermatt
To complement this incredible destination, we have a number of incredible Chalets for you to enjoy. Chalet Grace is one our favourite Chalets in Zermatt with some of the most stunning views of the Matterhorn. Take to the hot tub as the air cools in the evening with a glass of champagne and enjoy the mountain view as the sun goes down before retiring to one of the five en-suite bedrooms.
Enjoy breakfast prepared by your personal chef on the terrace with uninterrupted views of Zermatt below you. And if you catch a rainy day, then not to worry. The luxuriously seated cinema, games room, and pool table are sure to keep you occupied.
View our wide portfolio of ‘luxury chalets for summer skiing’ or ‘luxury hotels for summer skiing’ for more of the best accommodations in the Alps for the summer time.
If you would like to experience an unforgettable summer holiday in the Alps or to book one of these fabulous chalets today, call us on +44 1865 817 420 or contact us online to speak to a dedicated member of our team.
