The summer in the Alps provides an idyllic holiday full of natural beauty, there are many activities to do as well as many luxurious places to stay. There are plenty of different Alpine resorts which are well known as winter ski resorts. However, where is best to stay in the summer, what there is to do, and which resorts offer summer skiing are just a few of the questions which we can answer. 

As holidaymakers look for plenty of outdoor space, private accommodation and something a little different, the Alps is becoming an increasingly popular summer destination. The Alps in the summer are full of space and tranquility. It is a perfect alternative to a villa holiday with so much clean fresh air, typically wonderfully warm and sunny days and clear blue skies. The weather is agreeable and there’s a lot to do in the great outdoors, far more than even in the winter.

What is there to do in the Alps in the summer? There is everything that you could want, whether you wish to relax in natural surroundings or hotel spas, take part in a multitude of sports and activities, or stay in luxury accommodation. The Alps are filled with stunning luxury chalets and hotels which are available during the summertime at a fraction of the winter cost. 

Activities to enjoy include hiking, via ferrata, horse riding, kayaking, white water rafting, paddleboarding and more. There are famous road cycling climbs such as the Col d’Iseran, the highest paved pass in the Alps, above Val d’Isère. There’s the newly tarmacked Col de la Loze above the French village of Méribel, featured as the queen stage of the 2020 Tour de France, and also the iconic 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez.

Summer skiing can be found across a select few resorts such as in Zermatt which is open every day of the year (weather permitting), and Tignes. Tignes is also where the Lac de Tignes takes centre-stage of the village with a number of activities possible including kayaking, paddleboarding and there are pedalos to use.

Elsewhere in the Alps there is plenty of mountain biking for those in search of speed and adrenaline. Les Gets is particularly good for this. There are working farms and even cheesemaking to be seen, as well as beautiful outdoor swimming pools and leisure centres. With golf courses and paragliding amongst a host of other things to do, there is something for everyone. For those looking for a more relaxed break, the Alps are alive in the summer and artisan markets are often a weekly occurrence in many of the resorts exhibiting the mouthwatering Alpine produce from charcuterie and cheese to locally distilled spirits. There are also excellent restaurants and cafés to explore.

Three of our favourite summer Alpine resorts are Morzine and Tignes in the French Alps and Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. Find out more about what these resorts offer in the summer months as well as our featured chalets for summer rental below:

Zermatt:

A year-round resort most famous for the iconic Matterhorn mountain. Zermatt is open to skiing 365 days a year (weather permitting). For those wishing to ski during the summer it is one of the best options in the Northern Hemisphere. Meanwhile it has a wide range of alternative activities on offer as well over the summer months. 

With the ski lifts running including the Gornergrat railway, visitors can easily access the picturesque hiking trails and visit the glacial lakes whilst sampling the amazing mountain restaurants in the Zermatt area. The views are spectacular and some of the most stunning found anywhere in the world. On the mountain there is mountain biking, hiking, mountain climbing and rock climbing on offer. 

Those looking for a more tranquil stay might like to take a scenic helicopter flight over the area, or wander the cobbled streets of this picturesque village and visit the Matterhorn museum or lovely church. Near the centre of the resort there is also golf, waterskiing, fly fishing, indoor spas and swimming pools, tennis, beach volleyball, electronic clay pigeon shooting and the Gorner Gorge with serene pools and waterfalls. There are also many events across the summer including a mountain marathon and music events.

Featured chalet: 

Chalet Grace is an exquisite and sophisticated chalet. One of the most luxurious properties in the resort it has all the amenities that you could wish for from a stay. The chalet features a divine living room, a cinema room, an expansive sun terrace with a hot-tub and a spa with sauna, massage treatment room and relaxation area. Perfect for groups of 10-12. The chalet is available on a bed and breakfast or catered basis.

Tignes: 

Centred around Le Lac, Tignes is a high altitude summer resort which has an idyllic balance between plenty going on and people around, whilst also being a little quieter than some of the other summer Alpine resorts. 

With the lake in the middle of the resort, there’s a wealth of activities to enjoy. Meanwhile the lifts run for hikers and mountain bikers keen to explore the interweaving hiking and mountain bike trails. Everything from beginner trails to expert technical features can be found on the trails here. Visitors can also explore the neighbouring resort of Val d’Isère. Here there is also summer skiing with 20 kilometres of slopes on the Grande Motte glacier, whilst not extensive it will entertain those in search of a ski fix. It is open in the mornings only as slopes can get slushy in the warm afternoon sun. 

There are a range of excellent restaurants that are open throughout the summer months and visitors can even pop in to a cheesemaking of Beaufort Cheese in this cheese-loving region.

Featured chalet: 

Chalet Babylon is located in the tranquil satellite village of Tignes Les Brevières. Chalet Babylon offers quirky accommodation for up to eight adults and four children. The chalet has beautiful living spaces to relax in as well as plenty to entertain in the chalet. There’s a private hot-tub, a sunny terrace, a pool table and lots of seating around the TV area.

Morzine: 

Within easy driving distance from the UK, or just over an hour transfer away from Geneva Airport, Morzine is an exciting Alpine town. It is a town which is just as vibrant in the summer months as it is in the winter, with lots going on and it is busy with both locals and guests alike. 

There are a wealth of things to see and do. These include rock climbing, high ropes courses, golf, paragliding, road cycling, mountain biking (one of the world’s most well-known bike parks is found in neighbouring Les Gets), and white water rafting. There is also a wonderful outdoor swimming pool.

When visiting Morzine, guests can purchase a Multi-Pass. This is priced from just a couple of euros a day depending on where you are staying, the pass gives you access to a wide variety of activities and amenities on the mountain and in the town. Some of these are found across the Portes du Soleil resorts and include access to the mountain lifts, access to Morzine aqua park, tennis court use, crazy golf, summer tobogganing and inter-resort buses.

Featured chalet: 

Chalet M is located in one of Morzine’s most privileged positions, just above the resort with beautiful Alpine views. This spacious and luxurious chalet is bathed in sunlight and the ideal space from which to explore the Portes du Soleil. Some of the highlights of Chalet M include the outdoor hot-tub on the generously sized deck, the spa room, the sauna, the cinema and the games room. The chalet is available on a catered or self-catered basis for added flexibility.