While the Alps are internationally famous for their white peaks, once the last remnants of powder have melted away, they awaken from winter’s slumber in ways most travellers do not notice. Here’s how to see the Alps in summer—no skis necessary.
There’s a particular form of magic in the mountain ranges after the skiing season. When the snow melts, paths wither away to expose turquoise lakes, flower-filled meadows and dramatic views. In Zinal and Nendaz, hiking trails vary from strolls to altitude-hiking excursions, leaving one gasping in both senses.
Among this area’s best-kept secrets is Lac de Moiry near Zinal, where a walk around the emerald-green lake provides a serene escape amidst dramatic mountain peaks. With marked trails suitable for families and numerous picnic opportunities, Switzerland’s mountains are a walker’s paradise out of season.
Find Summer Thrills for Adventure Enthusiasts
There’s more to summer in the Alps than leisurely nature strolls. For thrill-seekers, however, the mountains offer a different type of playground. In one favourite French mountain village, Châtel, the mountain bike parks come alive once the winter snows have melted. Locally rented bikes can access a variety of downhill and cross-country trails against dramatic alpine scenery.
If wheels are not your preference, paragliding above Nendaz offers dizzying views from up top. In Chamrousse, rock climbing or canyoning—both great modes of discovering steep granite country—await. The best part? These adrenaline-pumping activities are often close to quaint summer rentals, where it’s a cinch to combine adventure with mountain living.
Discover Enchanting Alpine Villages Without the Throngs
One of the absolute pleasures of a summer visit to the Alps is its blissfully quietness. Gone are the winter skiing throngs, swapped out for tranquil streets, welcoming locals and a pace of life that almost necessitates a second coffee. Veysonnaz, which sits above the valley of the Rhône, is one such treasure. Famously a skiing destination in winter, it’s a quiet mountain haven come summer, with walking trails, vineyards within reach and unbeatable views.
Wander down cobbled streets, shop at local markets or enjoy a relaxed day out with a raclette lunch at a terrasse and a bottle of Valais wine. In Veysonnaz, time moves leisurely, making it perfect for recharging.
Immerse yourself in Alpine Wellness and Spa Getaways
You don’t have to have snow to benefit from the therapeutic aspect of the Alps. Their crisp mountain air and mineral waters make the area well-suited for spa breaks. From yoga in Chamrousse meadows to spa afternoons at local thermal spas, summer in the Alps is tailored for rest.
Most resorts also provide summer packages centred not on skiing but on rejuvenation, with outdoor thermal baths, saunas and natural pools. Combined with healthy food, mountain herbs and natural skin care from local producers, the Alpine wellness package is abundant, within reach and a valid reason to ascend a mountain in July rather than January.
Ideal for Families and Multi-Generational Travel
Kids, parents, grandparents? The summer Alps are perfectly designed for family vacations. Peaceful roads, family activities suitable for any age and self-catering accommodation allow you to organise a journey to suit everyone. Summer parks in towns such as Châtel and Nendaz offer zip wires, petting zoos, even alpine toboggans, while more mature generations can enjoy views from train journeys and water-level strolls.
Summer rentals provide flexibility that hotels can’t match—cook your food, arrive and depart at your leisure and have private balconies with mountain vistas. Whether toddlers are hiking with you or you’re sipping a sunset aperitif alone, not necessarily with a toddler, the Alps are open to anyone, not exclusively skiers.
Festivals, Culture and Local Living
Summer also brings a full calendar of events. From cheese festivals in Savoie to traditional Swiss festivals in Zinal and Veysonnaz, visitors can have a more authentic Alpine experience. Cow parades, folk music and artisan markets fill the mountains with a world beyond the piste.
Join village festivals, taste alpine honey produced by local farmers or make handmade sausages. Don’t miss the opportunity to try local wines that have never been exported outside this area. Summer is when locals’ mountains are truly theirs—and for a short while, for travellers who prefer to view them differently.
A Different Kind of Alpine Escape
It’s natural to think of the Alps as a single-season destination because, at one time, it seemed like they only spoke a language of snow. That’s not true, however. The summer season brings freedom, peace and a degree of natural splendour that is arguably even more impressive without the white cover. Hike-chasing, adventure-having, lazy days spent in mountain hamlets, spa getaways – the Alps are great at them all.
With resorts like Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Châtel, Chamrousse and Zinal providing plenty of alternative activities and snug summer apartments, there has never been a better time to explore beyond the slopes. So grab your hiking boots rather than ski boots—you’re in for a different kind of alpine adventure.
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