If you decide to get on a bike or hike this summer, you’ll find them two of the best ways of keeping fit between ski seasons. Or better still, how about booking a summer holiday in the Alps? There’s the chance to go road biking and mountain biking, horse-riding, hiking, play some high-altitude golf and even try wild swimming?
Below are some summer deals, and it’s worth bearing in mind that accommodation costs less at this time of year than during the ski season – with hikers’/bikers’ lift passes available for a fraction of the winter price. Lower down the page are some skiing deals for next winter.
Arc 1950 family trip for £150pp with Erna Low
There are 20% savings on summer holiday bookings to Arc 1950. A two bedroom apartment (sleeps six) is now £900 (£150pp) including Eurotunnel crossings. The resort offers a selection of free activities for families all summer long, starting on July 7 and including childrens’ camps, Activity Wednesdays, and a creche. The price shown here is for holidays departing July 28, but other dates are also available. Bookings: Erna Low.
Hiking in St Anton from £619pp with SNO
St Anton has 300km of walking paths and Hotel Post in the car-free village centre makes a great base to explore them from. A seven-night stay here has been discounted from £869pp to £619pp, including half board, Gatwick flights and transfers, departing on July 28. The four-star hotel offers guided hikes and has a swimming-pool, sauna and jacuzzi. Bookings: SNO.
Chamonix active from £581pp with Inghams Lakes and Mountains
There is a new range of adrenaline-fuelled excursions in Chamonix this summer, including glacier hiking, white-water rafting and tandem paragliding. Another option is to spend a night at the newly-renovated Refuge du Montenvers (built in 1880 to house mountaineers) on the Mer de Glace: watch the sun go down and enjoy some star-gazing after a delicious dinner. The excursions can be pre-booked from £105pp and include equipment. Stay seven nights on a catered basis (including packed lunches) at three-diamond Chalet Hotel Sapiniere from £581pp based on four adults travelling. Price includes return flights from Edinburgh to Geneva and airport transfers. The package is valid for travel departing September 12. Bookings: Inghams Lakes & Mountains.
Next Winter
Whistler for £746pp with Skiworld
Stay for seven nights at the Whistler Peak Lodge and enjoy stylish modern rooms, open fires and a hot tub. Price based on two adults sharing, on a room-only basis, flying from Heathrow on Dec 5, including airport transfers to and from Whistler for £746pp. Bookings: Skiworld.
BOGOF in Val d’Isere-Tignes with Ski Collection
There’s a buy-one-get-one-free deal on Tignes–Val d’Isere lift passes for early December. This offer is open to skiers booking their winter holidays to Tignes for the week commencing December 8 or 15. The ski area covers 300km of pistes between 1550m and 3456m. Book before September 26 and save up to 20% on seven nights self-catering in Tignes Val Claret from £265pp (was £320pp), including return Eurotunnel crossings with a free upgrade to FlexiPlus. The four-star L’Ecrin des Neiges is close to both the amenities of Val Claret and the slopes. Facilities include a children’s play area. The price here is based on five people sharing a two-bedroom apartment, arriving on December 15. Ski passes have not been included in this price. Bookings: Ski Collection.
Rauris all-inclusive for family of four from £1,718
The quiet village, gentle slopes and easy transfer make Rauris a great option for first-time skiers, families, or those looking to avoid busier resorts. It sits alongside some of Austria’s highest mountains, between the Gastein Valley and Zell am See. The price for a holiday starts from £1,718 for a family of four, including lift passes for all, skis, boots and helmets hire, flights from Birmingham to Salzburg, transfers, and a week’s stay at the three-star Rauris Apartments. The price quoted is for departure on January 5. Bookings: La Tania, which includes flights and transfers, on the week starting April 7 and you’ll receive free childcare. Bookings: Snowfinders.
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