Photo: (c) P.Delannoy/OT Valloire.

Whether in winter or summer, it’s hard to beat a week’s holiday in the mountains. If you like the idea of keeping fit between seasons – then how about booking a summer holiday in the Alps or Pyrenees with the opportunity for road biking and mountain biking, horse-riding, hiking, some high-altitude golf and even 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. Scroll down the page for some early booking deals for next winter, too.

Valloire from £116pp with Peak Retreats
Escape the masses in the family-friendly Alpine village where, from August 14-15, Valloire is holding the Fête Patronale, a big authentic festival. There’s a great programme of traditional French events and activities including a parade, fun fair, folklore show, fireworks show, Tomme cheesemaking demonstrations, a Savoyard race and a ball. Each day ends with a music show and a large traditional meal including local specialities such as diots, cheeses and pastries. Valloire is best known for its mountain biking, but also makes a good base for hiking, climbing, horse-riding, archery and golf. Seven nights at Les Chalets du Galibier now from £116pp (was £140pp), including standard return midweek ferry crossings. The property is set in a pretty hamlet five minutes’ walk from the village centre. Price based on five people sharing a two-bedroom apartment (sleeps up to six) arriving August 11. Bookings: Peak Retreats.

Champoluc from £639pp with Inghams Lake & Mountains
A seven-night stay on a catered basis (including packed lunches) at the four-diamond Chalet Hotel Breithorn in Champoluc is now from £639pp. Champoluc is one of the prettiest villages in the Monte Rosa Alps, surrounded by dramatic, glacier-topped peaks and 200km of excellent walking routes. The village lies close to the Swiss border and you can treat yourself to some delicious local cuisine and wines, influenced by both countries. The price represents a saving of £110pp and includes return flights from Birmingham to Milan, and airport transfers. The package is valid for travel departing on Wednesday July 11. Bookings: Inghams Lakes & Mountains.

Flaine from £40pp Ski France
The Flaine Summer Pass is free for guests staying at the three-star Résidence Les Terrasses de Veret in Flaine for four nights or more. Each apartment (sleeping up to 10) features a fully-equipped kitchen, living area and a balcony or terrace. The pass gives access to sporting activities and cultural activities such as archery, a giant trampoline, tennis, Crazy Pong (variant of traditional ping-pong), laser rifle and racing remote-controlled cars. Alternatively, attend one of the classical concerts or let your creative juices flow in the Art Centre. A week’s stay from July 4 costs from £40pp (£161 total – was £354 total, so a saving of 54%) in a one-bedroom apartment sleeping up to four people. This is accommodation-only, with flights, transfers and food extra. Bookings: Ski France.

Winter Holidays

La Plagne for £786pp with SNO
Early bookers can save over £200 a head off holidays over February half term. The Residence Aspen apartments in La Plagne are on sale for £786pp (usually £1,024pp) for a seven-night stay beginning February 16. Based on four people sharing an apartment, the cost includes Gatwick flights and transfers. The apartments are in Plagne Village, 100m from the slopes and there is access to a swimming-pool and wellness facilities. Bookings: SNO

St Anton from £813pp with Skiworld
St Anton offers amazing intermediate to advanced skiing and world-famous apres fun too. Stay there from £813pp in Chalet Baren for a seven-night duration on a catered chalet basis. Price includes transfers to resort and flights from Gatwick departing on January 5. Bookings: Skiworld.

£100 off all chalets for this weekend with Ski Total
Get an additional £100 off all chalets on all dates, except February 16/17. This means that along with the current ski deals, many of the operator’s chalets have savings of more than £100pp over this bank holiday weekend. The deal can also be combined with the Espace Killy Lift Pass Offer on selected dates throughout the year. This extra £100 saving is only valid until Tuesday May 29. Bookings: Ski Total.

St Christoph from £750pp with Inghams
For bookings made before Thursday May 31 for next winter, there are savings of up to £150pp on holidays to selected Chalet Hotels and Xtra Chalets on selected departure dates throughout the season. Additionally, all bookings made before that date will receive €50pp worth of bar credit. For example, a seven-night holiday on a catered basis at the four-diamond superior Chalet Hotel St Christoph in the Arlberg Ski Area is now from £750pp, including return flights from Gatwick (supplements for flights from other UK airports may apply) and airport transfers. The package is for travel departing on January 12. Bookings: Inghams.