Many of the lower Alpine resorts have now closed their lifts, but the highest ones – such as Val d’Isere and Tignes, Chamonix, Val Thorens, Obergurgl and Zermatt – are enjoying fresh snow and skiing on uncrowded slopes.
But after the season has ended you might want more of the mountains, so how about a trip to the Alps this summer? You’ll be able to go hiking, road cycling and mountain biking, try watersports, golf, tennis, horse-riding and lots of other fun activities. Accommodation is a lot cheaper than in winter and you won’t need to fork out for an expensive lift pass either!
Also see our advice on keeping fit between ski seasons and the best resorts for summer skiing for tips on where to go over the next few months.
Don’t forget to reserve your airport parking at least 24 hours before you go. If you’re flying from Gatwick, Cophall Parking has some offers just for Welove2ski viewers.
Due to readers’ requests, we now also have our holiday prices in euros (with the exchange rate correct at the time of writing), although you should contact tour operators direct for a quote that doesn’t include travel from the UK.
Spring 2016
Tignes for last minute spring skiing with Ski Collection
Stay seven nights in self-catered Le Telemark from £327pp (411€). The residence is situated at the entrance of Tignes on the Bleuet ski slope in Le Lac area, and offers doorstep skiing. The holiday starts on April 24 and a apartment prices are based on five people sharing, including transport. Accommodation-only packages are also available. Ski packs, insurance and transfers are bookable too. Bookings: Ski Collection.
Summer in The Alps
Seefeld castles for £399pp with Inghams
Book one week at the three-and-a-half-star Hotel Alpina in Seefeld and get a free visit to Neuschwanstein Castle. This is a fairytale 19th-century castle that is one of the most popular in Europe. Stay seven nights half board from £399pp (501€), saving £189pp (238€), departing May 14. Price includes return flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck, and resort transfers. Bookings: Inghams.
Les Gets multi-activities from £345pp with Erna Low
Les Gets is a beautiful spot to enjoy a summer holiday in the Alps, with the town just as bustling in the summer as in winter. The range of adventure sports includes canyoning, Via Ferrata, white water rafting and paragliding. The resort is also a centre for mountain biking, with over 90km of trails on offer. A two-week stay here costs from £345pp (434€) on July 16, staying at Les Fermes Emiguy (sleeps four) with 14 nights for the price of 12. Bookings: Erna Low.
Alpe d’Huez Megavalanche from £105pp per night with VIP
Alpe d’Huez is a centre for mountain bikers and the UCC Mégavalanche is now one of the many mountain biking events of the Grandes Rousses summer season, as well as being the longest downhill race in the world. Starting at 3330m on the peak of the Sarenne Glacier, hundreds of riders take part in different categories. The event is on July 4, so you can watch the action as well as take part in the other cycling activities. Stay from £105pp (132€) per night for a week’s self-catering. Price is based on a minimum of three nights and includes daily cleaning and a welcome hamper. Bookings: VIP.
Tignes summer week from £135pp 10% with Peak Retreats
Provided you book before April 30 you will receive 10% off a holiday, as well as receiving one free Sportignes activity card per person. Stay seven nights from July 25 in the self-catered Le Nevada apartments from £135pp (170€) – it was £150pp (189€). This new residence is located in the heart of Val Claret, 400m from the main shopping area and the lift up to the glacier. Apartment prices are based on five people sharing, including transport. Accommodation-only packages are also available. Bookings: Peak Retreats.
St Anton yoga festival from £644pp with Thomson Lakes & Mountains
The Tirolean mountain scenery of St Anton offers a lovely venue for the inaugural Mountain Yoga Festival on September 1-4. The four-day festival features a diverse and innovative programme of modern yoga, talks, workshops, and dance with top teachers and speakers. There will also be a festival bazaar with market stalls showcasing local, yogi, and culinary products. Stay for a week half board at the four-star Hotel Arlberg from £644pp (811€) including, flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and resort transfers departing August 27. Direct flights available from all major UK airports at a supplement starting from £20 (25€). Bookings: Thomson Lakes & Mountains.
Next Season
Obergurgl New Year for £1,214pp with Esprit Ski
Families will receive £200 (251€) off per couple and two extra nights free – worth up to £542 (681€). That is a saving of up to £942 (1,184€) per family of four, but you’ll need to book before the end of May to secure the holiday. Accommodation is at Chalet Alpenblume in the snow-sure resort of Obergurgl for £1,214pp (1,526€) – it was £1,399pp (1,758€). The price is based on a family of four (two adults and two children under 10 years) on December 30-January 8, including return flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck, resort transfers, free wifi, free baby listening, free ski hosting and nine nights catered accommodation. Esprit Classic Child Care is available from £293 (368€) for eight half days of ski lessons, and Esprit is offering £100 (126€) discount per child at their Snow Club or Nursery. Bookings: Esprit Ski.
Cervinia New Year for £1,109pp with Inghams
Chalet Hotel Dragon is in a prime location in Cervinia, 200m from the chair-lift, one minute from the centre and with its own apres-ski bar with live music and a sun terrace. Stay eight nights chalet catering including a New Year celebration meal at the three-and-a-half-diamond Chalet Hotel Dragon from £1,109pp (1,394€) – including £200 (251€) saving per couple and a free night’s stay worth £180 (226€) per couple – departing December 30 from Gatwick to Turin. The price is based on four people sharing. The holiday includes return flights and resort transfers. Bookings: Inghams.
St Anton New Year for £1,249pp with Ski Total
With nine days instead of seven, you will save £200 (251€) per couple plus two free days valued at £320 (402€) – but you must book before the end of May. Celebrate in St Anton staying at comfortable Chalet Charon for £1,249pp (1,570€) – it was £1,509pp (1,896€) – from December 30 to January 8. The price includes return flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck, resort transfers, and nine nights chalet catered accommodation. Bookings: Ski Total.
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