If you want an active summer holiday, why not consider a trip to the Alps? You might be surprised by the amazing range of activities on offer for all ages – such as road biking and mountain biking, wild swimming in natural lakes, hiking, golf and horse-riding. It’s a great way to keep your ski-fitness levels going, too.

Make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Don’t forget to reserve your airport parking at least 24 hours before you go – this is especially important during peak holiday periods. If you’re flying from Gatwick, Cophall Parking has a discount for Welove2ski.

It’s also worth finding out what the specialist travel agencies have on offer in the way of early bookings for next winter, such as SNO, Snowfinders and Ski in Luxury.

Summer in the Alps

Ischgl summer from £837pp with SNO
Seven nights gourmet half board at Hotel Post in Ischgl, packaged with Gatwick flights and transfers, has been reduced from £1,138pp to £837pp departing August 19. The four-star superior hotel has a fabulous outdoor pool and spa facilities, as well as a daily walking programme. Bookings: SNO.

Alpe d’Huez chalet from £50pp per night with VIP Chalets
Eden East sits in the new Eden Blanc property, part of the exclusive Fontbelle area of Alpe d’Huez. The chalet is 100 metres from the shops, bars and restaurants. Eden East is an ideal choice for a family of four – the two bedrooms both have en-suite bathrooms and balconies, and there’s a spacious living area and kitchen. Prices for this summer start from £50pp per night, and if you book a seven-night stay you’ll get one night free, meaning a week’s holiday will cost £1,200 on a self-catered basis, saving 29% (£480) on any departures up to and including August 27. Price dis for accommodation only. Bookings: VIP Chalets.

Combloux fortnight for £342pp with Peak Retreats
The traditional Savoyard village of Combloux is in the Chamonix Valley. The ecological lake is a highlight of the village, with naturally purified water heated by the sun and open to bathers. Staying in Les Fermes du Mont Blanc you can enjoy the modern facilities, and there’s free access to the indoor pool and wellness area. There’s 15% off the second week price of a two-week stay. So 14 nights in a two-bedroom apartment is £342pp (was £365pp) including standard mid-week return ferry crossings. Price based on five sharing between August 17 and 31. Bookings: Peak Retreats.

Kitzbuhel golfing weekend from £515pp with Your Golf Travel
The beautiful resort of Kitzbuhel, in the Austrian Tirol, is alive with activity throughout the summer and autumn and is regarded as the best golfing destination in the region. There are four courses, including two at championship level. Stay from £515pp, including two rounds of golf, return flights from Luton and three nights’ accommodation at four-star Grand Tirolia Hotel Curio Collection by Hilton. Bookings: Your Golf Travel.

Otztal for £1,009 for two with Visit Tirol
Although the Austrian Tirol is known for its incredible ski resorts, summer is the perfect time for exploring on foot. The Otztal Valley is just 35 minutes’ drive from Innsbruck. A dozen lifts operate in summer and you can take part in lots of activities – such as bread baking at Piburg Mill on Lake Piburg, visiting the mobile cheese factory made from 100% raw milk at Gampe Thaya, dining at the gourmet iceQ restaurant above Solden, and sampling locally-brewed beer next to the Stuibenfall. A three-night stay at the Aqua Dome costs from €1,104 (£1,009) in total for two people sharing a double room half board, with access to the spa. Information: Austrian Tirol.

The Ski Season

Banff from £868pp with Flexiski
Stay seven nights at Banff Caribou Lodge from £868pp departing February 24, the price includes return Air Canada flights from Heathrow to Calgary and shared airport transfers to Banff. The price includes a 25% saving on accommodation, based on two adults travelling and sharing room-only accommodation. Book by August 31 to take advantage of the offer. Bookings: Flexiski.

La Plagne for £725pp and free lift pass with SNO
A seven-night stay in La Plagne’s Chalet Chamois d’Or costs £725pp and comes with a free lift pass on the week beginning January 4. Chalet catering is included in the price. The 13-14 person property is positioned by the Nyon cable-car and facilities include an outdoor hot tub. Bookings: SNO.

Tignes from £332pp with Peak Retreats
Tignes les Brevières provides access to up to 300km of piste in the Tignes-Val d’Isere ski area. Stay at the luxury Santa Terra apartments, where there’s free access to the indoor pool and wellness area with its sauna and steam room. Other facilities include ski rental in the residence, reception lounge area with open fire, games room (payable), and underground parking (payable). There’s 10-25% off selected weeks when booked by October 31. For example, seven nights in a two-bedroom apartment (sleeps six) is from £332pp (was £383pp) on the week starting April 11, including return Eurotunnel crossings with free FlexiPlus upgrade on most dates. Bookings: Peak Retreats.

Les Arcs from £719pp with Ski Total
Stay for a week half board at Chalet Yogi in Les Arcs. It now costs from £719pp on the week starting December 15, flying from Bristol. It is in L’Ours residence and has its own sauna, balconies for almost all the eight double or twin bedrooms, and a balcony off the living room and dining area. Guests have free access to the indoor swimming-pool in the adjacent Altitude residence. Bookings: Ski Total.

Isola 2000 half term from £312pp with Ski Collection
The high-altitude car-free resort of Isola 2000 is a 90-minute drive from Nice. Stay in the three-star Les Terrasses d’Isola 200m from the slopes, shops and centre of the resort. Facilities include free access to the indoor pool and wellness area. There’s 15% off the weeks commencing February 15 and 29, April 4; and 10% off weeks commencing January 4 and 11, March 21 and 28. All are when booked by October 31. For example, seven nights in a two-bedroom apartment (sleeps up to six) is £312pp based on five sharing (was £359pp) on the week of February 15, including return Eurotunnel crossings with an optional FlexiPlus upgrade (for a supplement). Bookings: Ski Collection