How about considering a summer holiday in the Alps? The mountains are just as beautiful – some would say ever more so – as in winter. Activities include road biking and mountain biking, swimming in natural lakes, hiking, golf and horse-riding. It’s a great way to keep your ski-fitness levels going!
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 some offers just for Welove2ski viewers.
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
Mayrhofen for £749pp with SNO
Seven nights’ stay at Mayrhofen’s Hotel Elisabeth has been reduced from £1,138pp to £749pp on the week starting June 1. Half board accommodation, plus Birmingham flights and airport transfers are all included. The five-star adult-only hotel is a two-minute walk from the village centre and has a lovely swimming-pool and an excellent spa. Mayrhfen makes an excellent base for hiking and biking, with some excellent mountain restaurants open year-round. Bookings: SNO.
Chamonix from £789pp with Inghams Lakes & Mountains
Chamonix makes a great summer playground in the shadow of Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc. Start the week with a half-day guided bike ride, followed by a morning of water-water rafting and ending with a half-day hike accompanied by a local guide. There is also the option to go paragliding and summer tobogganing, as well as a visit to the glacier caves. The package is ideal for families with teenage children, since children aged 10 and over can take part in the activities. The holiday is from £789pp including seven-nights’ catered accommodation (including daily packed lunches) at the three-diamond Hotel La Sapiniere, as well as return flights and airport transfers, and the activities listed above. Bookings: Inghams.
Les Gets UCI Mountain Bike World Cup from £65pp per night with VIP Chalets
Over the weekend of July 13 and 14, Les Gets will host the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 2019. The event will consist of downhill and cross-country, attracting professionals and amateurs alike. The bike park has 14 downhill tracks, six cross-country trails, a jump park and five electric trails. The resort is serviced by three dedicated mountain bike lifts and eight bike patrols. After a day exploring the cycle terrain, relax at Altitude Lodge from £65pp per night half-board. Prices do not include flights or transfers, but these can be arranged at anadditional cost. Bookings: VIP Chalets.
Val d’Isere fitness and wellness from £168pp
With a plethora of sports on offer, Val d’Isere is a great option for those in search of a high-altitude wellness break. There are 15 official hiking itineraries around the village, with varying degrees of difficulty. The various cycle routes present a more demanding physical challenge: there are some formidable road biking routes which are part of ‘the Roof’ stage of the Tour de France. Alternatively, the resort has 160km of enduro, downhill and e-biking tracks. A seven-night stay from August 10 in a centrally-located studio cabin costs from £168pp (£672 total) based on four people sharing on a self-catered basis. Bookings: Val d’Isere Tourism.
Kitzbuhel Golf Festival
The beautiful resort of Kitzbuhel, in the Austrian Tirol is a hive of activity throughout the summer and autumn, with an calendar of cultural and sporting events to suit a range of tastes and budgets. The biggest of all is the Kitzbuhel Golf Festival, which this year welcomes over 900 players from all corners of the globe to 12 tournaments (including the renowned Streifabfahrt) across four world-class golfing venues. The festival is also well known for its food, with hotels and restaurants hosting dining events during the period. A seven-night stay at five-star Tennerhof Gourmet & Spa de Charme Hotel, arriving June 23, is from £774pp B&B. Return flights and transfers are extra. Information: Kitzbuhel Tourism.
Le Grand Bornand with Peak Retreats
Le Grand Bornand is one of the most beautiful of the Savoyard villages, with the nearby Aravis mountains offering more than 200km of marked MTB trails accessible with a special lift pass. You can also try paragliding or hot-air ballooning. Stay in four-star Le Village de Lessy in the centre of Chinaillon, 6km from the main Grand Bornand village. Facilities here include an indoor pool and access to the Ô des Cîmes Spa. There’s 10% off one-week stays arriving June 22 and 29, July 6 and 27, and August 24. Seven nights in a two-bedroom apartment is £112pp (was £122pp) including return standard mid-week ferry crossings. Price is based on five people sharing on the week commencing June 22. Bookings: Peak Retreats.
Morzine Cyclo Thomas Vocekler by Matra
The Cyclo Thomas Voeckler by Matra is coming to Morzine again this summer. Set to take place on August 24-28, the cycling challenge allows participants to experience some of the world’s best biking terrain, with a range of trek and timed options on offer for all abilities. The brainchild of French former road racing cyclist, Thomas Voeckler, this year’s event will consist of four cycling routes centred in and around Morzine. Voeckler will there over the weekend and has personally curated the courses; he is also behind a new road and e-bike fair that will take place alongside the racing. A seven-night self-catered stay arriving August 24, in the six-bedroom luxury Chalet Vogue sleeping up to 12 people, is from £2,256 (£188pp). Return flights and transfers are extra. Information: Morzine.
Next winter
Les Menuires for £270pp with Ski Collection
Les Menuires is situated in the Belleville Valley within the Les 3 Vallées ski area, and you can stay in four-star Les Clarines 100m from the slopes and lifts. Facilities include free access to the indoor pool and wellness area, lounge area with fireplace, and underground parking (payable). Save 10% on all weeks in the 2019/20 season (except arrivals on December 28, and February 8, 15, 22 and 29. Seven nights in a two-bedroom apartment is £270pp (was £295pp) including return Eurotunnel crossings with free FlexiPlus upgrade. This is based on five people sharing on the week commencing January 4. Bookings: Ski Collection.
Les 2 Alpes chalet and half price lift pass with SNO
Book a seven-night holiday at Chalet Alexandre in Les 2 Alpes and you qualify for a half-price lift pass offer. Departing on January 11, a package with Gatwick flights, airport transfers and chalet catering costs £765pp. The chalet comes with a private sauna and is in a quiet location, a short walk from the ski lifts, shops and bars. Bookings: SNO.
Samoens Christmas for £349pp with Peak Retreats
Set amidst forest, the delightful resort of Samoens offers easy access to the huge Grand Massif ski area. Stay at the conveniently-located four-star La Reine des Prés apartments, within close proximity of the Grand Massif Express cable-car and a five-minute walk from the village square. Facilities include a private indoor pool and wellness area. There’s 15% off the week commencing December 21 when booked by October 31. So seven nights in a two-bedroom apartment (based on five sharing) is £349pp (was £402pp) including return Eurotunnel crossings with free FlexiPlus upgrade. Bookings: Peak Retreats.
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