School is out in some parts of the UK now, and more break up next week, so – if you haven’t already booked a holiday – why not consider a summer trip to the Alps? Your family certainly won’t be bored 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

Saalbach for £699pp with SNO
Hotel eva,VILLAGE in Saalbach is currently available for £699pp (originally £1,017pp), including Gatwick flights, resort transfers and half board. The price covers seven nights, departing on July 27. The four-star hotel is in the village centre with easy access onto Saalbach’s 400km network of hiking trails. It has an indoor pool, hot tub and steam room, as well as a lounge bar. Bookings: SNO.

Saas Fee from £1,024pp with Inghams
Book a seven-night holiday on a half board basis at the three-star Hotel Park in Saas Fee, from £1,024pp. Price represents a saving of £130pp and includes return flights from Edinburgh to Geneva and airport transfers. The package is valid for travel departing on August 24. Bookings: Inghams.

St Martin de Belleville fortnight for £280pp with Peak Retreats
St Martin de Belleville will feature as part of this summers’ Tour de France mountain stage on 27th July. Witness the action and the thrill of the last alpine stage in the Belleville valley, finishing at an altitude above 2000 metres in Val Thorens. Enjoy four-star comfort at Les Chalets du Gypse, where facilities include access to private indoor pool with hot tub, sauna, steam room and fitness room. Save 35% on the second week of a two-week stay, and another 20% off the third week of a three week stay when booked by August 17. For example, 14 nights in a two-bedroom apartment is £280pp based on five sharing (was £335pp for 14 nights) including return mid-week ferry crossings from July 20 to August 3. Bookings: Peak Retreats.

Next Winter

La Plagne for £826pp with SNO
A seven-night all-inclusive holiday staying in La Plagne’s Chalet Charmant costs £826pp on the week starting January 4. That covers chalet catering, Gatwick flights, airport transfers, and your lift pass as well as ski/snowboard and boot rental. The chalet is in Plagne Village, 100m from the nearest ski-lift, and it has five en-suite bedrooms and a sauna. Bookings: SNO.

Le Grand Bornand Christmas from £352 with Peak Retreats
Le Grand Bornand has offers great skiing within close proximity to Geneva airport. The resort is split between two villages, both offering a traditional Alpine atmosphere. Stay in four-star le Village de Lessy in the centre of the village of Chinaillon. These self-catered apartments are furnished to a high standard with modern facilities. Guests have access to the indoor pool and wellness area including the O des Cîmes Spa Centre. There’s 15% off week commencing December 21, and 10% off all other weeks (except arrivals on February 15 and 22. Not applicable to four-bedroom apartments week commencing December 28). All must be booked by October 31. For example, seven nights in a two-bedroom apartment is £352pp based on five sharing (was £406pp) including return Eurotunnel crossings with free FlexiPlus upgrade, on the week commencing December 21. Bookings: Peak Retreats.

Champoluc Christmas from £1,059pp with Ski Total
Full of Italian charm, the traditional property in Champoluc has been beautifully restored and modernised whilst respecting all its Alpine features and character. The spacious lounge and reception area has a fireplace, wooden vaulted ceilings and comfortable furniture making the ideal setting for a Christmas getaway. The departure date is December 21, with return flights from Gatwick, and it costs from £1,059pp for a week’s stay. Bookings: Ski Total.

Alpe d’Huez from £430pp with Ski Collection
Spend a week in Alpe d’Huez at the Residence Daria-I Nor located in the Eclose quarter of the resort, with easy slope access via the lift 150m away. Facilities include an indoor pool, wellness area and fitness room, ski-room, and indoor car park. There’s 15% off weeks commencing December 14; January 4, 11, 18 and 25; February 1, 8, 29; March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4, 11, and 18. All must be booked by October 1. For example, seven nights in a two-bedroom Alcove apartment is £430pp based on five sharing (was £498pp), including return Eurotunnel crossings with free FlexiPlus upgrade on week commencing January 18. Bookings: Ski Collection.