Do you want to spend your summer vacation in the mountains? The resorts often prove to be perfect bases for exploring the surroundings, thanks to their accommodations, restaurants, infrastructure, and opportunities for nature discovery experiences. So, where to go and what to do in the ski resorts in summer? Here are our top 5 activity ideas!
Where to go for a summer mountain vacation?
In the Alps, nature's charm is present all year round. Summer is the perfect season to enjoy lush green landscapes with a bucolic atmosphere, hike scenic trails, relish beautiful starry summer evenings, and observe wildlife.
The 1786 team’s favorite villages to experience all these benefits are undoubtedly Chamonix, Méribel, Megève, and Val d’Isère. Each of these destinations offers unique experiences and extraordinary panoramas that you’ll love discovering whether you’re with a partner, friends, or family!
1 - Explore the Alps in summer through hiking
The most popular activity from ski resorts in summer is hiking! The Alps are a true paradise for hikers and trekkers. The Mont-Blanc massif, the Vanoise, and the Aravis are just a few names that thrill nature-walking enthusiasts!
From Chamonix, take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to reach the Mer de Glace via a stunning balcony trail. Discover one of the most beautiful views of Mont Blanc from the famous Lac Blanc, or admire the monumental Bossons Glacier from a remarkable vantage point!
From Méribel and Val d’Isère, you can explore the Vanoise National Park, renowned for its grandiose landscapes, pristine nature, and peaks reaching up to 3,000 meters.
Finally, wander the surroundings of Megève and the Aravis massif, less known but offering magnificent views of the neighboring Mont Blanc and trails through pastoral alpine meadows, home to charming alpine cows.
There are, of course, many other exceptional hiking spots in the Alps. Discover all the beautiful places you can explore with our guides!
For more information, here are all our tips for packing your suitcase for your stay in the Alps!
2 - Observe wildlife during your summer vacation in the Alps
Your nature walks are also the perfect opportunity to track the iconic animals of the Alps.
With your guide, learn to recognize hoof prints on muddy paths and the whistle of a marmot alerting its companions to your presence. Around a bend, you might encounter an ibex, whose massive horns will undoubtedly impress you. It navigates the steepest rocks and scree with astonishing agility! More elusive, chamois and mouflons are just as majestic as the ibex. Keep your eyes peeled to spot families or herds. You might even come across marmot burrows along the trails!
Using your guide's equipment, such as a spotting scope or binoculars, and their knowledge of the environment, you will scan the mountains to find some of its inhabitants. Patience and discretion are key to a successful wildlife observation experience in the Alps!
Whether you're around Chamonix and Megève or in the villages of the 3 Vallées, the preserved natural sites surrounding them are perfect spots for memorable wildlife observation sessions!
3 - Explore ski resorts in summer with mountain biking
Want to discover the Alpine landscapes on two wheels? The mountain biking trails in the Alps are well-developed and maintained, offering countless opportunities for rides!
At the foot of majestic peaks, traverse dense forests, vast fields with a few authentic chalets, follow mountain streams, and venture off the beaten path to admire breathtaking panoramas! Your guide will take you on their favorite routes, tailoring the adventure to the desires of your family or group of friends, as well as to everyone’s skill level. This is the beauty of an e-mountain bike tour: it caters to both seasoned athletes and beginners who want to explore beautiful trails!
For more details, check out our half-day and full-day mountain biking tours (with a delicious Savoyard picnic included)!
4 - Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting, a unique summer activity in the Alps
Looking for an unusual experience for one of your evenings in the Alps? Our sommelier will come to your accommodation or chalet for an immersive experience in the world of Savoy wine and cheese pairings!
This unique activity allows you to delve into an essential aspect of local culture: Savoyard gastronomy. Savoy is renowned for its prestigious wines, such as Chignin Bergeron, Mondeuse, and Marestel, as well as its delicious cheeses, including Reblochon, Abondance, and Beaufort.
During this exceptional evening, you will learn all about Savoy’s grape varieties, wine production, and the world of Savoyard vineyards. Observe, smell, and taste as you combine the rich flavors of the cheeses with this sensory exploration!
5 - Play the Mont Blanc Enigmatorium or the Mystery Tour in Chamonix, the best ski resort to visit in summer for families
For your summer family vacation, discover Chamonix and its history in a totally original way! The Mont Blanc Enigmatorium and the Mystery Tour are digital treasure hunts that take you through the town's streets in search of puzzles to solve!
In the Enigmatorium (for ages 12 and up), embark on a race to Mont Blanc and uncover the secrets of eternal life alongside Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard! During the Mystery Tour (for ages 8 and up), try to lift the curse of the Malabar Princess treasure that has fallen upon a Chamonix family!
Get ready to work together to solve all the riddles and prepare to visit Chamonix in an unusual way!
Have we convinced you to visit a ski resort in summer? Your tailor-made stay in the Alps and your summer mountain vacation are waiting for you! Our team is here to answer all your questions, so don't hesitate to contact us. To explore further, discover all the services offered by Agency 1786, as well as our complete range of activities in the Alps!