Why you should spend summer in a ski resort
Sawday's Expert
5 min read
After the ski lifts have rattled to a halt and the snows have melted, ski lodges become remote mountain cabins surrounded by blooming meadows and crashing waterfalls. While many are still popular locations, it's nothing like the frantic, slush-filled bustle of the winter season. People are here for a gentler, calmer exploration of the mountains. One that’s no less of a strain on the knees, but swaps Glühwein round the fire for lakeside picnics in the sun. Here are a few of our favourite places where you can experience the fresh beauty of summer in a ski resort.
Chalet Valhalla, Chamonix
Chamonix is France’s oldest ski resort and, as such, it’s had time to build a real community, making it a great year-round destination. Chalet Valhalla’s owner, Colleen, came to ski for a while and never managed to leave, raising her family in the mountain town. With Mont Blanc towering in the background, the hiking is spectacular, while the swelling river makes for great rafting too, if you’re missing your ski speed thrills.
Coilleen’s partner Jean-Marie, a Chamonix native and highly experienced guide, can set you off on some fabulous trails or even take you trekking on long expeditions between the dramatic peaks, making the sauna and hot tub at the end of the day a restorative treat.
Chalet Cannelle, Châtel
Even though it’s at the heart of the Portes du Soleil, this lovely chalet sits in a tiny hamlet, with uninterrupted mountain views that make you feel like you’ve truly disappeared into the hills. The outdoor activities are wonderful and Switzerland is just a hop over the border, if you’ve always had it on your list.
The altitude makes for slightly lower summer temperatures than you’d get by the sea, so this is a great place for some milder summer sun, with a bit of bracing lake swimming to take the edge off if it does get too hot in the middle of the day. This is also a great place if you want to bring kids, as the TV and playroom on the mezzanine are packed with things to keep them amused.
The Farmhouse, Morzine
Far from being a classic wood-panel chalet, this old farmhouse has been lovingly preserved by a handful of careful owners since it was built in 1771. Dorrien and Di have owned the place for 30 years and run it with such warmth and charm that staying here feels like dropping in on friends who’ve moved to the countryside.
In winter, of course, Morzine’s skiing is the draw but in summer, Dorrien and Di point guests towards Lake Montriond for swimming, paddling and soaking up the sunshine. Children or anyone missing the adrenaline rush of the slopes can head down to the local swimming pool to try the 80m water slide, or take on the 1200m double zip wire which shoots you across the Plaine Dranse valley and back again, reaching a height of 240 metres from the ground as the valley floor drops away.
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Auberge de la Maison, Courmayeur
If it’s possible for a place at the foot of Mont Blanc to be a better destination in summer than it is in winter, this is that place. The Val Ferret and Val Veny both become stunning places to see nature burst into life and spend pleasant days walking the trails or fishing on the riverbanks.
A short walk from the door of the auberge, the Skyway Mont Blanc waits to whisk you to the top of the mountain, where as well as the incredible views, you can sample the sparkling wine produced in the high-altitude winery and have a fabulously scenic lunch. Back at the auberge, the wellness centre offers a sauna, hydromassage and a range of treatments to complete a day of indulging all your senses.
Saalerwirt, Bolzano
The Tauber family have owned Saalerwirt since 1887 and it’s infused with their friendliness and charm as well as the distinctive character of the south Tyrol, near the Austrian border. In summer, walks around the jaw-dropping Pragser Wildsee lake (a 30-min drive), visits to the lively town of Bruneck, deep forests and the hiking, climbing and biking available in the Rieserferner mountains, mean you won’t miss the snow for a second.
Relax at the end of the day in the newly built Badehaus, with finnish pine sauna, BIO-herb sauna and aromatic steam bath, or take a refreshing dive into spring-fed natural swimming pond.
Cortina Mountain Retreat, Belluno
As you’d expect from any trip to Italy, food is going to play a big part in your stay here. Owner Altea recommends Lovat, the nearby bakery that’s been providing hikers and holiday makers with breakfast and picnic supplies since 1928. She also loves Villa Oretta and Baita Fraina restaurants, among the many on offer in the small but sophisticated town which boasts some great shops and art galleries.
Once you’re fully fuelled, you can head out into the mountains, with walks around Ghedina Lake a local favourite and endless trails on offer for any level of fitness.
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Christopher Wilson-Elmes
Sawday's Expert
Chris is our in-house copywriter, with a flair for turning rough notes and travel tales into enticing articles. Raised in a tiny Wiltshire village, he was desperate to travel and has backpacked all over the world. Closer to home, he finds himself happiest in the most remote and rural places he can find, preferably with a host of animals to speak to, some waves to be smashed about in and the promise of a good pint somewhere in his future.