We all love the Alps in winter, but what are the mountains like in summer? Without the snow can it still be as entertaining?
The answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’
We recently went out to Les 2 Alpes and packed a huge amount into only a few days.
Skiing
Les 2 Alpes is unusual in that like Tignes, it has a glacier that is open in summer. You can ski each day from 7am to 12.30pm.
After that the snow can warm up and get a bit slushy, but before then there is some great skiing available.
Mountain Biking
There are two types of mountain biking on offer in the Alps: downhill and cross country.
For downhill, you simply hook your bike up to the chairlift or take it into the gondola with you to the top of the hill and then, like skiing, use gravity to come back down.
Resorts have marked trails, like the ski pistes in winter, graded by difficulty, that you can follow down to resort. A helmet and, in most cases, some protective armour, is vital to ensure safety.
Cross country mountain biking obviously gives you the opportunity to cycle uphill as well as down! Make sure you pick your route well before you head off.
Electric mountain bikes
An inbetween option that Les 2 Alpes offer is an electric mountain bike. These are available for hire and have various booster settings that you can use for additional help to get up those steeper slopes.
It’s also a great way for mixed ability couples or groups to be able to enjoy the same routes that might otherwise be inaccessible.
Parapenting
This is an absolutely stunning way to enjoy the Alps – as long as you have a head for heights.
Tandem flights take off at resort level – 1600m – and depending on the wind, allow you to fly for 20–25 minutes, using the thermals coming up the cliffs from Venosc below.
This is a truly magical experience – more peaceful than you might imagine. And while your pilot handles the parapente, you can just sit back and enjoy the view!
Trail running and Trekking
As well as marked pistes for mountain bikers, most resorts have trails for runners and walkers.
These are all clearly marked on the mountain, with distances and approximate timings. For trails runs, resorts like Les 2 Alpes provide free maps for the Green, Blue and Red routes they offer.
Swimming
Most ski resorts in the Alps have a swimming pool. The one is Les 2 Alpes is outdoors, which means you can gaze upon the mountains as you swim in each direction. Fortunately it’s heated too!
Skateboarding, slacklining and loads more…
If you’re travelling with your family, there’s plenty of other options to keep them occupied.
Everywhere you look in a resort like Les 2 Alpes, there’s another activity going on – perfect for keeping active children and occasionally moody teenagers entertained.
So whatever you’re looking for from a summer holiday, the Alps can offer it.
For more information on a resort and property that would suit you and your family, please contact the Chaletline team.
Article by Iain Martin