In summer, the Alps truly bloom. Impressive peaks, pristine lakes, and lush meadows converge to create a haven of natural beauty and adventure. What better way to celebrate the majesty of the mountains than with your nearest and dearest? Whether you’re seeking adventure or serenity, family summer holidays in the Alps are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
From distant snow-capped summits to vibrant alpine flora, the mountains captivate visitors with their awe-inspiring scenery and diverse ecosystems. Picture-perfect villages and traditional wooden chalets also offer a glimpse into mountain life. When you’re not busy exploring the local culture, you can also engage in the vast wealth of activities in the Alps for families! Experience thrills with white-water rafting and scaling alpine peaks, or alternatively, relax by sparkling lakes for a scenic picnic.
Join us as we explore some of our favourite aspects of family summer holidays in the Alps…
In The Mountains
Summer in the European Alps unleashes a plethora of exhilarating activities for adventurous families. Embark on a thrilling Via Ferrata holiday experience, clinging to iron rungs while traversing vertiginous rock faces. Older children and teenagers will love canyoning in the Alps; exciting descents down rushing mountain streams, navigating natural water slides and rappelling down cascading waterfalls. Mountain-biking enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise on the network of trails weaving through alpine meadows and dense forests, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn.
For those craving serenity, there are countless hiking routes to explore, ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging ascents. Explore the Tofana di Mezzo in Cortina d’Ampezzo for an easy route for the little ones, that still boasts unbelievable panoramas across the Dolomites! Alternatively, try the Riffelsee Lake hike in Zermatt on a family holiday to Switzerland. With gorgeous views across to the Matterhorn, the lake is a fantastic spot for incredible holiday photos of the whole family.
Why not traverse the rugged trails on horseback, feeling the pulse of mountain life as you explore hidden valleys and alpine meadows? Horse riding in the Alps has to be one of the best ways to immerse the family in the mountains’ natural riches, and the ponies are sure to quickly find their way into children’s hearts! Alternatively, you can choose a birds-eye view on your summer Alps holiday! Paragliding provides an exhilarating experience, soaring gracefully above the peaks with the wind as your guide, perfect for daring teenagers. What could be better for family summer holidays in the Alps than exploring the range of activities in the mountains?
With Wildlife
One of the biggest perks of opting for a summer mountain holiday is that the warmer weather signals the end of hibernation! Curious alpine fauna emerge and begin to roam the mountains again. Many alpine areas are protected due to their delicate ecosystems, such as Vanoise National Park in Val d’Isère. This stunning area of natural beauty was the very first national park in the French Alps. Thanks to the hard work of the mountain team, the area is excellently preserved and maintained. This is much appreciated by the Marmots, Ibexes, and other creatures that call it home. Vanoise National Park has to be on your French Alps Summer Bucket List!
If you’re wondering where to find animals in the Alps, then you won’t have to search for long in summer. Watch bears roaming the Dolomites, and go eagle-spotting across France. For something a little cuddlier on your family holidays in the Alps this summer, venture to Lech. Here, you’ll find the signature Alpacas at Aurelio Club Chalet are more than happy to be fed by hand, a fantastic chance for children to get up-close to wildlife. In Alta Badia, the extensive gardens of Mi Chalet are also home to a pair of Alpacas – Coco and Chanel! For a unique luxury summer chalet holiday, both Aurelio Club Chalet and Mi Chalet are perfect choices.
In The Water
Amidst the alpine peaks, you’ll be greeted by fun-filled activities in the Alps for families! This is especially true if you head to the pristine lakes and rivers that dot the landscape. During a lakes and mountains holiday for families, there’s no better place to take a refreshing breather from the heat! There are even a number of lakes for summer swimming in the Alps. For the adrenaline-seekers, the fast-flowing rivers of the French Alps are ideal for white-water rafting adventures. Take a family summer holiday to Chamonix, where the rafting route crosses the centre of town, through cascading rapids and swirling eddies! Over in Tignes, Acroland offers a unique experience! High-flying off gigantic slides into the lake below, flipping and turning as you go, ignites a joy like no other. How high will you go?
Alpine lakes have more to offer than just thrills, however. Venture to Switzerland’s Lake Leisee in Zermatt for a truly unforgettable experience. As the lake is not deep, the water temperature is great for swimming, despite the 2,232m altitude! Majestic mountains rise dramatically from the water’s edge for picturesque views on kayaking excursions. Worried the kids might get bored? Not a chance! Lake Leisee has play rafts, as pictured above, as well as playgrounds to explore and wildlife to find. In July, the fun of a lake holiday in the Alps jumps to new heights as frogs begin to emerge from the lake!
Whether racing on the rapids, or picnicking on the shore, summer Alps family holidays offer an unforgettable blend of adventure and relaxation amidst nature’s splendour.
For The Culture
Just when you think you’ve exhausted all the activities in the Alps for families, the cultural riches of the mountains make themselves known. The lifestyle of the mountains is often times laissez-faire with a relaxed environment, yet also plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained. In summer, a number of alpine events take place. These include the Arlberg classic car rally, golfing events such as the Matterhorn Eagle Cup in Zermatt, various music festivals dotting the mountains, and more! To see a more detailed list, take a look at our Alps Summer Events 2024 calendar.
Many mountain towns and landscapes hold a vivid history and a wealth of stories to journey through. For things to do in the Dolomites on your summer Alps family holidays, you can explore the UNESCO heritage sites that grace the Italian peaks! In towns like Brunico, there are also castles and museums dedicated to preserving the local history. Take the kids on a trip through time and open their eyes to the wonders of the past. In the Alps and Dolomites, summer family holidays are about the culture as much as the views!
If you’re not into history, then the modern culture of the mountains may be more your speed. One of the most pleasant activities in the Alps for families is visiting the local markets and restaurants. Produce from the area, such as cheeses, locally farmed meat, bread and pâtisserie are often sold. In addition, explore artisanal treats to take home including handmade blankets, local art, and homeware.
For The Chalets
The luxury summer chalets in the Alps are the perfect choice for families. Immersed in nature, filled with entertainment for all ages, and complete with stunning views, these chalets are faultless!
Looking for a secluded summer alpine retreat? Why not try out Chalet V, a luxury self-catered chalet in La Tzoumaz near Verbier? This unique summer chalet is a true escape, with breathtaking views and outstanding entertainment facilities for all ages, including table tennis and a pinball machine! Maybe you want a chalet with a swimming pool on your summer Alps family holiday? Chalet Doyen may be the one for you. This chalet is a great base for a summer holiday in Morzine, with a fabulous pool and a great location just 10 minutes walk from the main high street.
In Italy, Chalet La Fenice is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious chalet rentals in Europe, perched on the mountainside in a location that can only be described as awe-inspiring. For the utmost in relaxation, Julisam Estate in Leogang has a generous garden with plenty of facilities, so children will never get bored. Adults will be similarly well-entertained with an array of wellness facilities to enjoy.
Needless to say, the Alps are bountiful when it comes to luxury summer chalets. Whether you want to live the easy life with a stunning chalet spa and a private chef, or take the do-it-yourself approach with a self-catered chalet stacked with entertainment facilities for kids and adults alike, there are endless options in our portfolio. Embark on your next adventure this summer with a luxury family holiday in the Alps!
If you can hear the mountains calling, get in touch to start planning a family summer holiday in the Alps! Our Summer Alps Specialists are ready to use all their knowledge and expertise to help you start planning the ultimate summer chalet holiday for the whole family. Give us a call on +44 1202 203659, or drop us an email.
