Some of the world’s most popular winter destinations take on a new persona in summer. As the sun shines, ski slopes melt to reveal a luscious green playground and glistening alpine lakes. We might be biased, but there is something truly special about a lakes and mountain holiday. With an array of mountain activities, combined with lakeside leisure and relaxation, jaw-dropping scenery, world-class dining experiences and pleasant temperatures, it’s a far cry from a typical beach holiday in the summer.
Whether you are looking for an action-packed activity holiday, or a relaxed alpine escape centred by tranquillity and hidden gems, we offer the ideal lakes and mountains destinations to meet your every desire. Come and explore with us…
Tignes, France
Tignes in the summer is the epitome of a lakes and mountain holiday. Steep valley crevasses cradle waterfalls and springs that arrive in bodies of glistening turquoise water below rolling pastures. They become an alluring hub for adventurers and water-lovers. Lac de Tignes is the main natural lake, offering stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, sailing and pedalo-ing, to name a few. It is also home to the impressive and thrilling waterslides at Acroland.
For a different perspective, the mountain faces that surround the many lakes in Tignes accommodate hikers, mountain bikers, road cyclists, climbers and even summer skiers! Having such a range of land and water-based activities, along with some stunning summer properties to recover in, makes Tignes one of the top destinations for your lakes and mountain holiday this summer.
Chamonix, France
As one of the most popular alpine destinations in Europe, Chamonix in summer has it all! With breathtaking vistas from high and low, a buzzing, sun-soaked cosmopolitan town and countless mountain activities (here’s our top 5!), there are many reasons to visit Chamonix on a lakes and mountain holiday this summer.
Amongst the mountaineer’s paradise, via hiking and biking trails, Chamonix offers some of the most beautiful alpine lakes. Untouched pockets of sea-green lagoons sparkle under the eye of the iconic Mont Blanc, its presence prompted in mirrored reflections. Whether a destination, a scenic snack stop, or just to cool off, Chamonix’s lakes should make your summer bucket list. Notably, Gaillands Lake is popular for recreation, including sunbathing, rock climbing, trout fishing and leisurely picnics.
Chamonix is also within easy reach of both Lake Annecy and Lake Geneva if you want to explore further afield! There’s no better way to recharge after your day out than soaking up your surroundings in one of our luxury summer chalets with a view of Mont Blanc…
St Moritz, Switzerland
Recognised as a wellness destination for its mineral springs, a summer in St Moritz offers a chance to reset in an unrivalled lakes and mountain setting. For a Vitamin D boost, the resort holds a steady record of over 300 days of sunshine a year. You can begin to see why it is one of our top alpine destinations in Switzerland…
A picture perfect summer resort, St Moritz is brimming with activities and leisure, on or in, its lakes and mountains. Lake St Moritz is where you’ll find the most action all-year round. In winter, the frozen lake hosts polo matches, whereas summer presents a vibrant sea of kite-surfers, paddleboarders, kayakers and sailors! It’s the ultimate hub for water-sport enthusiasts. For something a little more subdued, there are many other lakes such as Lej Nair, Lej da Staz and Lej Marsch, offering lakeside hikes, sun-bathing, shoreline picnics and barbecues, and wild swims in optimum dipping temperatures of 20°C!
Lakes will always be in view, even when retiring in one of our luxury summer apartments in St Moritz…
Lech, Austria
A summer holiday in Lech may not be the most obvious choice for a lakes and mountains escape, but hear us out. From biking to hiking, lake swimming to golfing, and alfresco picnicking to gourmet dining, Lech offers no compromise for lakes and mountains vacationers.
Winter’s renowned ‘White Ring’ transforms into the ‘Green Ring’ in the summer, one of the most popular activities in Lech. Characterised by stunning hiking trails snaking between valleys and beautiful mirrored lakes, like Zürsersee, there is so much to explore. This 28.5km hiking route offers thriving nature, breathtaking scenery and intriguing outdoor art along the way.
You can also discover the stunning local lakes of Formarinsee, which was once voted as the most beautiful place in Austria, and Spullersee, which offers picturesque hiking trails, trout fishing, climbing opportunities and plenty of refreshment stops. The unique ‘Lech Card’ allows you to explore a plethora of activities as well as benefit from free bus and cable car journeys, family programmes and childcare. See what’s on offer with the ‘Lech Card’, by downloading your guide here! And where better to start your day exploring than from one of our luxury summer chalets…
Cortina, Italy
Nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage site, Cortina is one of the most picturesque summer resorts in the Dolomites. The famous “Alpenglow” frames each day of adventure, activity and relaxation amongst distinct rugged mountains and beryl coloured lakes. From iconic vistas admired from hiking trails, to testing your limits on Via Ferrata, summer in Cortina offers an abundance of mountain activities.
Take to the lakes and you won’t be disappointed either. There are some unmissable lakes in the Dolomites to explore for unrivalled tranquillity. Choose from hiking around serene waters bordered by thick fir forests at Lake Misurina, wild swimming in Lago di Carezza’s shimmering rainbow waters, or refuelling at the lakeside bistro by Lake Braies, after a mesmerising rowing boat trip. Whatever ‘wets’ the appetite, a Cortina lake experience is one to treasure.
However you choose to explore Cortina, indulge in luxury during your time off the mountains in our summer chalets…
Feeling inspired to book your own lakes and mountain holiday? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team and secure your stay in our selection of luxury summer accommodation. Send us an email or give us a call on +44 1202 203659, your next lakes and mountain holiday awaits…
