What to do in the Summer in the Alps – part 2 – Walking
The Alps are a vast area and provide the perfect destination for walkers. Thanks to the ski industry in the resorts across the Alps there is a great infrastructure for walkers with a large amount of cable cars that will run throughout the summer to deliver walkers right into the heart of the mountains.
You’d have thought that most alpine villages would be really busy in the summer but in actual fact they tend to be quiet and tranquil and the perfect destination for a walking holiday. The mountain resorts themselves continue to market themselves to increase visitor numbers in the summer so take advantage of it now before everyone wakes up to how lovely the Alps are in the summer.
Of course some of the Alps have permanent snow cover, including Tignes and Les Deux Alpes both of which you can ski at on the glaciers in the summer so head to there for your summer holiday in June, July or August and you and get some morning skiing in too. If you go in mid July you may also get to catch the Tour de France if you’re also a keen cycler.
If you’re just a casual walker then stay in any of the alpine ski resorts and take advantage of the lifts to get you around the area. If you’re a bit of a roamer then you can use the mountain huts at altitude in the Alps. These are freely available to all walkers and offer a roof over your head and no more, some in the summer will be manned, and most will have other walkers also using them. If you’re lucky you will get a meal cooked for you by the host but you will need to ensure that you carry everything you need with you as this may not be the case. A great book about where to stay in the mountains is published by Cicerone Press http://www.cicerone.co.uk/product/detail.cfm/book/471/iid/7/show/contents.
When walking in the Alps be prepared for all weather eventualities, you may have heard it a thousand times, but the weather can change quickly and dramatically in the mountains. Make sure you have extra layers and water proofs even if the sky was crystal clear in the morning. Ensure you take the maps you need of the area, www.stanfords.co.uk have everything you need on this point.
I’m not going to recommend any specific resort to go walking in as all ski resorts are lovely in the summer, although if you’re looking to base yourself in a resort with more to do then go walking, try a larger resort such as Chamonix or Briancon. For quietness, visit the smaller resorts such as Montgenevre or Puy St Vincent.
Happy walking!
