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When most people think of holidays to the Alps, they probably picture skiing and snow covered resorts during a cold winter break; but there are actually many activities on offer when the skiing season is over.
During the summer months, the warm temperatures, sunshine and stunning scenery make the Alps the perfect destination for all kinds of traveller. So we have listed some of the best activities to be experienced.
The Highest Peak in Western Europe
Mont Blanc dominates the French Alpine town of Chamonix and at 4,810m is the highest peak in the Alps. Keen mountaineers from all over the world travel to Chamonix every year to climb the ‘Big One,’ but Mont Blanc is also achievable for competent hikers with a good fitness level. There are two easier routes to choose from, with ‘the Gouter’ being the simplest and an impressive accomplishment for active holidaymakers to add to their list.
Picturesque Alpine Towns
The Alps are full of stunning sightseeing opportunities, and not just the breath-taking mountain scenery. There are plenty of pretty towns, natural lakes and historical sites to explore for those that enjoy a more relaxing break.
The French Alps is home to Briancon, the highest town in Europe, which is also a medieval fortress town with many historical sightseeing opportunities. Other highlights include Annency, known for its beautiful canals that have earned it the name of ‘the Venice of the Alps’ and Evian Les-Bains situated on Lake Geneva and famous for its mineral water.
Summer Festivals
Summer culture in the Alps centres around its festivals, which include events focused on art, music, and drama. The Salzburg festival is one of the most famous in the Alps and takes place for six weeks over the summer. Other popular festivals include ‘Musilac,’ a waterside music festival, and the annual Geneva Festival that features free concerts and an air show.
Paragliding
The French Alps are one of the first locations where Paragliding techniques were developed and popularised. Today the region attracts many new visitors who want to try a new sport and take in the stunning scenery of the mountains at the same time.
Paragliding is one of the most popular summer activities in Morzine with paragliding schools available for training courses or one-off trips.
Mountain Biking
The Alps is one of the biggest and most varied playgrounds for mountain bikers in the world. The Portes du Soleil region is one of the largest for MTB routes, with specialist holiday companies such as Alpine Elements servicing the resorts of Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz to feature bike parks and 650km of slopes with lift access.
The area is also the host of several mountain biking events including the famous Pass’portes du Soleil 80km trek and the Swiss Downhill Cup. There are options for all types of rider from beginner to advanced, making it an exciting holiday for all fitness levels.
Copyright © 2015 Lucy Barker
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