Summer in the Alps: Where to Go for the Ultimate Mountain Escape
Why Summer in the Alps is the Ultimate Luxury Getaway
When you hear “the Alps,” you probably think après-ski, fondue, and people in Moncler puffers clomping around in ski boots. But the real secret? Summer. When the snow melts, the mountains turn into wildflower meadows, turquoise lakes, and hiking trails that make you feel like Julie Andrews, minus the dirndl. It’s quieter, sunnier, and actually more glamorous than winter.
Here’s where to go when you want fresh air, chic hotels, and just enough activity to earn that spa appointment.
Zermatt, Switzerland: Summer Hiking with Matterhorn Views
Zermatt is that rare place that looks Photoshopped in real life. The Matterhorn looms dramatically in the background, and instead of shivering on a ski lift, you can take the Gornergrat Railway and see 29 peaks without frostbite. Hike the Five Lakes trail, or if you really must, yes, you can ski on the glacier even in July. I recommend skipping straight to Chez Vrony for lunch on the terrace, where the views are almost as good as the truffle pasta.
Lake Como & The Italian Alps: Dolomites Hiking and Aperol Spritz
If you’re the kind of person who wants both mountain air and boat rides with a spritz in hand, Lake Como is the move. Stay in a villa, ferry-hop to Bellagio and Varenna, and let someone else navigate those dramatic cliffside roads. If you’re more hiking boots than linen pants, head north to the Dolomites. The Seceda ridgeline hike is worth the Instagram hype, and the Alta Via 1 is a multi-day adventure that makes you feel like you’ve joined an exclusive club of very fit people.
Chamonix, France: Mont Blanc Adventure and Extreme Sports
Chamonix is not subtle. Mont Blanc is right there, and everything about the town screams “let’s do something extreme.” Paragliding, glacier hikes, climbing, the list is endless. But even if you’re not auditioning for Free Solo 2, you can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car, sip hot chocolate at the top, and still claim bragging rights. Dinner should involve melted cheese, fondue, raclette, tartiflette, whatever they’re serving, just say yes.
Lech, Austria: Low-Key Luxury and Alpine Wellness Retreats
Lech is the quieter, cooler cousin to the more obvious alpine towns. Think wellness hotels, wildflower fields, and trails that feel secret. The Green Ring hike is the star here with mountain views, lakes, and just enough incline to justify your spa time at Severin*s Alpine Retreat. It’s the kind of place you go when you want to “hike” but really just want to float in a pool with a view of the peaks.
Gstaad, Switzerland: Exclusive Glamour and Chic Mountain Escapes
If your idea of summer is a designer boutique in between hikes, welcome to Gstaad. It’s equal parts mountain escape and old-school glamour. You’ll find five-star hotels, a palace spa, and quiet trails like Lake Lauenen, where you can picnic next to turquoise water and pretend you don’t notice the discreet celebrity two blankets over.
St. Moritz, Switzerland: Sunshine, Spa Scene, and Bernina Express
St. Moritz has 322 days of sunshine a year, which is really just showing off. Come for the Muottas Muragl panorama hike, stay for the spa scene at Badrutt’s Palace or Kulm Hotel, and definitely book a ride on the Bernina Express, the most cinematic way to get from glaciers to Italy. This is mountain life, but in couture.
Why Summer in the Alps Beats Winter: Crowds, Weather, and Glamour
Winter in the Alps is wonderful, but summer is smaller crowds, better weather, longer lunches, and no one trying to run you over with a snowboard. It’s the kind of trip that works whether you want romance, family time, or just an excuse to buy another pair of hiking shoes you’ll only wear once.
So pack the backpack, bring the swimsuit since every spa has a pool, and get ready to fall for the Alps when the mountains are green instead of white.
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