Top 5 Awesome Reasons For A Summer Holiday In The Swiss Alps
When people think of the Swiss Alps, they typically think of snow-covered mountains, a chill in the air and skiing. And chocolate (probably).
In the summer, however, the mountains can be as clement as a Mediterranean beach. Moreover, the dramatic mountainscape, expansive lakes and sweeping valleys provide stunning scenery together with a host of invigorating activities to enjoy.
When you really need to recharge your battery, a change of scenery and active exercise is far more beneficial than laying on a beach sipping cocktails.
When you do want to relax, there is always the option to treat yourself to a Swiss Spa. And chocolate obviously. In between-times get stuck into these awesome things to do in the Swiss Alps.
Hydro-Speeding
Hydro-speeding is the latest ‘living-on-the-edge’ sport for adrenaline junkies. In fairness, hydro-speeding is not that “extreme”. Although it involves hurtling down fast-flowing rivers on an inflatable bodyboard, it’s no more dangerous than white-water rafting.
Rivers in the Swiss Alps stir up some wild torrents – perfect conditions for the ultimate hydro-speeding experience. It can be quite physically demanding at first, but once you get to grips with it, you learn to move with the natural rhythm of the water.
Mountain Biking
Verbier has invested a significant amount of time, money and effort into developing a top-notch bike park for downhill mountain bikers and cross-country enthusiasts of all levels.
As a result, the mountainside boasts 12km of marked downhill trails, 213km of ‘enduro’ trails and 500m of cross-country trails. To say mountain-bikers are provided with thrills and a test of endurance in a stunning environment of natural beauty is an understatement.
Mountaineering and Zip-Lining
If you get the urge to explore the mountains and experience the thrill of rock climbing, the Swiss Alps is as good a place as any – even more so if you are new to mountain climbing or have a young family.
We recommend heading to Via Ferrata in Verbier. The landscape is ideal for inexperienced climbers and has ready-made routes through a gorge which guide you in the right direction.
The first route is so easy, it’s accessible for children as young as 8-years old. You can also hire equipment and a mountain guide you will literally ‘show you the ropes’. The views are incredible and there’s also a zip line which is great fun.
Marathon Trail Running
Once all the snow has melted the mountains in Switzerland reveal a wealth of running trails that are ideal for athletes of all levels. However, some of the more enduring trails are best suited to hardcore runners such as the participants of the annual Trail Verbier St Bernard Ultra Marathon which is held in the first week of July.
The Verbier Ultra Marathon is one of Europe’s top trail running events and attracts some of the best long-distance athletes from all over the world. For some family-friendly fun, however, there is also a 6km run which can get you involved in the action without over-exerting yourself. You are on holiday after all. For more information about Verbier summer holidays you can talk to the experts at Ski Armadillo (www.skiarmadillo.com).
Paragliding (Parapenting)
Few panoramas can match the Swiss Alps from the air. Paragliding, or parapenting as the Swiss call it, in summer is the perfect opportunity to see Switzerland in its full glory when the land is not covered in the white stuff.
Parapenting can give you a new lease of life, and with plenty of experienced pilots offering to show you the landscape from above, it’s 100% safe. All you have to do is relax and admire the view.
Why not shake up your summer holiday this year and head for the mountains. Talk The beach is so blasé.
