Summer in The Alps - What's On?

The Alps are rightly world- famous for their winter beauty and enchanting ski resorts, but don’t fall into the trap of ignoring what they have to offer at other times of the year. A winter on the piste is exciting and refreshing but the Alps are just as enticing once the snow melts and the flower-filled Alpine meadows appear. Swap your skis for walking boots and get ready for a summer full of water sports, mountain trails, exquisite cuisine, and numerous musical festivals. Summer 2022 is on its way, and here is what the different resorts across the Alps have to offer.



Sporting Events
For those seeking an active summer, the Alps are full of international sporting events, glistening clear lakes, and hundreds of kilometres of both bike and hike trails. You can swim or paddle, walk or run, cycle or climb as easily or energetically as you like. The bike and hiking trails are clearly marked and graded for difficulty, so you won’t be either disappointed or exhausted. For the walker it’s good to know that the trails are well served by efficient public transport so you can tackle a longer trail and get a ride home.

For exciting spectator sports, the golfing haven Crans Montana will host the Omega European Masters for the 75th time. The prestigious event is being held between the 25 – 28th of August and is sure to be one not to miss. Alternatively (or as well as!) you can attend the Water-Skiing Festival in Crans Montana on the 13th of August, this will show spectacular displays of water skiing, monoskiing and wakeboarding.

Since you’re in the mountains why not enjoy the IFSC climbing World Cup? This exhilarating competition moves through the Alps from Innsbruck (June 22 - 25th), later to Villars (June 30th - July 2nd) and to Chamonix (July 8 - 10th). Whether you’re in Austria, Switzerland or France you can enjoy some thrilling climbing.

For the more competitive amongst you, there are opportunities to take part in Les Trois Vallees Mountain Bike Competition, commencing on the 2nd of July. The event has 15 stages, daring terrain and lasts for three days. Montreux hosts its Montreux Trail Festival between the 29th – 31st July and offers 7 different races ranging from the MXTREME 112km, to the lively Freddie Night Race 15km and the 2km race for children. 

You could even enter the Mont Blanc marathon in Chamonix on the 23rd June or enter the International Show Jumping Competition in Megeve. Of course, there are more gentler sports offered in the resorts, whether that be fishing in Mittersill or swimming in the Combloux Biotope Lake. Countless trails, lakes and mountains are waiting to be explored this summer.



Food Festivals
All that sport and exercise will make you hungry - fortunately Alpine cuisine is hearty and tasty. On the 10th July, Saas Fee is holding the Saaser Gourmet Trail. This trail gives you the opportunity to try the finest delicacies and drink exceptional wines chosen by the sommeliers.

If you’re going to Saas Fee later in the summer, make sure to attend the annual Nostalgic Culinary Mile Festival on the 11th of September. The traditional festival offers a large variety of traditional food, the opportunity to dress up in fancy dress and learn about the history of the area. 

Close by in Zermatt, on the 16th August, there is the Swiss Food Festival. The country’s top chefs provide you with the most exquisite gourmet meals, and even allow you to indulge in a Swiss breakfast on the Matterhorn-Express.



Music Festivals
Music festivals are extremely popular in the Alps, and especially so in summer. All across the French resorts on the 21st June there is the Fete de la Musique - one of the largest music festivals in France.  The festival covers all genres so that everyone can get involved and enjoy the day. From Rock to Reggae and Jazz to Pop, we recommend attending the 40th anniversary of this festival in any one of the many French resorts!

Montreux is globally renowned for its Summer Jazz Festival, and this year it is taking place between the 30th June to the 9th July. There will be over 350 concerts and will be performed by many of the world’s greatest artists – it’s a magical festival to put on your list! Chamonix is also holding their Cosmo Jazz Festival on the 23rd July which also features world renowned artists such as André Manoukian. The festival happens all over the best locations in Chamonix and is completely free.

Other music festivals in the Alps include the Verbier Festival on the 17th July, the Alphorn International Festival in Nendaz on the 22nd of July, the Zermatt Folklore Festival on the 14th August and the Kitzbuhel Music Festival on the 18th August. Any resort this summer will be filled with melodies and music and what better place to enjoy the festivals than in the open-air mountains!

There are many other events taking place in the Alps this summer as there is always a festival to be celebrated, a meal to be sampled or a trail to be hiked. If you are fortunate enough to spend the summer in the Alps, ensure that you are at least there for the Bastille Day in France on the 14th July, or the National Swiss Day on the 1st of August!