Wishlist
After yet another thriving and busy winter in the Alps, you may be starting to unpack your bags and reminisce over the exciting season you’ve just had – but keep those bags packed - the Swiss Alps has a summer calendar filled with events! Whether you want to keep your skis fastened and head up for some glacier skiing or enjoy some mellow jazz amidst lush, new meadows, the Alpine region has something to offer you all.
We’ve listed some of the exciting events happening all over the different resorts in the next few months.
June
Between the 7th and the 9th June, Lenzerheide is hosting its Motor Classics Race. Watch over two hundred vintage cars drive through a course of 2.45km as they showcase their immaculate and unique beauty. Unlike other motor events, this race is not in fact based on speed, but simply the grandeur of the vehicles. From a Monoposto to a classic race car, there is an outstanding selection awaiting car enthusiasts at one of Europe’s highest circuits.
The iXS Downhill Cup will also be passing through the Swiss Alps in Lenzerheide this summer from 21 – 23rd June. This highly competitive event features world-class racers with exceptional velocity and adrenaline, as they speed through six countries in seven different races.
For those wanting to partake in sporting events themselves, Grindelwald offers an excellent opportunity. The Mountain Run on the 22nd June may only be 7.5k, but the mighty incline of 1111m during the race is not for the faint hearted! This incredible race will leave you breathless (both physically and metaphorically) from the outstanding and luscious mountain scenery and views over the Eiger, Mettenberg and Wetterhorn.
The Swissman Xtreme Triathlon also occurs on the 22nd of June and has an even greater elevation of 5575m over a course of 226km. The course takes you through palm trees, glaciers, waterfalls, meadows and lakes and is truly one of the most scenic and mesmerizing courses globally. Although certainly a challenge, the reception of celebrations and festivities waiting for you at the foot of the Jungfraugletscher will be an experience like no other.
July
Heading into July, the exciting events continue with the St. Moritz Jazz Festival commencing on the 4th July. Exceptional artists such as Marcus Miller and Thierry Lang feature on this year’s immaculate line-up. Over in Saas Fee, the music is just as vibrant as the annual Saas Feestival opens on the 6th July. As always it promises an incredible atmosphere filled with music and local gourmet delights. Also occurring on the 6th July is the Eiger Music Festival in Grindelwald. With genres to please everyone, the festival ranges from Blues to ABBA tribute bands dancing and singing the afternoon away on the majestic mountains.
If music isn’t your thing and you want to experience extreme sport, the Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon is being held on the 6th July (a very popular day in the Alps!). With views of the Matterhorn keeping you company whilst you run, this marathon is an impressive bucket-list tick off.
The Iron Tennis in Lenzerheide on the 12th July is a tennis tournament which lasts a staggering 24 hours! The non-stop tennis match (played in teams) will be an intense yet extremely exciting watch with an after party eagerly waiting at the finish line. Whether competing or spectating, this event is not one to miss with tickets selling fast.
August
For a quintessentially Swiss event, Saas Fee is hosting the Valais Yodel Festival on the 23rd of August. Immerse yourself in true folk culture as you listen to the mountain melodies and traditional tunes. The musical parade walks through the village and passes through the church for a few recitals, so make sure not to miss these professional musicians as they honour a proud local tradition.
The Verbier-Grimentz Grand Raid will be taking place on the 23rd of August - an event which many spend the year preparing/waiting for. Known to be one of the most testing bike races of all time, the vertical rise is a shocking 5025 m, spread over 125 km.
On the 24th August Crans Montana makes the most of its spectacular lake by hosting the Water Skiing Festival. The breathtaking scenery and fresh mountain water are extremely inviting in the summer heat for both participants and spectators alike.
September
Although heading towards the end of the summer months, September is just as fun-filled. Renowned as one of the most prestigious events of the year, the Omega European Masters is being held between the 5 – 8th of September. This is a notable event on the golf calendar and features many established stars as well as some of Europe’s most promising young golfers.
Zermatt’s Music Festival starts on the 5th September. With over 26 performances, the festival showcases exceptional works for brass, wind, string and more. Bask in the last of the summer sun as you enjoy a succession of fine classical pieces.
If you weren’t able to compete in the other Alpine marathons, the Jungfrau Marathon is being held on the 7th September. If you’re lucky enough to be one of the 4000 participants to run, this achievement is like no other!
For those who wish to indulge in summer and relax rather than run (or maybe as well as!), the long-awaited Saas Fee Culinary Mile is taking place on the 8th September. Make sure to let us know if you’re attending as we will, of course, be there enjoying the outstanding delicacies Saas Fee has to offer. Take a stroll through a whole mile of exquisite offerings of cheeses and meats whilst admiring the traditional clothing worn by many locals.
There are countless other events going on throughout the summer and if you plan to visit, ensure to let us know. We can give you expert advice on any resort in the Swiss Alps, fill you in on the best events to attend, and organise any property viewings.
