5 Hotels That Prove The Alps Are Just As Good In Summer

“There are few places in the world that contrast so drastically between their seasons as the Alps – from the monochromatic drama of the white slopes and dark rocks, to the spectrum of vibrant greens, blankets of flower-infused fields, and softness that the undulating hills present,” says Daniel Koetser, co-owner of Le Grand Bellevue in the scenic Swiss town of Gstaad. “Powerful waterfalls, gentle streams and peaceful lakes, coupled with the cowbells ringing and sweet tones of birds, fill the senses. The scents are so dreamy that The Sound of Music visuals fall short of the reality of the mountains’ beauty.”

There are many ways that visitors can soak up the natural spectacle in the summer months. “Guests can experience everything from the thrilling – paragliding, mountain-biking, canyoning and helicopter rides – to the more tranquil, including hiking, mountain-top yoga, spas, or the culinary escapism that the Alps (and Gstaad in particular) offers. The mountains serve both as a nest from which to hide from the world, or a springboard to take on the magnificent opportunities of exploration within them. Even the weather may shift dramatically, creating some of the most picturesque moments one can imagine. The Alps manage to fuse traditional summer-vacation elements, such as sunbathing by the pool or lakes, or sipping a mojito on a terrace, with a deep connection with nature – for example, hiking through perfect remote paths to discover a hidden hut that serves local fresh products. All visitors should strap on their boots and lose themselves on an excessively long hike, and stop midway to bathe in a lake or a stream,” Koetser adds.

Alpine cuisine is heavily associated with hearty, warming comfort food, which is ideal to fuel skiers’ snowy days in the mountains. But, come summer, the gastronomy gets lighter and zestier and, while some restaurants remain closed for the season, there are plenty of delectable, innovative options to choose between. Krone Säumerei am Inn, in La Punt Chamues-ch, in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, is welcoming guests for its first summer season this year, serving Michelin-starred dining at its charming restaurant, as well as boutique accommodation. Helmed by chef James Baron, the menu combines traditional Alpine dishes with modern global influences and fresh flavors. Highlight dishes include guinea-fowl tortellini with thyme and lemon, and sturgeon with dried pears and crème fraîche. Many ingredients come from the property’s edible garden, where fruits and herbs, such as quince, sea buckthorn, barberries and myoga, are expertly grown to thrive at the high altitude.

While dramatic when encased in snow, the panoramas take on a kaleidoscopic quality in summer and are best enjoyed from up high. Perched amidst the summits of Verbier, Experimental Chalet gives a high-altitude vantage point of lush Alpine peaks and Mont Combin, and is surrounded by a multitude of trails, allowing guests to explore the landscape accompanied by an expert local guide. It’s also a dream-worthy setting to sample Verbier’s cultural and culinary scene, with wine tastings at the L’Orpailleur winery and a lineup of cultural events during the summer, including the renowned Verbier Festival, which hosts classical-music concerts on the mountainside.

Luxe chalet stays are a stalwart of ski trips, but they also make for idyllic, all-comforts-provided bases from which to enjoy a summer immersion in the mountains. “Summer in the Alps brings with it a verdant green and wildflowers strewn across rich Alpine meadows, and with Lech’s 350km of hiking and biking trails, the opportunities for outdoor adventures are plentiful,” says Claudia Epp, general manager of The Arula Chalets – two spacious, immaculately designed and fully hosted residences in the Austrian village of Lech, set within the spectacular Arlberg mountains. And, while guests won’t be filling their days on the ski slopes during the summer months, there’s a lesser-known side of the mountains to discover, too. “There’s a gentle 9km hike to Bürstegg that, come summertime, reveals the fascinating history of ancient Walser settlements that date all the way back to 1300 – think traditional huts and a 17th-century chapel.”

The status of quintessential winter-vacation destination means the Alps have an abundance of legendary hotels that are set in storied locations. These days, many of them open their doors for the summer season – offering an equally eminent perspective of the mountains from their luxurious rooms during the warmer months. “What makes the Engadin valley so special is its mix of nature, mountains and lakes – with indescribable panoramas, a variety of activities and a hospitality that leaves nothing to be desired,” says general manager Richard Leuenberger, managing director of St. Moritz’s historic Badrutt’s Palace hotel. “Here in St. Moritz, our guests benefit from the pleasant temperatures, because it is not too hot in the summer months. This means that you can enjoy outdoor activities all day long, but if it should rain, you can let yourself be pampered in the hotel – whether that’s in the spa or in one of our six restaurants.

“For days away from the hotel, my favorite escape is to the Paradiso Mountain Club & Restaurant, at an altitude of 2,181 meters. The view from there, over the valley and shimmering lakes, is enchanting. Soak up the sun, enjoy top-tier food, maybe indulge in a glass of wine, and simply lose yourself in the serenity. My adventures often lead me to the Corvatsch mountain. There’s something magical about taking the funicular up there and then walking back to St. Moritz along the lakes. But, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you should start a hike at sunrise. Being in the midst of nature early in the morning and seeing how the sun slowly illuminates the mountains is a moment that everyone should experience at least once.”

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