As Coventry starts to settle into spring and the longer evenings stretch out, many families are turning their attention to the question of where to go this summer. While the usual options continue to tempt – coastal spots, sunny cities, even a few UK favourites – there’s a quieter shift happening among holidaymakers. The Alps are starting to look increasingly attractive.
It’s not the first place people think of when planning a warm-weather break. After all, these are the same mountains we associate with skiing holidays, snow-covered chalets and mulled wine. But there’s something about the Alps in spring and summer that feels unexpectedly inviting. Perhaps it’s the cooler temperatures, the open landscapes, or just the chance to do something a little different.
Once the snow melts and the lifts wind down for the season, many Alpine resorts reveal a different side altogether. The buzz of the ski season fades, replaced by meadows in bloom, birdsong and the gentle rhythm of summer life. Places like Morzine, Les Gets and Chamonix come into their own, no longer dominated by skis and snowboards, but by walkers, cyclists and families looking to recharge in the fresh mountain air.
These towns may be known for their winter credentials, but they don’t go quiet when the snow disappears. Quite the opposite. They become hubs for outdoor adventures of a different kind. Winding trails open up across the hillsides, offering everything from easy forest walks to serious hikes with panoramic views. For cyclists, both road and mountain bike routes are in good supply, with rental shops and guided tours making it easy to give it a try, even for beginners.
There’s plenty on offer for families too. In Les Gets, for instance, summer brings with it swimming lakes, adventure parks and even a mechanical music museum – slightly quirky, but surprisingly popular with children. Morzine boasts an outdoor pool complex, summer toboggan runs and gentle river walks perfect for little legs. And Chamonix, while often seen as a base for more serious climbers, offers accessible cable cars, glacier excursions and playgrounds with views you’d struggle to match elsewhere.
The environment itself plays a big part. There’s a noticeable difference in the air at altitude. Mornings tend to be fresh, afternoons warm and sunny, and nights cool enough for a peaceful sleep without relying on air conditioning. For parents with young children, the consistency in temperature can be a real advantage. There’s less need to plan around extreme heat or worry about sunstroke.
Food is another part of the appeal. Many alpine towns host weekly markets, with stalls offering everything from local cheeses to freshly baked tarts. Eating out feels casual and unfussy, with hearty regional dishes served alongside lighter summer menus. Families can dine together without the stress of long waits or complicated reservations.
Getting there is more straightforward than it used to be. Direct flights to Geneva remain frequent from Birmingham and other regional airports, and from there, Alps2Alps Geneva transfers provide a smooth route into the mountains without the need to navigate unfamiliar roads. It’s a practical way to reach resorts like Morzine and Les Gets, especially for those travelling with children or bulky luggage.
While summer in the Alps hasn’t yet reached the popularity of its winter season, the shift is happening. Local tourism offices have noted a rise in visitors during the warmer months, many of them families returning after realising how much there is to experience off the snow. There’s space, clean air, and just the right amount of structure to keep children entertained without every minute being scheduled.
And for those who’ve done the same sort of holiday year after year, it offers something refreshingly different. No sand in your shoes. No need to fight for a sunbed by the pool. Just wide open space, quiet mornings, and a sense that you’re somewhere special.
With the school holidays now on the horizon, Coventry families might find that the best kind of summer escape doesn’t involve a beach at all. Instead, it could be waiting high up in the mountains, where the views stretch for miles and the days are yours to fill, or not, however you like.
This is a submitted article written by Kathryn Denyer.
