Just because the snow lessens and the sun shines brighter, does not mean that ski resorts become boring. Indeed, from major cycling events to folklore festivals to jazz music, ski resorts become exciting hubs of activity in the summer. Here are some of the unmissable summer events taking place this year.
Cycling
The Tour de France
Date: 29th June to 21st July
Certain spots on the mountains have offered front row viewing of the 111th edition of the Tour de France. Having started on June 29th, the twenty-one stage event includes the ski resorts Sestriere, Claviere in Italy and then on to the French Alps, passing through Montgenèvre, Briancon, Serre Chevalier and Valloire. You can book a chalet, watch the race, and enjoy sunshine, spas and strolls across the mountains.
The Haute Route
Dates: 1st to 5th July; 25th to 31st August
A fantastic opportunity for amateur (but incredibly skilled) cyclists to race through breathtaking locations. This year, cyclists have already taken part in a route over the Pyrénées and another will be from Megève to Alpe d'Huez, and then Megève to Nice at the end of August.
Ultra Trail Mont Blanc
Date: 26th to 30th August
Since its origins in 2003, the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc race has grown to be the world’s leading trail event. It draws in top athletes and 10,000 passionate runners, ready to take on the epic scenery.
Music
Montreux Jazz Festival
Date: 5th to 20th July
Located on the picturesque Lake Geneva, the Montreux Jazz Festival is a two-week extravaganza that has been running since 1967. Nearly 250,000 spectators enjoy concerts, DJs, jam sessions and workshops. Legends from Nina Simone to Leonard Cohen to David Bowie to Elton John have all performed there.
Verbier Festival
Date: 18th July to 4th August
Set against the stunning Swiss Alps, the Verbier Festival is superb for seeing opera, jazz and classical music. It has a reputation for nurturing young, up-and-coming talent too.
Vail Dance Festival
Date: 26th July to 5th August
If you have a penchant for dance, head to the gorgeous Rocky Mountains, for thirteen performances from the US and beyond. The Vail Valley is fantastic for summertime music festivals, such as the Bravo! Vail Music Festival, which offers classical, opera and contemporary music, while the Amp Summer Concert is great for bluegrass, country and comedy.
Something a little different…
The Culinary Paznaun
Date: from July to September
Munch your way through the beautiful Paznaun Valley at this incredible event of hiking event. Hikers are accompanied by celebrity chefs who source ingredients from the mountains to cook up a feast.
Val Gardena
Date: first Sunday of August
The Dolomites celebrate a colourful folk festival with beautiful traditional costumes and festivities of music and marching bands.
The Matterhorn Eagle Cup
Date: 31st August
For keen golfers, the Matterhorn Eagle Cup is a brilliant opportunity to play golf surrounded by stunning scenery, as the course is 2,500 metres above sea level.
Mont Blanc Rally
Date: 5th to 7th September
If you’ve got a soft spot for cars, head to Mont Blanc this September for vintage and historic cars. As well as the Mont Blanc Rally, you can go mountain biking, hiking and summer sports.