An Alpine Adventure

An Alpine Adventure

Dubbed the “Alpine States” in Central Europe, the Alps span 8 countries: Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Slovenia, Germany, Liechtenstein, and Monaco. The Alps are brimming with cuisine and culture just as much as they are beautiful landscapes. Explore the real-life Swiss Toblerone chocolate mountain, the emblematic Matterhorn in Zermatt, and picture-postcard sights such as Lake Drachensee, Lake Lünersee, and Lake Formarinsee in Austria. Stroll through dreamy alpine villages like Verbier and Zermatt in Switzerland, Lech am Arlberg in Austria, and Megève in France. Head to the hills this summer à la Heidi.

SWITZERLAND

Verbier

Shrugging off its glittering winter ski coat, a summer vacation to one of the most famed resorts in the world will place you in the heart of the Alps, where you are destined to find charming chalets and glamourous shops in the pretty Place Centrale. When the snow melts, Verbier transforms into a summer retreat for families, peace-and-quiet seekers, and adrenaline junkies alike. The dramatic landscape offers so much to explore, as well as hosting the crème de la crème of multiple disciplines, from classical musicians to mountain biking champions.

With compelling views of the Alps and the Mont-Blanc and Combins massifs, Verbier provides a gathering place for a lauded classical music festival during the warmer weather, the Verbier Festival. The 30th anniversary of this tour de force of lushly-scored events will take place from the 14th – 30th August. Situated in the sought-after Les Esserts, stay in Chalet Melilot — accommodating up to 4 guests — to soak up beautiful vistas of Verbier.  

Visitors can enjoy the wealth of outdoor activities on offer for all, from guided via ferrata climbing courses to peaceful sunrise yoga sessions in the wildflower meadows. Mountain biking aficionados will be thrilled with Verbier’s 23 enduro trails and 500 km of cross-country tracks. Not to mention, this festival haven will also accommodate the sensational Grand Raid Cristalp mountain biking competition — the largest mountain bike race in Europe — from the 18th – 19th August this year.

Try one of Verbier’s famous hikes, to the viewpoints of Pierre Avoi or Lac des Vaux. To soothe tired muscles afterward, we can arrange a guided Wim Hof breathwork session followed by an invigorating ice bath – known to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve circulation, lower stress levels, and aid muscle fatigue. 

For those seeking R&R, guests can stay in the gorgeous Chalet La Vigne. Sleeping 6+2, this is an ultra-luxurious property enjoying incredible views and a private spa with an indoor pool. In-chalet sound bath meditation sessions are also on offer, where the soothing sounds of Tibetan bowls are played in frequencies that unlock deep relaxation. Watch the sun dip over the mountains with a non-alcoholic cocktail in hand. We’ve partnered with non-alcoholic spirit brand Seedlip’s expert mixologists to bring our guests staying on a catered basis a delicious drinks menu, minus the pesky hangover.

Zermatt

With a summer ski area comprising 21 km of piste to explore, summer skiing in Zermatt is second to none, as here you can ski 365 days of the year when conditions permit. Selected as the training area for professional ski champions in the summer, it is the highest and largest year-round ski area in the Alps. Catch a glimpse of them preparing for the next season here as you cruise around the sunny slopes! In view of the iconic Matterhorn, guests can benefit from the sumptuous facilities that Chalet McKinley offers. Sleeping up to 10 guests, this haven enjoys an indoor hot tub, plunge pool, sauna, hammam, and state-of-the-art gym facilities. 

The highest open-air railway in Europe, the Gornergrat Bahn railway line chugs its way up to the summit of the Gornergrat and boasts marvellous vistas. For families, we recommend adding a trip to Sunnega to your list! Here, children will have heaps of fun at the “Wolli adventure park”, with its spacious playground, picnic, beach, and BBQ areas. Fear not, there is endless entertainment for the adults too. Catch your breath and wind down by the pristine waters of the mountain lake. Will you venture a refreshing dip with the Matterhorn as your stunning backdrop?

For those wishing to stay in the heart of Zermatt, the beautiful Christiania Apartment 2 sleeps up to 6 guests and is just 500m from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. This property wows with its south-facing terrace which looks out to the magnificent Matterhorn. Enjoy your summer break delighting in the extolled eateries of Zermatt, a profusion of which stay open year-round to welcome sunseekers such as yourself. When up the mountain, don’t miss Chez Vrony, a restaurant embodying family tradition with rustic Alpine dishes passed on through the generations for over a century. Situated at 2100 metres altitude in Findeln, you will be pampered as you relax your weary hiking legs on the perfect suntrap terrace. A beautiful dinner spot down in the town is Restaurant 1818, which is located within one of Zermatt’s oldest buildings. Cooked to perfection on the charcoal grill, tuck into local meats, fresh fish, and seasonal vegetables as you take a seat on the gorgeous candlelit terrace on balmy summer evenings. 

Set against a panorama of the stunning Alps, the Tour de Monte Rosa is an epic Alpine hiking tour on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Lesser known than the Tour du Mont Blanc, it is far less busy and boasts striking scenery. It crosses cols of over 3,000m most days, beside peaks of over 4,000m, and can include climbing the Kleine Matterhorn. Your Bramble Ski pre-arrival concierge can pair you with expert local guides so that you get the most out of this truly jaw-dropping landscape.

FRANCE

Val d’Isère

Val d’Isère awaits, beckoning adventurers with its luxurious offerings and extraordinary scenery. Guests can stay in the lavish Cala 201, a beautiful four-bedroom apartment sleeping up to 8+2, with a coveted location in the La Legettaz area.

Experience the vibrant nationwide Fête de la Musique, which takes place annually on the summer solstice in June. This jovial and free musical event spills out onto the streets from local restaurants and bars, drawing you in as you peruse the quaint streets.

In the summer, Val d’Isère is truly the pearl of the Tarentaise Valley. Particularly charming is the weekly market, where from 9am on Mondays you will find some delicious local produce in the village, whether it be fresh fruits and vegetables or Savoyard cheeses and cold meats. At this Alpine resort in Savoie, the mountainous landscape invites to hiking, biking, and equestrian endeavours. After a morning sipping on steaming coffee and strolling through sun-dipped streets, admire the picturesque Vanoise park on horseback. With Manchet Valley Riding School and pony club, meander through the beautiful, tranquil forest trails.

Megève

The magic of Megève won’t let you go in a hurry. Here, summer music celebrations rival the iconic jazz scene of New Orleans. The Summer Jazz is a cocktail of jazz-filled weekends taking place in July and August, where you can swing to tunes ranging from old-school blues to acid jazz. Every summer, for more than 30 years, the soul of jazz has enchanted the village, which looks and feels like the backdrop of a mediaeval fairy tale. 

Bastille Day is a national holiday on the 14th of July, in memory of the storming of the Bastille in 1789. Megeve’s mediaeval heritage and colourful markets offer the perfect backdrop to experience this historic day. Stroll through the picturesque streets and soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and as the sky darkens, enjoy lantern parades, musical performances, and a dazzling fireworks display. 

For an authentic and luxurious experience, stay at Chalet La Connivence. Sleeping 10+2, this family chalet is located just a short walk from Megève’s historic town centre and offers striking panoramic views from its stunning outdoor spa. You’ll also be mere minutes from scenic hiking trails and some of Megève’s most renowned restaurants, perfect for trying authentic local cuisine; a gastronome’s dream!

For the foodies, on the 18th of June, delight in the Promenade Cultures et Gourmandises. A bucolic walking tour, punctuated by gourmet stops, indulge in fresh produce and enjoy lively and vibrant music. At Alpage de Pré Rosset, soak up the breathtaking view of Mont Blanc and sample the crème de la crème of Savoyard cuisine, such as tartiflette with farmhouse Reblochon, fondue with Beaufort cheese, or organic meat breed beef sourced from their own mountain farm.  

AUSTRIA 

Lech

Come summertime, the Austrian Alps transform into a wilderness of vibrant wildflowers, gushing turquoise streams, and emerald green forests, the perfect place to restore your mind and body. Nestled in the stunning Austrian Vorarlberg region, Lech is a hidden gem waiting to be explored, ideal for families seeking the perfect balance of peace and quiet and exciting activities.

For families or groups of friends, the stylish Chalech S is a stunning mountain home that sleeps 12 in six bedrooms, with a sauna, hammam and relaxation area making its spa the perfect spot to rest and relax after a long day of wilderness exploration. Hiking trails are clearly marked and colour coded by difficulty, allowing families to explore the scenery at their own pace, from treasure hunt walks such as the “Green Riddle Ring”, to heart-pumping hikes. With spectacular mountain views at every turn, hike hut-to-hut across the Austrian Alps along the Berlin High Trail, Karwendel High Trail, or Schladminger Tauern High Trail. 

Discover Lech’s tranquil 25m forest swimming pool, nestled amongst the pine trees. It boasts an “aquafit“ pool complete with loungers and massage jets for relaxing, a children’s pool, a baby pool, and a waterslide. Nearby, you will find table tennis, tennis courts and a beach volleyball court, a spacious playground and plenty of space for a family picnic. Ideal for relaxing on long, lazy summer afternoons when your hiking muscles could do with a soak. 

With fabulous shared facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and hammam, stay at Brunnenhof 12, the epitome of alpine chic, and enjoy sophisticated dinner parties. If you feel enticed to visit Lech this summer, be sure to get your hands on the exclusive Lech Card, which children 14 and younger can receive for free. With 2 day or 7 day options, you can enjoy a wealth of different services and activities in the area, including the Children’s Adventure Program.

10^th April 2023