The Best Après Ski Resorts in the French Alps

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The Best Après Ski Resorts in the French Alps

A day of skiing and snowboarding is hard to beat. However, what you do after a day on the mountain is important too and a lively ski resort is one of the most important things for most. Here at Ski-Lifts, we’ve done the digging to bring you 10 of the best party ski resorts in France…

Val d’Isere

© Val d’Isere tourism office

Whatever you’re young or old, staying in one of the most expensive chalets in the world or a cheap and cheerful apartment, Val d’Isere’s après ski scene has something for everyone. There are two bars in particular that you can’t afford to miss; the Folie Douce bar has performers who dance, play instruments, perform circus tricks and generally form a massive mountainside party every afternoon. Also, Dick’s Tea Bar is down in the town centre and gets in top DJ’s to keep the dancefloor full until 5am. Other good spots are Cocorico for live music on the piste-side and the Doudoune Nightclub.

Join the party! Transfers from Geneva Airport to Val d’Isere take approx. 3hrs.

Meribel

© Meribel tourism office

Meribel’s Rond Point – also known as the Ronnie – is a world-class après ski institution and has been drawing in crowds for decades with its toffee vodka, live bands and loud DJ sets. Its sister venue is the O’Sullivans Club, where you’ll find drinks deals and themed funk, soul and disco nights. This Three Valleys resort is huge with British skiers and snowboarders, so if you want a home-from-home party atmosphere with the bonus of mountains on your doorstep, this is the après ski destination for you!

Join the party! Transfers from Chambery Airport to Meribel take approx. 1hr 30 mins. Whereas, transfers from Geneva Airport to Meribel take approx. 2hrs 15 mins.

Alpe d’Huez

© Alpe d’Huez tourism office and Laurent Salino

Alpe d’Huez is no sleepy ski resort. It has its own branch of Folie Douce, the Freeride Café with its pool tables (and a slide to the toilet!) and Smithy’s Tavern with its Tex Mex menu, beer jugs and band nights. When everywhere else has shut up shop for the night, there’s a nightclub called L’Igloo which stays open the latest. Drinks and dancing aren’t the only après ski activities, there’s also a big outdoor ice rink, where you can sometimes watch ice hockey games and the Sports and Convention Centre offering swimming, squash, climbing and bouldering.

Join the party! Transfers from Grenoble Airport to Alpe d’Huez take approx. 1hr 40 mins.

Val Thorens

© Val Thorens tourism office and La Folie Douce

Val Thorens is the highest resort in the Alps, and many people say it’s also the liveliest. The resort usually puts on a big event each month, like the JBL Snow Party (with performers including Tinie Tempah) and Festi Val Tho (an electro event), making it very popular for student ski trips. All season long, bars like 360 and Folie Douce mark the end of the skiing day with loud music and dancing, while Le Malaysia (the biggest nightclub in the Alps) is the place to end your night. Val Thorens doesn’t just offer your usual après activities, you can also try ice driving or mountain ziplining.

Join the party! Transfers from Geneva Airport to Val Thorens take approx. 2hrs 30 mins. Whereas, transfers from Chambery Airport to Val Thorens take approx. 1hr 30 mins.

Morzine

© Retro Rentals, Morzine – facebook/retrorental/

Before you head down the mountain in Morzine, get to Inferno for lively parties with resident DJ’s and bands. You can recognise the bar from its double-decker bus, and if you’re having too much fun to make it down on the last lift, they offer guided headtorch descents. Café Chaud sounds like a cosy place to cradle a mug of hot chocolate, but with a website boasting ‘the most hectic and audacious nights in Morzine’, it’s the total opposite. The bar hosts beer pong championships and big themed parties and they give drinks discounts to those who place their order in French! Beanies is popular for its live music, while Bar Robinson is a Morzine institution, having been open since 1926, it has become famous for serving 7% Mützig lager. When it comes to nightclubs, Coyote and L’Opera are packed until the early hours.

Join the party! Transfers from Geneva Airport to Morzine take approx. 1hr 30 mins.

Courchevel

© Courchevel tourism office and David Andre

Posh, but never too posh to party, Courchevel is world-renowned for its expensive and exclusive après ski scene. Follow the routine of the rich and famous and slip from the slopes (or the shops) into a chic bar like Le 8611 for an aperitif, move on for a Michelin starred meal in one of the celebrated eateries, then head to Les Caves nightclub to spend a small fortune on a jeroboam or two of champagne. While Courchevel 1850 is the place to see and be seen, the other villages also have some great bars, for example, Fire and Ice and Bubble Bar in 1650.

Join the party! Transfers from Geneva Airport to Courchevel take approx. 2hrs 30 mins. Whereas, transfers from Chambery Airport to Courchevel take approx. 1hr 30 mins.

Chamonix

© Chamonix Mont Blanc tourism office and Monica Dalmasso

A ski resort but also a proper town, Cham has no shortage of après ski offerings to keep you busy from the early afternoon to the early hours of the morning. Reflect on the day over a cocktail at Moo Bar or locally brewed ale at the Micro Brasserie de Chamonix – both often have live music to add to the scene. Chambre 9 gets the crowds dancing on tables to everyone’s favourite tunes, while Les Caves is the pick for a posh party scene. L’Amnesia is the main nightclub, with themed nights, famous DJ’s and entertainers. If you visit on St Patrick’s Day, Munster Bar is the place to be!

Join the party! Transfers from Geneva Airport to Chamonix take approx. 1hr 15 mins.

Tignes

© Tignes tourism office and Andy Parant

The après ski in Tignes’ neighbour Val d’Isere gets a lot more airtime, but Tignes definitely deserves a mention. It’s easy to get to the famous Folie Douce from here, and down in resort, the Val Claret and Le Lac areas have their fair share of places to drink and dance. You can ski to the door of Loop Bar, which has a huge sun terrace and DJ nights. Couloir is the place to watch a football match, while the Dropzone Café is a bar that transforms into a nightclub where you can dance the night away. Another late-night venue is Blue Girl, which stays open until 5am. Other than drinks and dancing, Tignes has loads of après ski activities like snow tubing, a ski bungee jump and ice diving. It hosts one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties in the Alps, as well as massive events like European Snow Pride.

Join the party! Transfers from Geneva Airport to Tignes take approx. 2hrs 45 mins.

Les Deux Alpes

© Les Deux Alpes tourism office

Not every ski resort has a pirate-themed pub, especially one serving more than sixty different types of rum! Les Deux Alpes does – it’s called the Rhumerie and is one of many lively bars and clubs you can visit during après ski hours. Other venues worth a visit are Smithy’s Tavern (the sister bar to the one in Alpe d’Huez) and Grotte du Yeti, which is very popular for its sun terrace, bands, DJ’s and theme nights. Not ready for bed by last orders? Head on to the Avalanche nightclub which stays open to 6 in the morning! Les Deux Alpes nightlife alone should be enough for you to choose this resort.

Join the party! Transfers to Grenoble Airport to Les Deux Alpes take approx. 1hr 40 mins.

Avoriaz

© Morzine-Avoriaz tourism office and JB Bieuville

Avoriaz loves a good festival, with the latest on the scene being Snowboxx, with Stormzy, Fatboy Slim and Chase & Status among performers and events like snowball fights and disco dodgeball. The resort is also a big part of the Portes du Soleil’s annual Rock the Pistes festival, which usually takes place on the same week. Whether you come during festival week or not, there are plenty of ways to enjoy après ski. Fresh from a day of skiing or snowboarding, you can have a drink or two at Chez Flo by the halfpipe, Les Trappeurs at the top of the 3S lift, Yeti at the foot of the slopes or Café Le Fantastique, which is popular for tapas and cocktails. Later in the evening, Le Shooters has a live music act most nights and closes at 2am. The resort also has the Aquariaz centre for an alternative activity, which is a Centre Parcs like tropical water world.

Join the party! Transfers to Geneva Airport to Avoriaz take approx. 1hr 45 mins.

Now that we’ve given you 10 resorts to test out, here are 10 top tips for an amazing après ski holiday:

Get a group of your most party mad pals together – it’s always more fun with friends!
Book out a whole chalet so you can keep the festivities going (find inspiration and tips for booking groups on Sno).
Let Ski-Lifts sort out your transfers (we have something to suit all group sizes and budgets and can pop on your playlist to get you in the mood for après!).
Plan at least one fancy dress night (get some inspiration on Pinterest).
Get some snazzy snow boots (find fashionable inspiration on Vogue).
Bring a jacket (the bars are boiling hot but you’ll thank us on the journey home!).
Speaking of which… Make sure you know the way home.
Talk to the bartenders (they always have brilliant advice on where to ski and things not to miss in resort).
Make the most of happy hours (it’s no secret that drinks are expensive in the French Alps!).
And of course, have fun but always be drink aware – you don’t want to après ski so hard you miss out on the snow the next day!

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The Best Mountain Biking in the Italian Alps

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The Best Mountain Biking in the Italian Alps

Northern Italy is a fantastic choice for a mountain biking holiday. The terrain is unbeatable, the weather is brilliant and there are unrivalled views of the surrounding mountains. Add all that up to the world-renowned food and wine and you have the recipe for the perfect summer holiday.

Summer is the perfect time to hit the mountains in around the Dolomites and Lake Garda. You’ll generally get sunny days matched with cooler temperatures that you will see elsewhere in Italy. Bikeparks across the areas mentioned in this article are generally open from mid-June until September.

Find out more about mountain biking in…

Piedmont
Aosta Valley
Lombardy
Trentino-South Tyrol

Piedmont mountain biking

Mountain biking in Sauze d’Oulx

As with many other brilliant ski resorts throughout the Italian Alps, Sauze d’Oulx is a favourite amongst skiers and snowboarders throughout the winter. You might be wondering why Sauze is one of our recommendations for mountain biking destinations in the Italian Alps. If we didn’t know better, we’d be asking the same question!

However, once you set eyes on a summertime Sauze d’Oulx, you will soon realise the reason why it is one of the best summer destinations there is. The quick access to the trails from the town and the stunning surrounding mountain scenery ensures you will without a doubt enjoy your riding during your time in Sauze.

Man-made features along the downhill trails ensure that riders of all abilities will find themselves tested to the max. If cross-country is more your cup of tea then make sure you take advantage of the well thought out loops which can take you through until the end of the day. The bike park is open on 8th July weekend, then throughout the summer from the 15th July until the 27th August 2018.

Mountain biking in Bardonecchia

Being located right at the intersection of the four valleys in the Italian Alps ensures that Bardonecchia has a huge amount on offer for mountain bikers. With over 400km of tracks over a vertical drop measuring 1700m, it is highly unlikely you will find yourself bored, or even riding the same trail twice!

All of the 40 trails are accessed via the two lifts which can transport your bikes (and yourself). There is something for all levels of ability with green, blue, red, black and downhill trails. There are around 5 black runs, so this should be plenty for all you thrill seekers out there. Some of these have extremely challenging obstacles, with drops, jumps and parabolic curves.

Cross-country riders are in for a treat. The tracks in Bardonecchia do mainly lie on flat ground, however, they pass through some areas with the most stunning views for miles. These are perfect for family rides.

Don’t forget, Ski-Lifts provide transfers throughout the summer to all of these resorts & transport mountain bikes free of charge. Get an instant quote and book your transfer online today!

Aosta Valley mountain biking

Mountain biking in Pila

If you’re looking for some brilliant yet challenging riding, then Pila is the place for you. As the twice host of the World Cup Downhill series, Pila is no stranger to world class mountain biking. You won’t be surprised to hear that as a result of being the twice host of the World Cup, that Pila is home to some fast and technically challenging world-class tracks.

Pila may be home to some of the best downhill tracks in the whole of the Alps, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t something here for cross-country riders. If you don’t fancy some climbing, then you can take full advantage of the open chairlift and enjoy some riding on tracks which are mainly aimed towards beginner and intermediate riders.

From Pila, we would recommend taking the Chamole then freeride or opt to take one of the 12 cross-country trails which pass through a 185km network.

Lombardy mountain biking

Mountain biking in Livigno

This old mountain town provides every visitor with spectacular picturesque views over Stelvio National Park in the Italian Alps. We’d seriously recommend taking a trip to Livigno if you’re looking some unbeatable mountain biking on your summer holiday.

Pick up a BikePass when you get to Livigno and you will grant yourself access to all of the ski lifts in the whole of the resort. You then have the choice of 13 trails, which are perfect for downhill and freeriding. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert rider, there is something for you here.

All-in-all there are over 1500km of singletrack in Livigno, which spread over an area of over 10,000 square kilometres. If you’re on the lookout for some more rocky and technical terrain, then you have the choice to head slightly over the border to Switzerland, where you can be tested on this type of ground.

Trentino-South Tyrol mountain biking

Mountain biking in Val di Fassa

This bike park has stunning scenery of the Dolomites which will amaze anyone, even the most seasoned of travellers. The best thing to do if you want to go mountain biking here in Val di Fassa is base yourself in the ski resort of Canazei.

Maybe the reason why mountain biking has become such a popular sport in the Alps during summertime is due to the picturesque surroundings, or maybe it’s down to the sheer thrill of flying down a trail which winds down one of the mountains. I’m going to say it’s probably both!

You’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to mountain biking routes through Val di Fassa. There’s plenty of easy routes for beginners and those who just want a nice scenic ride on their summer holiday. There are also difficult and technically challenging routes for those who want to be tested to the max.

One thing we will say is to make sure you take a minute to take in the beautiful natural surroundings.

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The Best Mountain Biking in the French Alps

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The Best Mountain Biking in the French Alps

Are you thinking about a mountain biking holiday this summer? The Alps is one of the best places any thrill-seeking mountain biker could visit and in particular the French Alps. We know the amount of choice in terms of where to go can be overwhelming. There are tonnes of places throughout the French Alps which are home to amazing trails with stunning scenery. Don’t worry, with our guide to mountain biking in the French Alps, you can make an informed choice.

Find out more about mountain biking in…

Portes du Soleil
Isère
Savoie

Mountain Biking in the Portes du Soleil

Mountain biking in Morzine

Set in the heart of the massive Portes du Soleil, Morzine is a perfect location to base yourself for a mountain biking holiday in the French Alps.

There are tonnes of great trails which are easily accessible from the town. You can also take the chairlift to access some of the equally challenging runs around Les Gets, Avoriaz, Châtel and Champéry.

You can access the lifts from 10th June 2018 to 3rd September 2018.

Mountain biking in Les Gets

Known as one of the best mountain biking destinations in Europe, Les Gets is the perfect base for people who want to ride trails in the Portes du Soleil.

For all you downhill bikers, there are 12 runs on offer in Les Gets. They all vary in difficulty, so there’s pretty much something for all abilities. As well as 12 downhill runs, Les Gets is also home to 3 jump parks, 2 north shore trails and many technical zones.

If you’re looking for some cross-country mountain biking, then you’re also in the right place! There are a total of 7 cross-country mountain bike trails in Les Gets. If you’re a beginner, look out for the green runs. Alternatively, if you’re an advanced or expert biker, head for the red and black runs. Blue runs are for intermediates (they are the same colour coding as ski runs).

The summer lift opening dates for Les Gets are 16th June 2018 – 2nd September 2018.

Mountain biking in Chamonix

If miles upon miles of classic singletrack is your thing, then Chamonix is the perfect location for your mountain biking holiday in the French Alps. The singletrack is full of technical sections and flowy descents which pass down the most well-known valley in Europe.

If you really want to challenge yourself, then head over to Vallorcine. There are also graded trails for all abilities in the mountain bike areas at Le Tour, Flegere, Brevent and Les Houches.

For a true test, there’s a 5-day ‘Tour de Mont Blanc’. This takes riders on a 200km adventure uphill and downhill around Mont Blanc. This isn’t for the light-hearted, however, If you do decide to challenge yourself, you will be rewarded with some of the most stunning scenery in the Alps.

The summer lift opening dates for Chamonix vary for different areas, but they are generally mid June 2018 – mid-August-mid-September 2018.

Get a quote now for transfers from Geneva Airport to Chamonix.

Mountain Biking in Avoriaz

Whether you have a preference for cross-country or downhill, Avoriaz has you covered!

For some downhill, head over to Linderets bike park and then from there take the chairlift to Chatel. Then try your hand on the blue track (Chesery), which takes you down until you eventually join into a winter piste.

Also, check out the 3 tracks on the Avoriaz side of Les Lidarets, with 1 blue, 1 red and 1 black. The blue run here is perfect for beginners.

The summer lifts in Avoriaz are open from 7th June 2018 to 13th September 2018. Rather than dragging yourself up steep inclines (unless you want to do that, of course!) Make use of the lifts which thankfully have adapted racks and hooks for bikes.

Don’t forget, Ski-Lifts provide transfers throughout the summer to all of these resorts. Get an instant quote and book your transfer online today!

Mountain biking in Isère

Mountain biking in Alpe d’Huez

The bigger the better, that’s usually how it goes right? If you’re a believer in that saying, then Alpe d’Huez is perfect for you. This resort right in the middle of the of the largest mountain biking areas in the French Alps.

With over 250km of trails, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice! The 8 resort villages of Alpe d’Huez (Auris en Oisans, Allemont, Bourg d’Oisans, Le Freney, Oz en Oisans, Vaujany and Villard Reculas) are all linked through the trails. As with resorts in the Portes du Soleil, the chairlifts make the trails easily accessible.

Alpe d’Huez also boasts a total of 3 bike parks, 2 north shore areas, 3 pump tracks and 2 four cross tracks.

The summer lift opening dates for Alpe d’Huez are 30th June 2018 – 26th August 2018.

Mountain Biking in Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes is one of the most popular mountain biking resorts in the Alps and rightly so.

If you’re heading here on your summer holiday, you can spend your time flying down over 110kms of downhill trails, which are spread across 4 different areas. 2 of the trails have a descent of over 2,500m. The trails here have something to test riders of every ability. All the way from family-friendly green runs to the more challenging red and black marked trails.

As well as a whole host of downhill runs, Les Deux Alpes offers a Whistler A-Line style freeride and also many cross-country options.

There are 10 lifts here that can transport bikes. The summer lift opening dates are 23rd June 2018 – 3rd September 2018.

Mountain biking in Savoie

Mountain biking in Les Arcs

Les Arcs isn’t always the top of everyone’s list when they’re deciding where to go on their summer holiday in the Alps. However, if you’re looking for trail after trail, then Les Arcs should be top of your list! This summertime gem has enough trails to keep you going for the whole of summer. All of the villages which make up Les Arcs (Bourg St Maurice, Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000) are all intertwined with mountain biking trails.

For thrill seekers, there’s a permanent black run, which you can fly down for the majority of the summer season, all thanks to the Bourg St Maurice funicular. Overall, there are 8 lifts which are available to use in the summer, which give you access to around 20 green, blue, red, black and cross-country trails.

The summer lift opening dates for Les Arcs are 7th July 2018 – 1st September 2018.

Mountain biking in Courchevel

If you’re looking for exciting trails which also offer stunning mountain scenery, then Courchevel is the place for you. What really makes Courchevel one of the most appealing mountain biking destinations in the French Alps is the unrivalled cross-country riding. The routes here do cater for all ability of rider, but if you’re looking for a true challenge, then set your sights on the Three Valleys 117km loop!

All of the trails here in Courchevel are well marked and graded in the same way as many other trails in the Alps and the same way as ski pistes. As mentioned, Courchevel is part of the gigantic Three Valleys area, so you have much more on your doorstep than just the trails around Courchevel. The whole area is interconnected with lift accessed downhills tracks. It’s pretty much impossible to find yourself riding the same trails twice on your mountain bike holiday in Courchevel.

The summer lift opening dates for Courchevel are 7th July 2018 – 31st August 2018.

Mountain biking in Meribel

Located 200km east of Lyon, Meribel is in the heart of the huge Three Valleys ski area. There are plenty of mountain biking opportunities to keep you occupied during your time in Meribel. There are over 100km of trails, 3 cross-country loops and 8 downhill tracks. That’s just for starters. You’re right in the middle of the world’s largest ski area, so that means there ample opportunities for more trails all around you.

All of the trails in Meribel can be access through two main lifts; the Pas du Lac and Tougnete. You can easily get off the lift halfway to ride some of the lower level trails, or if you’re wanting to access some of the higher trails which also link to Courchevel and Val Thorens Valleys, then stay on until the top.

The summer lift opening dates for Meribel are 8th July 2018 – 31st August 2018.

Mountain biking in Tignes

If wide open and rocky trails are your cup of tea, then I suggest you jump on a plane and head to Tignes for your summer holiday. Tignes is an area packed with a whole host of opportunities to partake in summer activities and even summer skiing. However, it’s the mountain biking which is one of the main attractions here.

There’s something for everyone here. If you’re looking for a mellow ride on a steady slop, Tignes has you covered. If you’re after a hair-raising ride on a steep, unforgiving slope, Tignes also has you covered! For you freeriders out there, we suggest getting yourself over to Kamasutrail, where you can test your skills on the ski-jumps, hip jumps, road gap and step-ups.

The summer lift opening dates for Tignes are 30th June 2018 – 2nd September 2018.

Mountain biking in Val d’Isere

One of the most well-known and visited ski resorts in the winter, Val d’Isere doesn’t disappoint during the summer either. As a whole, the Solaise and Borsat chairlifts and the Olympic Gondola on the Bellevarde mountain give you access to a total of 21 downhill track,s 2 cross-country trails, 2 family trails and 21 downhill tracks.

You’ll have access to a total of 150km of mountain bike trails if you decide to head to Val d’Isere, so there’s no chance of getting bored! Put down a small deposit for your lift pass and you will have access to all these trails for free. What more can you ask for? The three lifts in Val d’Isere also link up with another 2 in the close by the resort of Tignes.

The summer lift opening dates for Val d’Isere are 30th June 2018 – 2nd September 2018.

Don’t forget, Ski-Lifts provide transfers throughout the summer to all of these resorts. Get an instant quote and book your transfer online today!

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The Best Places to Ski in June, July and August

Think ski holidays are only in winter? Not in Europe! Home to some incredible glacier ski resorts, you can still hit the slopes when the sun is shining. With some of the best summer ski resorts located in Austria, France and Switzerland, we’ve shared the best places you can ski in June, July and August.

Summer skiing in Austria

Stubai Glacier, Austria

Open: 5th May 2024 onwards

Nearest Airport: Innsbruck Airport

Transfer Time: Transfers from Innsbruck Airport to Neustift take approximately 1 hour.

If you thought spending a full day on the slopes in Europe wasn’t possible past May, you’re wrong. Stubai is Austria’s largest glacier skiing area and has a wide range of activities in the summer. Whether you visit the viewing platform, family hikes, mountain tour or even skiiing the glacier has alot to offer. Classed as the ‘spring season’ you’ll be able to enjoy cheaper lift passes and fewer crowds.

Other activities include climbing, enjoying the viewing platform, hiking tours and geocaching.

Stubai Glacier Summer — Stubai Glacier in the Summer

Hintertux, Austria

Open: May 2024 to October 2024 (Summer Season)

Nearest Airport: Innsbruck Airport

Transfer Time: Transfers from Innsbruck Airport to Hintertux take approximately 1 hour 35 minutes.

Remaining 365 days a year, Hintertux is the ultimate destination for a summer ski holiday. Although its known for its challenging, steep terrain, its 22km of runs cater to a range of abilities. Betterpark is perfect for freestylers and features a half-pipe, table-tops, rails and fun boxes.

Other highlights in the resort include Nature’s Ice Palace, a beautiful glacial crevasse with ice stalactites, ice crystals, frozen waterfalls and a glacial lake. You can also do a took of Spannagel Cave, Europe’s highest altitude publicly accessible cave or enjoy the incredible views from the Panorama Terrace.

Summer skiing in France

Tignes, France

Open: June 2024– TBC

Nearest Airport: Geneva Airport

Transfer Time: Transfers from Geneva Airport to Tignes take approximately 2hours 50 minutes

One of the most popular ski resorts in the Alps, Tignes offers a summer skiing until the beginning of August. The 20km of pistes of the Grande Motte Glacier offers a variety of terrain (blue, red and black runs), all accessed by chairlifts and drags. In addition, the Glacier Snowpark is a popular choice for amateurs and pros, featuring a half-pipe, rails, moguls, a hip ramp, quarter-ramps and a rainbow rail.

Other activities to get involved with include the bike park, archery, golf, hiking, climbing, rafting, white water swimming, horse riding and fishing. Visitors can also have fun in Acroland where you can slide, or ride, down a ramp and into Tignes’ Lake.

© Photo by Gergely Csatari (www.flickr.com/photos/macskapocs/5380633336/)

Les Deux Alpes, France

Open: May 2024 to TBC

Nearest Airport: Geneva Airport

Transfer Time: Transfers from Geneva Airport to Les Deux Alpes take approximately 3 hours 30 minutes

Guaranteeing natural snow on a glacier sitting at an altitude 3,600 metres, Les 2 Alpes is a great option for summer skiing. Open from 7.30am to 12.30pm during the summer ski season, visitors have the chance to ski one of the largest summer ski areas in Europe. Opening Glacier 3200 – 3600, the summer area features 1 red run, 9 blue runs and 1 green, served by 2 chair lifts, 8 ski tows, 2 gondola lifts, 1 cable car, 2 drag lifts, 1 funicular lift and an elevator. In addition, the Snowpark is open, complete with a superpipe and big air.

Other activities include hiking, mountain biking, climbing and paragliding.

© Photo by lucianf (www.flickr.com/photos/lucianf/2422203945/)

Summer skiing in Switzerland

Zermatt, Switzerland

Open: June 2024 – October 2024

Nearest Airport: Geneva Airport

Transfer Time: Transfers from Geneva Airport Airport to Zermatt take approximately 3 hours.

Based on the Theodul Glacier, you can still ski, snowboard and freestyle up to midday. Europe’s highest and biggest summer ski resort, visitors can enjoy 21km of pistes in addition to the Summer Snowpark. Guaranteeing snow cover all year, summer skiing in Zermatt attracts international athletes, with over 100 teams from 22 nations using the slopes to train for the winter season.

In addition to skiing, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, dirt scooter riding, kick biking and mountain carts.

© Photo by Kosala Bandara (www.flickr.com/photos/kosalabandara/14844923823/)

Saas Fee, Switzerland

Open: July 2023 – October 2023

Nearest Airport: Geneva Airport

Transfer Time: Transfers from Geneva Airport to Saas Fee take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

Sitting at an altitude of 3600m, skiing at Saas Fee is the perfect way to cool down this summer. National and international teams head to the 20km of diverse glacier pistes offered at the resort, in addition to the Freestyle Park. Featuring kickers, rails, boxes and transitions, the park is everything you need to prepare you for the winter season.

Apart from skiing, Saas Fee offers a wide variety of activities including mountain tours, hiking, mountain biking, boccia, volleyball, golf and Nordic walking.

We hope this post has inspired you to visit Europe for a summer ski holiday!

If you’re planning to ski in Europe during June, July and August, get an instant quote for your transfer from the airport to the ski resort with Ski-Lifts and book online now!

The Best Places to Cycle in the French Alps

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The Best Places to Cycle in the French Alps

As temperatures increase and the snow melts, thrill seekers look for other ways to get their adrenaline rush in the mountains. Thanks to the millions of people across the globe watch the Tour de France pass through the region each year, the Alps has established itself as one of the greatest cycling locations in the world. We’ve shared some of the best places to cycle in the Alps to help you choose your cycling holiday destination.

When to Cycle in the Alps

Alps Cycling Season

Loved by skiers and cyclists alike, the Alps is a place with two distinct seasons. For half the year, during the winter months, most of the best climbs are covered with snow and ice and the low temperatures don’t make for a pleasant trip.

The cycling season in the Alps generally runs from mid-April to mid-October, although areas above 1,500m, such as the Col du Galibier, are usually open from Mid-May/June to September.

Weather

The Alps is a mountainous region and subject to variable weather, with temperature variations of up to 10C from one day to the next.

Generally, July and August are the driest months, with rainfall occurring in short, heavy afternoon storms.

Whilst June to August offer the highest temperatures, September is one of the best months for cycling in the Alps, with temperatures dropping slightly.

It is also worth noting that weather conditions at the foot of a climb may not be the same at the summit and conditions can rapidly change at any time of year. As a rule, temperatures fall by 6.5C per 1000m increase in altitude, although this difference can be much more dramatic.

Traffic

The Alps are a popular holiday destination, and with this popularity comes the associated traffic.

Traffic is at its peak from mid-July to the end of August, with the roads up to the highest or most famous passes the busiest.

Passing through the region in July each year, the Tour de France brings significant crowds. If you want to avoid this, visit a couple of weeks before or after the race.

Cycling Destinations in the Alps

The dramatic landscape of the Alps might make a spectacular cycling location, but it does cause some difficulty in getting from A to B.

We recommend these destinations as a base within each reach of the best mountain passes:

Annecy

A beautiful town next to a lake, Annecy is the perfect destination for those looking to explore lower or quieter climbs.

Climbs nearby: La Semnoz and Col de la Colombiere.

Getting there: Transfers from Geneva Airport to Annecy take approximately 45 minutes.

Bourg d’Oisans

A small town in the Romanche Valley, Bourg d’Oisans sits at the foot of Alpe d’Huez and is a popular option for cyclists visiting the area.

Climbs nearby: Alpe d’Huez, Col du Glandon, Col de Sarenne, Col du Galibier and Les Duex Alpes.

Getting there: Transfers from Geneva Airport to Bourg D’Oissans take approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.

Morzine

Situated at the foot of the Col du Joux Plane, Morzine is perfect for reaching iconic Tour de France climbs as well as popular mountain biking routes in the Portes du Soleil area.

Climbs nearby: Col du Joux, Col De Ramaz, Cole de la Joux Verte, Avoriaz and Col de la Ramaz.

Getting there: Transfers from Geneva Airport to Morzine take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne

Close to the capital of uphill cycling, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Saint Michel-de-Maurienne is the perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts.

Climbs nearby: Croix de Fer, Galibier, Glandon, Lacets de Montvernier and Madeleine.

Getting there: Transfers from Geneva Airport to Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne take approximately 1 hour 55 minutes.

The Best Climbs in the Alps

Alpe d’Huez

With views of over a fifth of France, Alpe d’Huez is one of the most iconic climbs in the French Alps. Featuring 21 hairpins and the famous ‘Dutch Corner’, this climb has featured in the Tour de France 28 times since 1952.

Length: 13.2km

Average gradient: 8.1%

Elevation gain: 1,071m

Lacets de Montvernier

Despite only being 277m high, Lacets de Montvernier is by no means an easy climb. Featuring 18 hairpin bends, this pass was made famous by the 2015 Tour de France when it captivated the world.

Length: 3.4km

Average gradient: 8.5%

Elevation gain: 277m

Col du Galibier

Scalable both the north and the south, Col du Galibier is ranked as hors catégorie (beyond category) by the Tour de France, making this not an option for the faint-hearted.

Length: 18.1km (from Valloire)

Average gradient: 6.9%

Elevation gain: 1,245m

Col de la Madeline

There are two ways to approach Madeline, each providing its own unique challenges. One of the toughest climbs, cyclists are rewarded with stunning views of Le Massif de la Lauziere and Mont Blanc.

South from La Chambre

Length: 19km

Average gradient: 8%

Elevation gain: 1,529m

North from Augueblanche

Length: 28.3km

Average gradient: 5.4%

Elevation gain: 1.540m

Col du Telegraphe

A gateway to the Galibier, Col du Telegraphe is consistent throughout its entire length, letting you find your rhythm in these magnificent surroundings.

Length: 11.8km

Average gradient: 7.8%

Elevation gain: 856m

We hope these incredible places to cycle in the Alps has helped to inspire your next cycling holiday.

If you’re planning a cycling holiday to the Alps, get an instant quote from Ski-Lifts. Ski-Lifts will provide hassle-free and reliable transfers from the airport to your cycling destination. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]