Getaway to the Alps Spring Skiing and Summer Trekking

Getaway to the Alps

A road trip to the Alps delivers a combination of excitement, outdoor sports, beautiful vistas and alpine weather. Several mountain resorts are closer than you might think from Provence providing an excellent destination for travellers and sportspersons alike. The Alps stretch 1,200 km across Europe through the famed resorts of France, Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, and Provence.

You might wonder what you can do in the Alps in the spring and other times of the year. The mountain resorts have a lot to offer from family-friendly rooms, gourmet food, hiking, trekking and skiing spots. According to The Telegraph, these are some of the affordable alpine destinations rated by visitors and locals.

Photo: www.forbes.com

Spring Skiing in the Alps

Skiing is the sport of drifting through the snow with skis attached to your feet. It is not too hard to learn, but it takes time to master, after two or three falls you are sure to be super careful! Here, are of few of the top ski resorts in the Alps:

• Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy– This resort is a must-visit destination for skiers due to its skiing history from the famed 1946 Winter Olympics. This Italian gem resort is one of the best resorts on the Alps, rich with history with its 1000-year-old town. The view of the mountain and the yummy restaurants are the main attractions as much as it is for skiing. With Italian cuisine and hospitability, the experience is undoubtedly lavishing.
• Chamonix Mont Blanc, France– This resort is known as the mountaineering capital of Europe. The mountain slopes around Chamonix are steep and narrow. Lying at the intersection of France, Italy, and Switzerland and only an hour’s drive from Geneva airport this is one of the most visited resorts in the Alps. Chamonix offers a perfect weekend getaway for short skiing breaks.
• Megeve, France– Megeve has three ski areas; although it is not as big as the other French Alp centres, which makes it an excellent choice for skiers who enjoy less-crowded skiing. The resort is beautiful, and there is high-end shopping for non-skiers.
• St Moritz, Switzerland– The world-class resort of St. Moritz is second to none, with five-star hotels and even an exciting snow polo event. The resort hosted the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics, and it is also a four-time location for the Alpine Skiing World Championship, St. Moritz’s reputation as a ski destination is difficult to match.

Photo: REI.com

Alpine Trekking in Europe

Trekking is similar to hiking but is generally more intense, testing a person’s physical ability, stamina, mental and psychological capacity. Some trekkers like to prove themselves when dealing with natural elements. Here are a few trekking destinations in the Alps:

• Tour du Mont Blanc– This tour is the most famous trek in Europe, in which you will have to cross the Alps highest peak, Mont Blanc. Some of the obstacles present are glaciers, streams, and sloping valleys. The route starts in France travels through Italy and Switzerland and finally back to France. If you are planning on trekking, all the Alps make Mont Blanc tour as the ‘last boss.’ Save the best for the last.
• Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route– The route passes the bases of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Along the way, you will encounter glaciers, alpine lakes, and mountain streams, and sleep in villages with comfortable accommodations.
• Bernese Oberland Traverse– The other routes (mentioned above) are age-adaptable, but this route is much more challenging. The landscape is only recommended for those willing to assume a higher level of risk. This traverse includes tough mountain passes and requires careful preparation. It is best suited for experienced trekkers.
• Eiger to Matterhorn– This trek connects the two Swiss Alp icons the Eiger and the Matterhorn. This historic route is one of the longest walks with several challenging passes, 4000-meter peaks, and charming villages.

Photo: www.backpacker.com

The Alps are a great getaway from city life in Provence and a chance to create some lasting memories. Take the time to enjoy the snowy beauty of the Alps during springtime, and cooler mountain temperatures in the summer months. The small charming villages and famous resorts are like fairy tales, magical and glamorous.

Discover this guided tour of the Grande Traversée du Mercantour. This relatively new trail is 220 km long running from the high alpine of the Mercantour, all the way down to the Mediterranean Sea in Menton.

Getting to the Alps from Provence

The following are approximate driving times, as weather conditions and traffic may factor into actual travel time.

By Car from Aix-en-Provence to:

Les 3 Vallées – 4 hours

Chamonix – 5 hours

Chambéry – 3 1/2hours

Megève – 4 1/2 hours

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – 10 hours

St Moritz, Switzerland – 8 hours

Author’s Bio:

Claire worked in property finance for several years and now enjoys helping people find holiday homes that they can relax in or make a good investment for the future. She understands that buying a property abroad can be nerve-wracking and wants to share tips and best practices to make that process run smoothly. The multi-lingual team at Morzine Prestige is on hand to support you further. Meet Claire at Morzine Prestige for more ideas about Chalets for sale in Morzine.

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).