Has anyone tried summer in the Alpes?

[mumboys2]

We are considering booking an Esprit Family Alpine Adventure holiday in July.

Has anyone else done a similar type of holiday? In the past few years we have been to Greece and thought we would try something different, but I am worried about what the weather will be like in the Alpes as I am a bit of a sun worshipper.

It would be great to hear from anyone that has done something similar.

Thanks

We've had great holidays with our DSs in the Alps (not using a holiday company) but the weather cannot be guaranteed to be fine.

We went to Switzerland (Interlaken) in the summer - all the ski resorts are open, but obv there's no snow at that level (Grindeldwald, Wengen).

But it is absolutely fantastic, the weather is usually beautiful. When you go higher up into the mountains (we went to the top of the Jungfrau and the Schilthorn) there's deep snow but really, really warm sun, so you need waterproof boots but summer tops.

The nature of the holiday means it is less lying around sunbathing, but we were in summer clothes, and did catch the sun while walking.

If you have children under 1 you need to be careful about altitude though - lower is fine, but the high (snowy) mountains aren't suitable for very young children. But great walking, lovely sightseeing, lovely weather.

I've been three times in the summer, and always had good weather (July) - it can turn towards the end of summer (mid-Aug onwards). We went to the Italian lakes in late summer and it was definitely cooler in the mountains (Dolomites), and more stormy. So earlier summer gives you a better chance of good weather.

We live about an hour from the Alps, near Geneva. Summer here is very pleasant, warm but not too warm. Certainly warmer than UK in July.

Depending where you are, you can see always go to a nearby town or city. There are some lovely little towns, although they are sometimes quiet in summer.

Hi MmeLindt.
We are holidaying in Megeve From July 12th -18th, and i have a 9 yr old DS coming with us. You are not in Megeve are you ?? Hoping to find someone for my 9 yr to get together with.
Where abouts are you living ??
Our first time to the Alps in summer, and then onto Venice.
Looking forward to your response.

even in missummer you might still get 3 days out of week that are very foggy or rainy. It is so beautiful in summer though.

Did Annecy in the French alps a couple of years back (albeit pre-kids...just!). Weather was distinctly variable, albeit for the most part fairly mild. Had some lovely days, which of course meant some stunning views of the mountains, but also had quite a bit of rain and greyness. Think this was August time. Overall, v. glad we went.

We had a wonderful holiday in Grindelwald one August (in a heatwave, just by chance). So much fun for the kids going on chairlifts and little mountain trains. Switz is massively child friendly and really beautiful.

Been to Berne area in September and the Tyrol in June. Both great fun and good weather.

Yes it was great. Couple of wet days but some really hot ones too. Stayed near Chamonix - lots of activities there plus walks for us.

Many times France, Switzerland (mainly) and Austria. Although we did Chamonix with Esprit one year (because it was very cheap deal) at that time they didn't do much of a programme. All the activities can be arranged through a local tourist office independently and many resorts have a kids programme during July/early August with activities like circus skills and parades. Weather can be hot but spectacularly stormy, usually early evening or overnight.

Thanks so much for all your replies, still undecided though! I think I may opt for a villa in the med while the boys are still young enought to be happy with a pool and a beach (they are 3 and 5). I think I will definitely pencil in an alpine adventure for a few years time when they will old enough to really enjoy the mountain activities.

We did an Esprit holiday to Kaprun in Austria last year and it was great. The childcare is excellent and comprehensive and there was plenty to do by ourselves and as a family in the two weeks we were there. I would recommend Esprit to go with. The weather can get quite hot but its punctuated every 2-3 days by storms, with lightning & thunder that cools things down again and they are short and often at night.

As long as you realise the weather will be changeable and are prepared its a lovely change to a beach holiday and the scenary is so beautiful. Our last 3 holidays have been in the mountains however (Skiing in Switzerland, then the summer in Austria, then skiing again in Italy) so we are heading back to the beach this summer.

We've been to the Austrian Alps several times in the summer and had a lovely time.

I can highly recommend Kinderhotels (in particular Brennseehof and Alpenrose), as the kids had a fab time in the various kids clubs, there are loads of sports on offer, the pool/spa is lovely and the food was excellent.

Yes, the weather can be variable, but as there is so much to do indoors, it really hasn't bothered us. And if you are active outside (cycling, hiking) you don't want it too hot anyway.