Go off piste: summer in the Swiss Alps

Hit the slopes for a hike

From a gentle family hike to something a little more challenging, Verbier makes for the perfect spot from which to set off for a day exploring the region’s spectacular scenery. With ten of its ski lifts operational throughout the summer and with several routes to choose from – make sure to ask the team at The Lodge for their favourites –you’ll soon find yourself taking in the views across the valley while enjoying the peace and quiet of the mountains, only interrupted occasionally by the soothing sounds of water rushing from mountain streams, animated birdsong or by the clanging of cowbells from cattle grazing the pastures covered in wildflowers.  

E-biking across the Alps

Throughout the Summer, ski runs make way for mountain biking and e-biking trails and with the largest e-bike festival in the world taking place yearly in August, Verbier certainly sets the bar high for e-biking. Riders gather from the world over to take part in races, discover new routes, test out various bikes, and enjoy plenty of food and activities, turning this Swiss alpine resort into a veritable cycling mecca for four days. 
All throughout the summer season in Verbier, guided e-bike excursions are available and following an expert tutorial on how to work the bike, you’ll soon be on your way, discovering the beautiful landscape, cycling past mountain lakes, and stopping off for a picnic, safe in the knowledge that popping the bike into electric mode will make those ascents just that little bit easier.

Worth setting the alarm for

Getting up early on holiday may not be everyone’s idea of relaxation but we promise it is worth it to watch the sun rise over the Swiss mountains from Mont Fort. During the summer months, the lifts in Verbier start operating pre-dawn to ensure people can start their day by taking in 360 views of the Alps’ snow-capped peaks bathing in a beautiful sunrise glow. Finish the early morning activities with a peaceful high-altitude yoga class, stretching, flowing, and exercising those muscles, set against the most spectacular of backdrops.

Discover little-known Alpine wines

With only 3% exported internationally, Swiss wine is a carefully guarded secret and with the Valais region accounting for a third of Switzerland’s total wine production, wine enthusiasts are in for a treat. Make a day out of it and visit the 19th century winery Les Fils de Maye in Riddes, or head to Switzerland’s first ‘oenoparc’ – at Celliers de Sion for gourmet vineyard walks, wine tastings and cellar visits. Stop off at the Wine Museum in Sierre, before returning to The Lodge to sample some of the day’s discoveries.

Culture, Alpine-style

Each year at the end of July and the beginning of August, some of the world’s greatest classical music artists come together with aspiring musicians at the Verbier Festival for a series of epic concerts, intimate recitals, and workshops in various picture-perfect locations. Alternatively, grab one of The Lodge’s gourmet picnics, and spend an afternoon among a collection of impressive sculptures at the outdoor Verbier 3-D Sculpture Park, set at an altitude of 2,300 metres between La Chaux and Les Ruinettes. 

Inspired to visit Verbier in the summer? Discover staying at The Lodge.