The Swiss Alps is arguably one of the most underrated destinations for a summer holiday. With temperatures around 25-28°C during the day, breathtaking scenery, shimmering lakes and a diverse range of activities on offer, there is plenty to lure you to this mesmerising region. 

Whilst COVID-19 has not been kind to the ski industry in general, Switzerland was one of the few countries that managed to keep its ski resorts open for business during the pandemic. With shops, leisure facilities and cultural venues open, cable cars and mountain railways running and restaurants open for outdoor eating, there is plenty to look forward to in the Swiss Alps this summer for those that can travel. 

1. Stunning Scenery

From the majestic Matterhorn in Zermatt to the Jungfrau towering above Interlaken, the mountains in Switzerland provide the perfect backdrop for summer adventures in the Alps. 

One of the best ways to explore the landscape is on foot, and with over 400 km of marked trails, Zermatt in particular is a hiker's paradise. This summer sees the opening of the Zmutt Culture Trail, the second stage of a five-stage cultural trail which seeks to draw attention to the region's cultural treasures.  Visitors can explore Switzerland's oldest hamlet on the new route, comprising 14 stopping points and 13 historic houses.

2. Sporting Events

Whether you are an enthusiastic onlooker or competitive athlete, the Swiss Alps plays host to a plethora of sporting events during the summer months.

Fancy tackling the elevation of Everest in one day? Verbier's Tour des Station (5 - 7 August) is a unique cycling race which covers 8,848 metres of cumulative elevation gain over 242 km. A new feature will allow e-bike riders to tackle one of the shorter routes (34 km) known as E-Fondo - good news for those who like to take things a little easier!

Come the end of August (26 - 29), golf fanatics will be heading to Crans Montana for one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in Europe, the OMEGA European Masters. Hosted by the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, the tournament sees top players such as Rory Mcllroy compete for the coveted trophy.

For something a little more unique, why not attend the highest-lying Swiss wrestling festival in Switzerland at Hornberg? Swiss wrestling or “schwingen” is a style of folk wrestling dating back to medieval times which is native to Switzerland. Taking place on 22 August, the festival starts at 10am with the final wrestling match taking place at 4pm. 

3. Music Festivals

Music lovers can take their pick from a number of fabulous festivals this summer. Verbier Festival is back with 17 days  (16 July - 1 August) of the best in live classical music.  Visitors of all ages can experience more than 200 concerts and events: orchestral and operatic performances at Salle des Combins, intimate recitals at the Verbier Église, public masterclasses led by great masters, as well as inspiring talks, children's programmes and concerts in nature.

From 30 July to 14 August, the Engadin Festival is celebrating its 80th anniversary under the theme of “Jubilees” with Martha Argerich, Janine Jensen, Grigory Sokolov and Heinz Holliger among others. In St. Moritz, jazz lovers unite at the Festival da Jazz (8 July - 1 August). The focus will be on locations in the open air: at the lake, at Hauser's, in the Kulm Park and many more. With music being played under the motto “Keeping Live Music Alive”, it is sure to be a showstopper.

Although Zermatt Unplugged was unable to go ahead in April, the resort is launching a new series of concerts called Summer Weekends on 15 - 18 July and 22 - 25 July. The acts playing are yet to be announced.

4. Cultural Events

From 8 July to 29 August, St Moritz will transform Kulm Park into a drive-in cinema. Showing film classics from Thursday to Saturday and on selected Sundays, the audience are presented with a varied programme, enriched by culinary specialities of the Kulm Country Club. For a true taste of Swiss traditions, head to Zermatt's Folklore Festival (14 & 15 August) where you can experience everything from alphorn and yodelling to traditional costumes and dancing.

5. Luxury Chalets

At significantly reduced rates compared to the winter season, the Swiss Alps offers a vast array of luxury chalets to stay in during your summer holiday. From outdoor hot tubs and sumptuous spas to expansive terraces with panoramic views, these chalets have everything a luxury villa could provide in a simply spectacular setting. Below are a few of our favourites:

Chalet Chouqui, Verbier - in a secluded location above Verbier, Chouqui has an impressive spa with indoor pool and outdoor hot tub, not to mention a fantastic terrace with awe-inspiring mountain views. The chalet comes fully-serviced with a team of staff to attend to your every need.

Chalet Les Anges, Zermatt - high above Zermatt with uninterrupted views of the magnificent Matterhorn, Les Anges is a stunning south-facing chalet with an elegant interior, sun-soaked terrace, wellness suite and outdoor hot tub.

The Loft, St Moritz - this modern residence is built right on the edge of Lake St Moritz with spectacular views over the lake, valley and surrounding mountain peaks. Just 100 metres from the town centre, The Loft is perfectly positioned to enjoy everything St Moritz has to offer. 

To book or view Leo Trippi's full summer portfolio in the Swiss Alps, please contact the team on +41 81 385 1882 or visit https://www.leotrippi.com/luxury-summer-chalets/in-switzerland/ 

For press enquiries, please contact Leo Trippi:

Serena Norton

+44 (0) 7917 102 856

serena.norton@leotrippi.com

About Leo Trippi:

Leo Trippi is an award-winning travel company specialising in luxury chalets and tailor-made mountain trips around the world. Leo Trippi has been crowned "World's Best Ski Travel Agent" at the World Ski Awards seven years in a row and CEO Oliver Corkhill is recognised by Conde Nast Traveller as a Top Travel Specialist for 2021.