The Alps have some of the most amazing mountain sceneries out there. If you are looking for a low key getaway during summer featuring many outdoor activities, the charming mountain towns of Les Quatre Vallées in Switzerland will make a pretty good option. Though the mountains are often forgotten during the warmer weeks of the years, the opportunities for conquering them from June to September are endless too.
Swiss mountain towns in summer in general have some advantages – the air is fresher, big crowds are rare, easygoing festivals are often held and the outdoor activities are thrilling. It’s that time of the year when the Swiss towns really come to life.
Festivals showing off art, wine and music are scheduled summer-round in and above the Vallee du Rhone.
But the best activity perhaps is that one day per month when the ski lifts open up again (admission to the lifts is only CHF 25,- for a full day pp), easing up hiking towards some of the higher grounds of the area. This day is called the ‘mini prices day’.
With the Mont Fort as the highest point (3,328 m / 10,919 ft) of Les Quatre Vallées, it’s best if you start this hiking day over there early in the morning – just a little before sunrise – to get the best views.
Nendaz offers the fastest route by lift to the Mont Fort. So get up really (like, really) early and park your car over there or at the nearby lift of Siviez.
Though it will be dark and cold, the iglo restaurant next to Mont Fort opens up early during this special day, providing hot coffee or coco while waiting for the sun to appear.
As the peachy or pinky rays slowly crawl over the mountain peaks, they are accompanied by the sound of the alphorn (the Swiss answer to the didgeridoo). It certainly adds to the special atmosphere of this freezing wake-up call.
After this spectacle, hike towards La Tzoumaz or Verbier if you want to have best views of the Vallee du Rhone. It’s for sure fun to discover a new side of a place you probably can’t imagine without snow. Speaking off, want to see how the mountain valleys and its villages look like though in winter? Have a look at “The Alps are calling” part one and part two!
Want to know what dates in summer the lifts will open up again? Check out the website of Les 4 Vallees or the agenda of Nendaz. Type in “mini prices” to see when the next offers will be. Or check out their Facebook page!
Enjoy the hike!
Here’s where to find the valleys! ↓
