What if the mountain was no longer just a winter affair? Over the past three years, <b>41% of the French</b> have spent time there in summer, more than in winter (30%). The alpine pastures replace the slopes, mountain bikes take over from skis, and the perched villages transform into precious cool refuges when the plains suffocate. Here’s a brief overview of six Franco-Swiss resorts that can be fully enjoyed well beyond skiing, from Haute-Savoie to Valais.
Let's start with Châtel, in Haute-Savoie. In winter, the resort is the French gateway to the Portes du Soleil, a giant ski area straddling two countries.
In summer, it becomes one of the largest mountain biking terrains in Europe: 600 km of trails connecting 12 resorts in France and Switzerland with a single pass, a renowned bike park in Pré-la-Joux, and dozens of routes for electric mountain biking. It's safe to say that it's better to settle down at the foot of the lifts. For that, check out The best rental offers in Châtel, often more convenient (and more economical) than a hotel room when traveling with family.
A few chairlifts away, the 100% pedestrian resort of Avoriaz is also worth a visit, skis put away in the closet.
Change of scenery in Isère. Chamrousse has a rare asset: it is one of the closest ski resorts to a major city, just 30 minutes from Grenoble (and 1h30 from Lyon).
You can even get there by bus, without a car, which is a real plus for an impromptu weekend. Perched between 1400 and 2250 m, it hosted the alpine skiing events of the 1968 Olympic Games, including the famous triple gold of Jean-Claude Killy. But it is especially in summer that it surprises: trails to Lake Achard and the Robert lakes, giant zip line, Himalayan bridge, bike park... and an altitude that guarantees a breath of fresh air when the thermometer goes crazy down below.
Note: several high-altitude lakes are classified as sensitive natural areas, where swimming and camping are strictly regulated. We admire, we do not trample.
Heading to Haute-Maurienne, in Savoie. Val Cenis is not a purpose-built ski resort, but a collection of charming villages (Lanslebourg, Lanslevillard, Termignon) at the foot of the Mont-Cenis pass, just a stone's throw from Italy.
In winter, you can ski on 125 km of slopes, including the famous Escargot, the longest green run in Europe at 10 km. In summer, the Family Plus certified resort transforms into a playground at the gates of the Vanoise National Park: hiking, mountain biking, climbing, zip-lining, swimming in the lakes, with Lake Mont-Cenis as a backdrop.
As a tasty bonus, we gladly head to Italy via the pass for a real espresso (or a pizza) during aperitivo time. It's hard to find a more exotic experience at such a short distance.
Still in Maurienne, but we’re gaining altitude. Orelle, a modest village situated between 880 and 1200 m, hides a well-kept secret: it is the most discreet (and often the most economical) access to the 3 Valleys, the largest ski area in the world with its 600 km of slopes.
Thanks to new gondolas among the fastest in France, one can reach the legendary Cime Caron, at over 3200 m, in about twenty minutes from the village.
New for summer 2026: these gondolas operate daily from July 4 to August 30, offering a 360-degree panorama of the Alps without having to put on skis, before heading over to Val Thorens or Méribel. Hikers and mountain bikers will enjoy it, with marmots as a bonus.
Let's cross the border, heading to the Swiss Valais. Nendaz and Veysonnaz both open the doors to the 4 Valleys, the largest ski area in Switzerland (approximately 410 km of slopes around Mont-Fort, at 3330 m).
Nendaz, charmingly nicknamed the land of bisses, features nearly 98 km of trails along these ancient irrigation canals, shaded and almost flat, perfect for family walks without getting out of breath. Veysonnaz, on the other hand, oversees the legendary Bear run, host to around thirty World Cup races, and enjoys a south-facing balcony above Sion.
Two human-sized, sunny villages where one gladly trades an evening raclette for a glass of fendant on the terrace.
The real question remains: where to sleep? For a mountain vacation, renting a chalet or apartment often outweighs staying in a hotel, and not just for the price. Here’s why:
The budget, first. When traveling with a group, the cost per person per night literally drops. Cooking on-site (a picnic before the hike, a fondue in the evening) avoids the hefty restaurant bill for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.Space and autonomy. A chalet offers separate rooms, a living room, a kitchen, a balcony... in short, enough room to breathe when traveling with a group or with children who don’t have the same rhythm as adults.Time freedom. No fixed service hours, you return from your outing whenever you want, you can do laundry, and dry wet clothes. There’s nothing like it after a long day of mountain biking.The length of stay. Over a week or more, the gap with hotels widens even further, especially outside peak dates.
It’s no coincidence that rental accommodations are significantly increasing year after year in the mountains, while hotel occupancy is stagnating. Hotels still have their advantages (breakfast served, daily housekeeping, spa) for a short couple's getaway or a weekend without logistics. But for a true family stay, between the French and Swiss Alps, going through a Franco-Swiss rental agency often remains the smartest choice.
Some guidelines to prepare well for your stay:
Bisse: an ancient irrigation canal from Valais. The paths that run alongside them, almost flat, are among the most beautiful family walks in Switzerland.Village resort: a resort that developed around a real village inhabited year-round, as opposed to purpose-built high-altitude resorts.Elevation gain: the difference in altitude between the lowest and highest points of an area or hike. A good indicator of the effort required.Pedestrian lifts: in summer, most major areas open their cable cars to hikers and mountain bikers, with dedicated passes (Multi Pass at Portes du Soleil, Pass Altitude in 4 Vallées, activity pass at Val Cenis).
Author Audrey on 12 February 2013
Travel and Tourism : Stay
Author Loïc on 05 July 2026
Travel and Tourism : Guide and directory