The Alps are home to numerous outdoor activities such as snowsports, mountain biking, hiking, paragliding, climbing, and much more! So, it’s no wonder fitness and health enthusiasts flock to the Alps year-round for a sporty holiday or wellness retreat.
In this post, we cover the best times to visit the mountains for a sporty holiday, where to stay and ten reasons why the Alps are a perfect outdoor playground for active guests.
When to plan a sporty holiday in the Alps
The time you choose to visit the Alps for a sports holiday largely depends on the type of activities you want to do.
If you are only interested in mountain sports such as skiing and snowboarding, you will be limited to the winter season (Dec-April/May).
However, as more people recognise the broader appeal of the mountains, wellness retreats, hiking holidays and cycling trips are now increasing in popularity. If these are the types of activities you have in mind, we’d recommend visiting in spring or autumn.
The benefits of visiting in spring or autumn
- The weather isn’t too hot or too cold, allowing you to enjoy activities at a comfortable temperature,
- The changing seasons make for stunning views,
- Resorts are much quieter, which is great if you want to enjoy a tranquil wellness retreat,
- Accommodation is usually cheaper than peak times, meaning you can benefit from top-class indoor sports equipment at your chalet for less.
Where to stay
Quality accommodation is key to a successful sports holiday or wellness retreat in the Alps.
At OVO Network, we pride ourselves on working with properties that offer excellent luxury facilities to make your holiday special.
Here are some examples of fitness/wellness facilities you can enjoy when staying in one of our partner properties:
- Hot tubs with breathtaking natural views,
- Saunas and steam rooms to aid detoxification and muscle recovery,
- Swimming pools/swim spas – ideal for low-impact cardio exercise,
- Gyms with treadmills, exercise bikes, dumbells and more,
- Yoga studios where you can practise alone or with the help of an instructor,
- Massage rooms where a therapist can help soothe aching muscles,
- Quality indoor and outdoor cooking facilities where you can prepare healthy meals,
- Gardens and terraces for relaxing outside or practising yoga/pilates.
If you’re looking for a chalet that truly has it all, then Chalet Le Mousqueton is the place for you.
With a fully-kitted fitness studio, a state-of-the-art swim spa, a hot tub, a sauna and a treatment room, you can enjoy all the luxuries of both a gym and a spa without leaving your doorstep! Cyclists will also have peace of mind storing their bikes on the top-of-the-line bike rack available.
In spring and summer, the large terrace can also be used for outdoor dining or practising yoga.
Staying at a property like Chalet Le Mousqueton means you won’t need to travel far to make the most of your wellness retreat. So why not book a yoga instructor or a massage therapist who can offer their services from the comfort of the chalet?
Plus, with friendly guest managers on hand to help you arrange activities, you don’t need to worry about finding local contacts!
10 reasons to plan a sporty holiday in the mountains
1. There are endless activities to try
If you’re coming to the mountains for a sports holiday, the main thing you’re looking for is physical activity. And although popular for skiing and snowboarding, there’s so much more to the Alps than snowsports alone.
Hiking, cycling, yoga, climbing, trail running and even watersports are just some of the other things you can do. So why not try something new?
2. The mountains can improve your physical and mental health
Immersing yourself in nature is a fantastic way to take a break from the business of daily life. And a quick search online will throw up many articles and reports on the various health benefits that holidaying – or living – in the mountains offer, such as reduced stress, improved cardiovascular health and a stronger immune system.
So if you’re looking to improve your overall health and well-being, then head for the Alps!
3. Accommodation is built with active guests in mind
A lot of luxury chalets in the Alps have been built with active people in mind. Whether it’s gym facilities, kit storage or wellness equipment, you’ll easily find accommodation to suit your needs.
Book a wellness property in the Alps
4. Sports equipment can be easily rented
Trying something for the first time and don’t fancy investing in the kit straight away? No problem – there are hundreds of equipment rental shops across the Alps offering high-quality gear to hire.
Just make sure to book ahead of time to guarantee it’s in stock and check the opening times in the off-season.
5. Nature is your playground
Fancy changing up your usual surroundings? Why not swap the local gym for a fitness studio with a view, switch your regular running route to an Alpine forest or manoeuvre the windy mountain paths on your road bike? You’ll be completing daily workouts you can write home about!
6. Transporting sports equipment is easy
You can easily book sports equipment onto your flight, and it costs around £30-£60. In most destinations, there are free shuttle buses which are well-designed for transporting equipment as well as passengers.
In summer, chair lifts in some resorts will open for mountain bikers to take to their favourite routes and trains such as the Mont Blanc Tramway allow you to take on one piece of ski equipment on per person.
7. Healthy food options are easy to find
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to healthy ingredients in the Alps. There is a strong market culture in many different resorts, so you’re likely to find a great deal of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish that can be enjoyed at your accommodation.
And if you don’t feel like cooking for yourself after an active day, you can hire a private chef or enjoy one of the many renowned restaurants.
Now you know what to expect from a sporty holiday in the Alps, it’s time to get planning! Head to our activities archives for more ideas to fill your active itinerary. And if you enjoyed this post, we think you’d also love:
- The top 10 extreme sports in the Alps
- What to do in the resort this winter if you’re not skiing
- Cycling in the Alps: where should you stay?
- Top activities in the Alps in autumn
Finally, don’t forget to check out our brilliant range of self-catered partners chalets across the Alps for wellness retreats, cycling holidays or amazing views. Or, browse the full collection below:
