5 Best Places to Ski in Europe in summer

The best areas in Europe for summertime skiing are located in the higher elevations of the Alps. Because many of the continent's most popular summer ski resorts are also centres for activities like boating and hiking, visitors on holiday can take advantage of a mix of seasons and activities within the same stay.

Tignes, France

The Grand Motte glacier, rising to heights of over 3600 metres, is the center piece of France's largest developed summer ski resort. Skiers hop aboard a railway and then transfer to cable car to reach the heights where the snow is always plentiful and the views spectacular.

Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Open for summer skiing and snowboarding on the Allalinhorn glacier in southern Switzerland, Saas-Fee has 20 km of runs for all levels of skiers at an altitude of 3600 metres. The village is car-free, and transport by train is a matter of a couple hours from Geneva. The ski area includes snowboarding courses, plus a relatively uncrowded atmosphere that makes skiing more fun.

Zermatt Gletscher, Switzerland

Summer skiing in the Zermatt-Matterhorn region of Switzerland ranges over 20 km of slopes on the Theodul glacier. Views of the Matterhorn, knocking ski poles with training competitive skiers from around the world, Zermatt's glacier ski area is the highest altitude and largest snow sport region in the Alps.

Kitzsteinhorn, Austria

Located near the shores of the blue glacial waters of the Zeller See and the popular resort area of Zell am See, this summer ski destination features transport via cable car to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier at a height of 3209 metres. Holiday visitors can enjoy both temperate skiing and water sports from one day to the next.

Courmayeur, Italy

Near the French border and the ski resort of Chamonix, Courmayeur lies at the foot of Mont Blanc. Linked by cable car to the glacier above the French resort, an area called Vallee Blanche, Courmayeur is a popular summer skiing venue due to its moderate slopes. The winter ski area is accessible from the car-free village via one of Europe's biggest gondolas.

The French Laundry Restaurant

If you are looking for one of the finest dining experiences in the world then you must book a table at the French Laundry restaurant. Located in the beautiful Napa Valley region of California the 3 Michelin starred restaurant is run by Chef Thomas Keller who is rated as one of the best chefs in the world.

As well as being awarded 3 stars by the Michelin Guide, the restaurant has been a constant contender in the Restaurant Magazine’s list of the best 50 restaurants in the world, being awarded the best restaurant in the world accolade twice in 2003 and 2004. The restaurant has also consistently earned excellent reviews, including from the New York Times. Anthony Bourdain has stated that the French Laundry is ‘the best restaurant in the world, period.”

The restaurant building itself was originally built at the end of the 19th century as a saloon bar. The building later became a French steam laundry during the era of prohibition, hence the name of the modern restaurant. The building is now a part of the national register of historic places.

Thomas Keller has owned the restaurant since 1994 and has developed a restaurant and cuisine that is some of the best in the world.

The food is mostly French in style but with North American influences and ingredients and is based around two daily prix fixe menus that contain 9 courses, as well as tasting menus. On these menus you will find that no ingredient is used in more than one course meaning you truly are able to taste a whole range of different flavours throughout the meal.

Making French Food

Luxury Cruise Holidays

In the last few years I have started travelling on cruise holidays and I have found it to be a wonderful way to get around. Some of the cabins are truly luxurious and spacious and are as good any some of the very best hotel rooms.

The food is often excellent and Cruise Lines I particularly recommend for the luxury market include the Cunard ships such as the Queen Elisabeth and some of the Royal Caribbean ships.



I especially like the Queen Elisabeth and really hope to travel on her again soon!