The Ski Blog

Summer scenes from the mountains

We know we're always banging on about how great the mountains are in summer. Well in case you don't believe us, this week's post is a photo blog with some of the latest photos from alpine areas.

Summer has really started now in most places, festvals, fireworks, music, cheese-eating - lots of things to do to enjoy the local colour and flavour. The traditions and heritage of the Alps becomes much more in evidence during the summer season when people have the time to relax and enjoy their surroundings.

The photos below chronicle the early summer in Haute Savoie. Enjoy! And if you have any alpine photos you'd like to share please let us know.

View of the Pointe Percee, les Aravis, taken from Flaine, Grand Massif.

 

 

A traditional mountain restaurant in Megeve, on the walk up to Mont d'Arbois.

 

Some great golf courses with the most impressive views can be found in the Alps.

 

 

The gentiane - just one of the gorgeous mountain flowers that bloom in alpine meadows in the early summer.

 

Early summer is when the waterfalls are at their fullest, with the meltwater from the winter snow.

French VAT cut - eating out really is getting cheaper!

As we already mentioned way back in May, the rate of restaurant VAT in France has been cut to 5.5% since July 1st. French restaurants are now obliged to pass on this reduction to the customer and accordingly have to reduce the price of up to a dozen items on their menu.

CD HQ has heard of at least 2 establishments who have made the change. Aux Petits Oignons in Les Carroz, which reopens this week for the summer season, has lowered the the price on nine dishes, including a 1 euro reduction on the plat du jour, and 4 euros off on two off their Savoyard specialities. The restaurant is also hosting a special jazz dinner on the 14th July, and has a kids eat free offer during the week - where a children's menu is free when the Menu Carte is purchased by an accompanying adult.

Bar le National in St Jean D'Aulps, near Morzine, has also made a splash with the announcement that "Bar le National has reduced prices on ALL PIZZAS....permanently!!!" The bar also has Ben & Jerry's and fresh salads at a cheaper price.

So that's great news. If you know of anywhere else that deserves a mention let us know!

Summer seasons in the mountains - it's all up and running!

As July begins pretty much all the mountain resorts in Europe are opening up, dusting off the lifts and gearing up for the summer season. So head to the Alps or Pyrenees now and you'll be pretty certain that the summer activities will be in full swing.

Whilst the lower resorts, below 1200m, will have been able to start opening lifts, swimming pools, golf courses and other facilities during June, the higher places will have been ensuring that everything's good to go for this month.

July and August can be busy for most resorts.

The Tour de France kicks off this Saturday and will shortly be heading to the mountains of the Pyrenees, then later into Switzerland and Italy,

Across French resorts, July 14th will be marked by fireworks and celebrations.

Music festivals take place throughout the summer - the famous Montreux Jazz festival starts on Friday, and this year's line up includes Lily Allen, Black Eyed Peas, Bloc Party and veteran rocker Alice Cooper. Montreux goes on until 18th July and for the full line up visit the festival website.

For sports enthusiasts the annual Evian Masters, one of the premier events of the ladies pro circuit, takes place from 23-26th July - it's a great chance to see the top female golfers in the world in action.

Chamonix's International Climbing festival is from 11th-13th July, finishing up with a grand fireworks display and award ceremony on the evening of the 13th.

Some resorts are also keen to attract visitors with some super deals - Portes du Soleil resorts for example are offering a Multi-Pass for just 1€ a day, giving you access to lifts, swimming pools, tennis centres and much more, and is available in all resorts across the Portes du Soleil; Les Gets, Morzine, Chatel, Morgins for example.

And the weather forecast is good! It's looking like temperatures will be rising during this week and reaching the late 20's and early 30's.

So loads to do, breathtaking scenery, great weather, sunshine, fresh air - what's not to like! Take a look at summer holiday possibilities on Chalets Direct.

If you've got a special event happenign in your resort, please let us know about it so we can let everyone else know!