VISIT ENGLAND
M
n i a t n u o
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F
outside and enjoy the great outdoors
Once you try a family summer mountain
after discovering that, although half of
holiday, it's easy to get hooked. The
the UK's population live within an hour
Fischer family, who have three pre-
of one of our National Parks, only 10%
teenage children, are summer mountain
actually ever visit one.
holiday addicts.
And research published recently by
“My family loves summers in the
Natural England showed that taking
mountains. Two summers ago we had
part in nature-based activities is not
a brilliant week based in Argentière,
just good for physical fitness but
a highlight finding a waterfall above
can also contribute to a reduction in
Vallorcine perfect for picnicking and cold-
anxiety, stress and depression. In fact,
water plunging!” says mum Vanessa.
it recommended greater use of “green
ore and more families are finding that
care” to help people suffering from
“Last summer we discovered some new
spending quality time together in the
mental ill health, including taking part in
treehouses on the edge of the Hautes-
mountains in summer can beat beach
environmental conservation.
Pyrénées. One was big enough to sleep
holidays hands down.
our family of five, and it was a night we For families, there are ever more
will remember forever, sleeping high up
Holidays to the European lakes and
companies offering summer mountain
in the trees, and in the morning huge
mountains aren't about lying on a sunbed,
holidays in Europe, and there's ever
excitement pulling up our basket of
reading a novel and slipping into the
more for families to do once there.
breakfast with fresh croissants and hot
swimming pool (although they can be that
TM16 // 42
y l i am
coffee and chocolate left at the bottom of
too if you like!). Instead the local lifestyle, the
Prices tend to be much lower than
culture and the fresh mountain air make you
in winter too as ski resorts battle to
to want to get out and explore, to awaken
fill chalet and apartment beds, often
That treehouse also has a nice wooden
your senses.
offering free or very cheap activities as
hot tub heated to 39°C as an added
part of a package once you book your
attraction.
What's more, the British government wants
accommodation and have been awarded
more people, particularly children, to get
your “guest card”. It's a buyer's market.
a rope below us!”
lescabanesdepyrene.com
@INTHESNOWMAG