Best resorts for summer fun

WeaskedSkiClubReps,Members,HQandthe S+bteamtoreveal theirfavouriteAlpineresortsforasummertoremember

CHAMONIX,FRANCE

Katharine Bewlay, SCGBMember

You can be active and also watch others being even more active. The resort offers the perfect combination of walking for all ages and abilities as well as amazing spectator sports; my favourite memory from my last visit is watching the elite athletes battle it out at the Climbing World Cup -two huge outdoor walls are erected in the centre of town -and also the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, the infamous mountain ultramarathon race.

There are endless eating options, swimming, great campsites, free campervan parking, wild flowers, wildlife and -the best bit of all -the chance to feast on wild myrtilles (blueberries). chamonix.com

ZERMATT,SWITZERLAND

Bruce Goodlad, Ski+boardBackcountryEditor

For climbing and mountaineering it is unbeatable. The mountains are amazing and the access that is available using the lift system makes peaks that would typically be multi-day objectives accessible in a long day.

I remember spending a week in Zermatt one August introducing clients to its magical peaks, the highlight being the traverse of the 4,164m Breithorn, a perfect mix of glacier travel and movement on rock snow and ice. zermatt.ch

PORTESDUSOLEIL,FRANCE

Nicola Iseard, Ski+board Editor

"People come here for the winters and end up staying for the summers." So goes a saying among many Morzine locals (and it's what happened to my husband and I, having arrived 10 years ago and never left). Yes, summers in the Portes du Soleil are pretty epic.

The PdS is the epicentre of France's mountain biking scene. There are 600km of trails across 12linked resorts and two countries. The variety is outstanding -yes, there are plenty of grit-your-teeth-and-send-it Championship courses, but there are also miles of wide and mellow routes across scenic meadows for people just starting out.

For those who prefer to explore the mountains with two feet firmly on the ground, the PdS has 7,000km of marked walking trails, many of which are accessible via the extensive summer lift system. Technical climbs such as the three-hour Roe d'Enfer route, lake walks with views, family friendly rambles -just take your pick.

There is plenty of action to be had on the River Dranse too, from rafting, canyoning and hydrospeeding to airboating and canorafting -book via the superb Frogs Rafting team (frogsrafting.com). Or take to the skies and try paragliding ...

David Marsden, SCGBMember

We had great weather -ideal for enjoying the open air pool in the centre of Morzine. The mountain biking was really well organised and exciting. My favourite memory is having the best burger and beer in Les Gets after a day's mountain biking. Perfect. morzine-avoriaz.com

VILLARS,SWITZERLAND

Angus Maciver, SCGBChairman

The resort has so many things to do and summer events: a hiking festival, climbing championships, gourmet walks, e-MTB trails (with charging points), a mountain kart track -something for everyone, no matter your interest or fitness level. The highlight for me was the Tour du Miroir d'Argentine hike, which starts and ends in Solalex on the banks of the Avarn;on river: a popular spot with families, nature-lovers and climbers. The hike takes in the impressive Miroir d'Argentine: a shimmering slab of rock, smooth as a mirror. alpesvaudoises.ch

LAPLAGNE,FRANCE

Joe Clayton, SCGBStaff

There are excellent mountain bike and hiking routes, white water rafting in the valley and amazing weather. My favourite memory is spending the morning climbing (cycling) up the mountain to meet friends for a prolonged picnic with terrific mountain views, before enjoying the decent back down to town. la-plagne.com

CERVINIA,ITALY

Warren Smith, Ski+boardTechnique Editor

After spending 28 summers skiing in the Alps, I have settled on the resort of Cervinia in the last 10 years for my summer fun. The main reason being that there is access the incredible Zermatt/Cervinia glacier between 3,500m and 3,900m; it means we can run our Academy courses and instructor training all year round.

The mountain biking is also great in Cervinia and we usually get the clients out on the bikes if they have the energy in the afternoons. I love to mountain bike, more recently e-biking, go climbing and then plunge in the glacier lakes for some cold water therapy. My favourite Cervinia memory has to be from August 2013 when

.A.Walking, climbing,eating: theChamonix regionhasitall

I skied fresh powder -actually good-quality powder -in the morning and then went white water rafting in the afternoon. cervinia.it

KLOSTERS,SWITZERLAND

Jane Billington, SCGBRep

I had a brilliant time going on fabulous walks, expertly guided by fellow SCGBRep Ness Cornborough, surrounded by wildflowers and the scent of newly cut hay; hop on the cable car up to Schatzalp to see the alpine garden full of edelweiss and orchids and then follow the walking path back down to town.

We also took the Bernina Express train and got off right at the top of the pass by the lake, and walked down towards Italy through some stunning scenery. We took various trains throughout our visit, which were great value and really convenient for taking us to or back from various walks. klosters.ch

T Upandaway: Taketotheskies inMorzine...

VERBIER,SWITZERLAND

Gabriella Le Breton, Ski+boardEditor

When I first visited Verbier in summer, it was for the Verbier Music Festival that takes place each July. I was delighted to discover that the town I'd only ever known carpeted in snow was transformed into a buzzing hub for cyclists, hikers, climbers and classical music buffs, bursting with gem-coloured wildflowers.

The Verbier Festival is the headline show of summers packed with cultural and sporting events that range from traditional cow fights to meditation courses. Aside from enjoying performances from the world's greatest living musicians, I love Verbier in summer for the scenic hikes to duck-egg blue glacial lakes high above the town, tackling the via ferrata routes at Les Gentianes, reaching the peak of Mont-Fort on foot and taking yoga classes with the former Freeride World Tour champ Emilien Badoux on the lush La Chaux pasture. verbier.ch to graceArc 1950'svillage scene,Bear Lodgeprovesa winner