sonnwies mountain resorts summer

Meet the chic mountain resorts reimagining the summer off season

24 Apr 2025 | Updated on: 28 Apr 2025 | By Annie Lewis

Thought the best time to visit the mountains was in winter? Think again. These resorts are proving summer is the season to book

The 2025 ski season may have drawn to a close – but that doesn’t mean the mountains have. While the lifts slow down and the après bars lock their doors for another six months, the blooming buds of spring usher in a whole new era for some of the world’s best mountain resorts. With ski seasons in Europe becoming shorter due to climate change, many hotels have had to adapt and transform into year-round havens, offering hiking trails, mountain golf courses and world-class wellness experiences to rival any ski holiday. 

So, what are you waiting for? Make 2025 the year you swap your skis for hiking boots and explore a new side to the peaks you know and love – including Mont Blanc, the Pindus mountains, the Bavarian Alps and St. Moritz – for a fresh taste of mountain luxury, and an even fresher dose of mountain air.

French Alps: Four Seasons Hotel Megève, France

Four Seasons Hotel Megève, France mountain resorts summer

Just an hour from Geneva, Four Seasons Hotel Megève seamlessly transforms from an alpine winter wonderland into a summer resort every June. Nestled between the charming village of Megève and the Mont Blanc summit – which is traversed by some of the world’s most well-heeled skiers every winter – it is the only hotel in the region with direct access to the Mont d’Arbois golf course and surrounding hiking tracks. 

From glacial exploration to tee time, and gastronomic picnics on top of the mountain to hiking, climbing, canyoning, mountain biking and mountain excursions, there’s plenty to appease every adventurer here. Plus, the 55 chic bedrooms are nearly always fully booked during the winter season, so heading here in the summer months means you can enjoy the region’s largest spa, acclaimed French and Japanese restaurants, cigar bar and impressive Rothschilds art collection without the crowds. 

From £535 per night. 

Pindus Mountains: Grand Forest Metsovo, Greece

A world away from Santorini – and cooler in a more literal sense – are the rugged Pindus mountains in north-western Greece, which draw skiers in winter, and hikers from spring through to autumn. Perched atop a private mountain within the Pindus National Park is Grand Forest Metsovo: a luxurious mountain retreat offering a range of exhilarating outdoor activities, from horseback riding to canyoning. This five-star Mr and Mrs Smith hotel is renowned not only for its curated concierge, but panoramic views of the surrounding black pine forest and the picturesque town of Metsovo which can be enjoyed from the comfort of one of the 62 suites, thoughtfully designed with beamed feature ceilings and exposed stonework. This is Greece like you’ve never seen before. 

From £157.75 per night. 

Sierra de Bernia: Zem Wellness Clinic Altea, Spain

The Sierra de Bernia is a rugged mountain range belonging to the Cordilleras Béticas and runs for 11km perpendicular to the Mediterranean coast. Located within the Altea hills overlooking the Mediterranean is Zem Wellness Clinic Altea: a holistic haven where science, medicine and ancient wisdom come together to inspire guests to live longer. Open all-year round, it’s perfect for both classic detoxes in January and mid-summer medicinal pick-me-ups. 

With 95 suites, many of which feature views across the bay of Altea and the island of La Olla, accommodation blends serenity and sustainability, while surrounding gardens and swimming pools are designed to immerse guests in native, centuries-old vegetation. Each bespoke health programme comes with a personalised food plan based around Mediterranean diet principles, with all menus prepared using organic food grown in the hotel’s very own certified sustainable farm.

From £10,465 for a seven-night stay.

Bavarian Alps: Schloss Elmau, Germany

Tucked into a quiet valley between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald, Schloss Elmau offers a unique take on summer in the Bavarian Alps. Framed by the Wetterstein mountains and surrounded by meadows, forests, and streams, this five-star hideaway blends natural beauty, cultural activities, and world-class wellness in one destination. Set out on hikes straight from the hotel’s doorstep – whether it's a gentle walk through the Partnach Gorge, a forest trail to Ferchensee Lake, or a panoramic summit trek in the Karwendel range – before mountain biking, wild swimming, yoga in the fresh mountain air, and guided walking tours. Evenings are steeped in local culture, with the property often hosting classical concerts or jazz performances in its intimate concert hall – just moments from the modern mountain-view rooms – while days are well spent at one of the three separate spas. Whichever you choose, you won’t be disappointed. 

From £240 per night. 

Swiss Alps: Gstaad Palace, Switzerland

Gstaad Palace, Switzerland

Located in the idyllic Saanenland region, the iconic Gstaad Palace, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, is the epitome of mountain sophistication – and reopens for summer in June. New seasonal highlights include hiking its 300km of signposted trails and paths through moorlands, alpine valleys, and high mountain peaks. Don’t miss trekking to the hotel’s fairytale Walig Hut: accessed by a two-hour walk and located at 1,700 metres, surrounded by panoramic views of Gstaad and the Saanenland, where you will be rewarded with a delicious mountain lunch featuring authentic fondue stirred over the open fire and local charcuterie. 

Closer to sea level, wild swim in the abundance of crystal-clear lakes dotted around the mountains – Lake Sanetsch in Valais and Lake Arnensee (more commonly referred to as ‘Little Canada’ due to its scenic landscapes) are hotspots – or take a dip in the hotel’s own pool. Since 1928, the hotel’s Olympic-size pool has brought the flair of the Côte d'Azur to Gstaad, and invites guests and locals alike to spend a summer’s day poolside, soaking up the sun and mountain views alongside refreshing cocktails and light summer dishes from the pool bar. 

From £807 per night. 

Albula Alps: Grace La Margna, St. Moritz, Switzerland

Located in the prestigious alpine resort town of St. Moritz, Grace La Margna is a five-star boutique hotel which combines historic charm with modern luxury. First opened in 1906, the hotel has recently undergone a significant renovation to restore its former glory (while introducing contemporary comforts) – and it remains the only luxury hotel in St. Moritz to open 365 days a year. Expect a full programme of active adventures and inspiring cultural experiences that provide an insight into the Engadin way of life, including hiking, biking, surfing and wild swimming. The hotel’s prime location provides easy access to the 580km of hiking trails, while e-bikes can be rented for cruising the nearby lush green meadows and hills (with minimal effort). Finally, don’t miss the hotel’s wellness centre, boasting a 20m swimming pool with a counter-current system, as well as a Finnish sauna and steam bath.  

From £445 per night.

Chablais Alps: Hotel Royal at Evian Resort, France

Perched between lake and peak, Hotel Royal at Evian Resort offers a rare mountain escape that fuses French alpine charm with five-star wellness. Nestled on the French side of Lake Geneva and set against the dramatic backdrop of the Chablais Alps, Hotel Royal is ideal for travellers seeking a mountain retreat without the crowds and remains deeply rooted in its alpine origins (the resort is the birthplace of Evian water, sourced from springs in the surrounding mountains and naturally filtered over 15 years). 

The hotel’s sports and culture team crafts bespoke itineraries for all seasons, from e-bike tours weaving through mountain trails, to scenic hikes with mountaintop yoga pauses in fresh alpine air. Try your hand at Yog-apnee – a hybrid of yoga and static freediving – that can be practised in the heated outdoor pool or the crystal-clear alpine-fed lake, guided by in-house experts. A day of exploring calls for fine dining, and Michelin-starred Les Fresques is on hand to serve the best hyper-local produce – think Savoie cheeses and freshwater fish complete with views stretching across the lake.

From £405 per night. 

Dolomites: My Arbor, Italy

An adults-only spa resort located in the majestic Dolomite mountains, My Arbor is a family-run property with a striking treehouse-style, built on 34m high stilts with architecture that harmoniously integrates with the forested landscape. Open year-round, escape to one of the 104 suites featuring unobstructed views of the treetops and endless landscapes to rejuvenate, before exploring the wilderness on your doorstep or visiting the hotel's wellness sanctuary: the Arboris Spa. Spanning 27,000 square feet, and offering an extensive range of restorative treatments inspired by alpine traditions, make the most of the five saunas, heated infinity pool, Turkish steam rooms and tranquil ‘cuddle nests’. The property also offers an endless selection of complimentary curated wellness programmes, including hatha yoga, forest bathing, meditation and sunrise hikes.  

From £210 per night. 

Austrian Alps: Das Central, Sölden, Austria 

Das Central is set among towering pines in any season – but there’s something special about visiting this 125-key hotel when it’s in full bloom. New for 2025 is a glass infinity pool – standing 17m high and boasting a breathtaking mountain panorama – and the new Summit Spa, including six treatment suites, a relaxation room,  gym, bistro and bar. Visit the sauna area to take a dip in the new brine steam bath, cold-water plunge pool, and enjoy the two newly built saunas. 

In the summer months, guests can also enjoy free use of the world’s fastest gondola for dinner at Ice Q – the highest gourmet restaurant in the Alps and a filming location for James Bond’s Spectre – as well as joining scenic hikes with alpacas, mountain-biking and visiting Area 47: one of the world’s largest outdoor adventure parks with over 35 different activities, including caving, canyoning, mountain biking, rafting, climbing and zip lining. 

From £145 per night. 

Dolomites: Sonnwies, Italy

Situated in South Tyrol on the border of the Dolomites, Sonnwies has grown organically from a small guesthouse on the owner’s farm to a modern family paradise. Offering an activity-fuelled mountain holiday all year round, Sonnwies has a weekly programme of activities for families throughout the summer, including hiking, biking, cooking, treasure hunts, picnics in mountain huts, wildlife spotting, pony rides and visits to the nearby lake. Little ones are encouraged to escape the screens with fun, educational activities, as they visit the farm to collect eggs, learn the art of butter churning and cheese making, roast marshmallows around firepits and enjoy sleepovers in the barn among hay bales in the evenings. 

Parents can escape to the adult-only spa – or traverse the mountain terrain by bike or on foot – while taking advantage of 70 hours of free childcare. With 70 stylish rooms, suites and villas, the family-only hotel offers something for everyone, with many of the accommodation featuring private saunas, hot tubs, balconies and gardens, with enchanting views over the forests, meadows and mountains. You’ll never want to leave…

From £530 per night. 

Rocky Mountains: One&Only Moonlight Basin, Montana, USA

One of this year’s most highly anticipated hotel openings, One&Only Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana, is set to welcome guests all year round when it launches this November. Enveloped by evergreen forests and snow-capped peaks – and just a short drive from Yellowstone National Park – One&Only Moonlight Basin is a place always in season. The winter months are perfect for skiing, while summer in this three million-acre national forest offers not only peaceful surroundings but a roster of back-to-nature activities, from hiking and fly fishing, to kayaking, golf, and mountain biking. Also expect an eponymous fine dining restaurant by Korean chef Akira Back, alongside five other bars and restaurants, and a state-of-the-art spa. Book now to be one of the first in. 

From £750 per night. 

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