Summer Activities in the Alps: Events and Festivals

April 28, 2025 Emily Sotudeh

During the summer months, the Alps come alive with events and festivities to suit all ages and interests. While the region is most famous for its world-class skiing and ski resorts, the summer brings thrilling adventure activities such as water sports, white water rafting and rock climbing.

There are also a whole host of unmissable happenings taking place across the Alps this summer. From high-octane sporting events to music festivals, a summer holiday in the Alps is guaranteed to be packed full of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

We’ve picked out some of the best events and summer activities in the alps taking place in 2025;

The Swiss Alps Summer

Here’s our pick of events happening in the Swiss Alps this summer;

Montreux Jazz Festival

4-19 July

With over 15,000 attendees heading to the Swiss Alps for this event, this popular jazz festival is not to be missed. This year’s event is particularly special, with the one and only Lionel Richie gracing the stage! Other big names include Diana Ross and Chaka Khan! Great fun!

Getting there: Geneva to Montreux transfers take around 1 hour 15 minutes.

The Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon

5 July

This could be one of the most scenic marathons in Europe, if not the world! Runners start in St Niklaus and finish in Zermatt in Switzerland, passing beautiful alpine lakes and scenery. For runners looking for an added challenge, there’s always the Gornegrat peak to conquer at over 3000 m altitude!

It’s worth spending the night in Zermatt to make the most of the excellent restaurants and cafes in the resort.

Getting there: Geneva to Zermatt transfers take around 3 hours. Zermatt is car-free, so your Alps2Alps transfer will drop you at Täsch, where you can hop on a train into the village.

Verbier Music Festival

16 July – 3 August

Imagine listening to live classical music surrounded by rolling hills and fresh mountain air.
This year, the Verbier Music Festival is welcoming high calibre musical guests such as Jean-efflam Bavouzet, Tjasha Gafner and Thibaut Garcia, alongside various other operatic performers and orchestras.

Getting there: Geneva to Verbier transfers take about 2 hours. From Le Châble, take the cable car directly up to Verbier—it’s all part of the experience!

The Omega European Masters

28 – 31 August

Golf enthusiasts will be pleased to discover that one of the most famous golf tournaments is taking place in the Swiss Alps this August!

Head to the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in Crans Montana to watch the best in the business take to the course.

Getting there: Zurich to Crans Montana transfers are approx. 3.5 hours. Enjoy a comfortable ride through stunning Swiss countryside.

French Alps Summer

Keen to discover the French Alps this summer? Here are some of the best events;

Cosmo Jazz Festival in Chamonix

22 – 27 July

Spread across the alpine valleys of Chamonix, this event combines great jazz with a spectacular mountainous setting. The location of each concert is chosen carefully so the genre of music mixes harmoniously with the natural surroundings, resulting in a hypnotic experience.

Take the cable car up to each location and get lost in the music! Don’t miss a visit to Mer de Glace or a ride up the Aiguille du Midi.

The best thing about this event? All the concerts are free!

Getting there: Geneva to Chamonix transfers take just over an hour. This is one of the easiest ways to kick off a family summer holiday in the French Alps.

Pass’portes du Soleil

27 – 29 June

Fancy a mountain bike ride through the stunning French and Swiss Alps?

The Pass’Portes du Soleil is your ticket to adventure, offering an 80km route that starts from nine different resorts across the region and climbs to over 2000m in altitude. This epic outdoor event is more than just a ride – it’s an invitation to explore the Portes du Soleil through mountain biking, e-mountain biking, gravel biking, hiking, and specially designed kids’ routes led by trained instructors.

With the flexibility to register for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, and a choice of multiple departure stations, it’s a brilliant way for the whole family to experience the beauty of the Alps.

Getting there: Geneva to Morzine transfers (one of the start points), takes around 1.5 hours. Alps2Alps offers flexible transfer times to suit your chosen start day.

The Tour de France

24 – 25 July

Stages 19 and 20 of this iconic cycling tour will be weaving through the French Alps this July. Watch cyclists make their way up to Courchevel on the 24th and watch the final section of the race from Albertville to La Plagne the following day. A serious challenge reaching high altitudes of over 2,300 m!

Getting there: Geneva to Courchevel transfers or GVA to La Plagne transfers take 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic.

TIME Megeve Mont Blanc

TBC

TIME is a cycling event in which cyclists choose to ride one of four routes: Gran Fondo 142 km with an altitude of 3950m, Medio Fondo 117 km with an altitude of 3200m, Medio Fondo 87 km with an altitude of 2150m, or the Rando 64 km with an altitude of 1570m. This challenging sporting event attracts around 3000 riders and makes for a spectacular ride through some of the Alps finest passes.

Getting there: Geneva to Megeve transfers take around 1.5 hours. Sit back and save your energy for the ride.

The Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc

25 – 31 August

The Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc, referred to as UTMB by those in the know, is not for the faint hearted.

This trail running marathon sees around 100,000 runners take to Chamonix to take part in one of seven races around Mont Blanc, through Italy, Switzerland and France. To compete, you will need a head for heights and a very high level of fitness. Although challenging, this gruelling trail is worth it for the stunning alpine vistas.

A whole festival has sprung up around the event, so even if you’re not ready to take part, there’s plenty going on around Chamonix to make it worth a trip.

Getting there: Geneva to Chamonix is a quick and scenic 1-hour transfer—perfect for early race check-ins.

The Mont Blanc Rally in Morzine

4 – 6 September

This rally is every motor enthusiasts dream! Drivers race along mountain roads in Morzine and Avoriaz to win the championship.

We recommend walking up to one of the viewpoints to get a good view of the rally cars.

Getting there: Geneva to Morzine transfers take 1.5 hours. Alps2Alps provides a door-to-door service, even with early morning arrivals.

Austrian Alps Summer

Here’s what’s happening in the Austrian Alps this summer;

The Arlberg Classic Car Rally

26 – 28 June

Another event for car fans! This one swaps adrenaline fuelled racing for classic elegance. Watch vintage car fans show off their pride and joys on this 600km route through Arlberg.

Getting there: Innsbruck to Lech am Arlberg transfers are just over 2 hours.

The Grand Strudel Festival in Seefeld

5 – 6 July

A whole festival dedicated to the magnificent layered pastry! What’s not to love! Eat your way through all types of strudel at this hearty Austrian festival to find your favourite while listening to traditional live music.

Getting there: Innsbruck to Seefeld transfers are a quick 45-minute ride.

Italian Alps Summer

And last but not least, here’s what’s happening in the Italian Alps this summer;

Skyrunning European Championships

3 – 5 July

This intense, high-altitude event challenges elite athletes to race along mountain ranges with sharp ascents and thrilling descents. Not for the faint-hearted.

Getting there: Milan to Bormio transfers (or nearest host town) take 3.5–4 hours depending on traffic and location. Plan ahead.

Badiamusica

Throughout July & August

Celebrate summer with this classical music series set in charming churches and castles in the South Tyrol region. All for free!

Getting there: Innsbruck or Milan to South Tyrol transfers takes approx. 3 hours.

Eco-Friendly Summer Adventures in the Alps

In recent years, more travellers have been seeking sustainable ways to enjoy the great outdoors – and the Alps in summer are leading the charge. From eco lodges to low-impact activities, it’s easier than ever to enjoy an unforgettable summer holiday while keeping your carbon footprint low.

Sustainable Hiking Trails

Many Alpine resorts have dedicated eco-trails designed to showcase local flora and fauna with minimal environmental disruption. Resorts like Les Gets, La Plagne, and Avoriaz offer well-marked hiking paths that take you through protected areas, wildflower meadows, and peaceful national parks.

Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and snacks in recyclable packaging – and always take your rubbish with you.

E-Biking and Car-Free Zones

More towns are promoting e-mountain biking and gravel biking as a clean, fun way to explore the surrounding mountains. Destinations like Zermatt, Avoriaz, and parts of Morzine are now completely car-free or restrict traffic, encouraging visitors to use cable cars, bikes, or public transport.

Alps2Alps can drop you at the closest car-accessible point, and from there, you’ll continue your journey on foot or via eco transport.

Eco Lodging and Alpine Farm Stays

Looking for a more authentic experience? Many Alpine villages now offer eco-accommodation – think solar-powered chalets, locally sourced meals, and rustic farm stays. Try Chamonix’s green hotels, or head to South Tyrol for sustainable alpine inns where you can wake up to fresh milk and homemade cheese.

Bonus: Staying with local hosts supports the economy and reduces strain on large resorts.

Green Events & Local Markets

Throughout the summer, many Alpine towns host eco-friendly events and artisanal markets showcasing regional produce, crafts, and sustainable brands. It’s a great way to connect with local culture while minimising the impact of mass tourism.

Top Summer Tips for Visiting the Alps

1. Pack for all weathers – The summer months can bring sunshine, sudden showers, and even snow at high altitudes. Layers are key.

2. Embrace activity holidays – From horse riding to hiking in a national park, there’s so much beyond skiing.

3. Explore the lesser-known – Many towns are purpose built for skiing but become serene retreats in summer, with quiet trails and tranquil beautiful lakes.

4. Take the cable car – Even if you’re not hiking, cable cars offer panoramic views and access to famous spots like the Aiguille du Midi.

5. Think family first – The Alps are ideal for a family summer holiday with activities like mountain biking, alpine tobogganing, wildlife spotting, and swimming in lake-fed pools.

Discover the Alps this Summer with Alps2Alps

Have any of these events caught your eye? If the answer is yes, it’s time to get booking your summer holiday to the Alps!

We offer a convenient transfer service to all of the major holiday destinations throughout the Alps. To make the most of your summer holiday, book with us for a low-cost transfer that doesn’t compromise on comfort.

Head on over to our Alps summer transfer booking page to see our latest offers and get a speedy quote!

Author Information

This article was co-written by…

Kathryn, Copywriter

Kathryn is a skilled copywriter with extensive experience creating compelling content for skiing and travel enthusiasts. Known for her creativity and deep connection to the Alpine lifestyle, Kathryn is driven by a love for storytelling and a dedication to sharing the magic of mountain adventures.