Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Alpine Summer Destinations

Like many tourist destinations, the Alps can get busy. The good news? There’s plenty of Alpine adventure to go around! The Alps cover over 80,000 square miles, so while the tourist hotspots might get busy, there are plenty of places to get off the beaten track and avoid the crowds. Check out some of our favourite Alpine hidden gems:

Charming Alpine architecture

While many Alpine villages have reinvented themselves as primarily resorts for skiers and summer tourists, there remain a handful of villages that have resisted the lure. Prapic is one of them, a village nestled so far down in the valley it inhabits that for a month of the midwinter it sees almost no sunlight.

 Well preserved original buildings make this a charming stop if you’re holidaying in the area, while you could also catch sight of a marmot, a larger, cuter relative of the squirrel.

Through-hiking from Chamonix to Zermatt

 While shorter trails for day-hikers will often get busy during the summer months, if you choose to do a longer walk, you’ll find sections of the trail are deserted, giving you the feeling of having a whole mountain range to yourself.

The Chamonix to Zermatt route takes around ten days and you’ll be rewarded with astonishing views that few people get to enjoy, as well as beautiful wildflower meadows and an incredible sense of accomplishment.

Plateau des Glieres

 This hidden plateau in the Bornes Massif was a crucial site for the French Resistance during WWII - but that’s the least of what it has to offer. Hike up to this plateau and you’ll find stunning panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Jura and more - and you won’t have to share your view with the masses!

If you’d love to get off the beaten track and find the best hidden gems in the Alps, an investment property could help you do just that. Get in touch with API today to find out more about investing in a ski chalet or holiday apartment in the Alps.