Swiss Alps by Artur Staszewski

Of course outdoor sports are the main draw of the Alps. With more than two million skiers and snowboarders visiting every year, it is safe to say that the Alps is the Mecca for snow sports. With cities such as Chamonix situated on the French border and Cortina d’Ampezzo situated on the Italian border, the Alps boasts an impressive range of culture with four different dialects spoken at different points along its length.

Apart from sports, the Alps has impressive spas and health clubs dotted all over the range from St Moritz to Morillon. As some of the Spas double up as hotels, these health resorts are perfect for a quiet getaway with a loved one, with time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. With some of the most impressive and newest treatments on the market, a few days in a spa with nothing but fresh mountain air and impressive surroundings will surely give you and your other half some well-deserved peace of mind.

Cimon della Pala, Dolomites, Italy by rachel_thecat

Not only are there spas and health resorts to visit, the Alps boasts an impressive range of cuisine. Depending on where you are situated, the food may vary. However, generally you should find it easy to find some classy eateries to visit with foods ranging from Italian to French and Swiss. Let your taste buds dance with excitement as you try something new and let loose.

As seasons change around the mountains, so picking the perfect time to go all depends on your personal choice. As summer is usually only three or four months long, the Alps is more often than not a haven for people who prefer the cold to the heat. That said, the summer months are gorgeous, experiencing highs of 27-30 degrees, and really the Alps are beautiful all year round. Make sure that you research the seasons before you fly so you can build a trip around you and your other half’s personal preferences.

Muriel Fish is planning a summer trip to the Alps this year and has been looking for accommodation at alpsaccommodation.com.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jason Blue-Smith

Mount Elbrus (5,642 m) is in the Caucasus Mountains in Russia. It’s the highest mountain in Europe, and has more than one summit. For less experienced climbers there’s the advantage of lift and cable chairs that take you up to 3800 metres. If you’ve got reasonable climbing skills you can climb from here, but if not, you can do a walking tour from the top of the lift run. You can easily find accommodation in hotels and lodges in the local area.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Martin F

At the borders between Switzerland and Italy, you can put on your climbing shoes to climb one of the most famous mountains in Europe – the Matterhorn (4,478 m). It stands out in the landscape like a giant rock pyramid and is considered by many to be the birthplaces of mountaineering. As such, it’s on most climbers’ must-climb lists.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by stefg74

In Greece, the home of the ancient Greek gods – Mount Olympus – is also a famous climbing spot. To get to the highest peak of Mytikas (2918 metres) takes two days’ climbing. Many people climb up in one day and rest overnight in their tents before descending the next day. It’s not a place for solitude though – it’s a very popular place to climb.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Vasile Cotovanu

Mont Blanc is found on the border of Italy and France. The closest towns are Chamonix in France and Courmayeur in Italy. It’s the second highest mountain in Europe, with a summit of 4,810.45 metres. Although it’s not the highest mountain, it’s probably the most challenging climbing spot in Europe. Even though a cable car takes you up to 1000m below the summit, the last 1000 metres is a real challenge. You’ll need high levels of fitness and will have to acclimatise to the altitude before completing the ascent.

Even people who go equipped with all the right rock climbing equipment can get into difficulty on Mont Blanc and the mountain rescue helicopter service is kept busy all summer recovering stranded climbers.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Thierry Gregorius

The highest peak in the UK is Ben Nevis. The Scottish mountain’s summit is 1,344 metres and it’s reached by thousands of climbers every year. It needs good fitness levels and climbing ability to attempt the day’s climb.

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The top of Mont Blanc is covered by a thick layer of ice and snow. In 1893 the observatory was built at the top, but due to unfavorable conditions it was abandoned in 1909 and it finally fell. Mont Blanc is very popular for rock climbing, hiking, skiing and snowboarding. In the vicinity there are two towns – Courmayeur in Italy, and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in France —the site of the first Winter Olympics, there is also a ski resort.

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