Gstaad is often associated with snow covered ski slopes and comfortable winter nights spent by the fireplace however, the Alpine luxury resort is appealing during summer. The Swiss luxury resort takes on a different air and the cool mild temperatures that mark the season make it the ideal destination for all kinds of outdoor leisure activities and an ideal break from the sweltering heat of the beaches, not always recommended for small children during the summer.

Summer in Gstaad has an almost magical quality to it. During the winter there is only snow but during summer, there are vast lush forrests and fragrant fields. Cows dot the pastures and the tolling of the bells around their necks can be heard for miles around. There is plenty of life and the beautiful weather seems to draw people out of their homes and into the fresh open air.

There are a vast number of activities available for all levels of competence ranging from quiet family excursions to fully fledged professional mountain bike runs. In fact Gstaad offers some of the best hiking trails in Europe with more than 300 km of signposted and well maintained hiking trails that wind their way through the beautiful Alpine countryside of the luxury resort. This vast network of trails can easily be accessed thanks to the many cable cars located around the valley. Some of these trails have specific themes, while others were designed for family excursions with BBQ areas, playgrounds and special attractions. Possibly one of the very best ways to experience the luxury mountain resort is on the back of a mountain bike.

The exceptional beauty of the environment and the well developed infrastructire makes mountain biking in the Swiss luxury resort one of the most entertaining and exhilirating activities in the region. There are close to 500 kilometers of biking trails in the valley with 150 of these kilometers maintained and signposted.

There are routes available for all levels of fitness and technical skill, this guarantees that visitors are bound to find something to suits their needs. The luxury resort has a large number of luxury hotels with health spas readily available to provide comfort and wellbeing after the days activities.

For the less extreme tourists there is even an electric bike system which uses the very best of flyer technology to reduce a large part of the required physical effort without ruinning the mountain biking experience.

The pleasures of Gstaad in Summer do not end here, there are many more events, activities and adventures just waitting to be discovered in the luxury resort. Hard to miss are the dare devil paragliders that can be seen swooping throughout the vallley, hanging from their many colored wings. Summer also means that the rivers swell with the run off from the winter snows, making river rafting one of the very best summer past times.

Last but not least, each year professional tennis players meet head on for valuable points at the ATP Tours Gstaad Open. Tennis players have a wide number of luxury courts to choose from. Moreover, each year the Beach Volleyball Swatch FIVB Grand Slam is also held in Gstaad and promises plenty of great entertainment for volleyball enthusiasts.

All in all the Swiss Alpine resort is a truly one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe no matter the season.

Editorial | Image Courtesy Of Gstaad Tourist Authority