6 hiking and biking trails to explore in the Alps this summer

This article was prepared by National Geographic Traveler (UK).

1. Switzerland

There is always something going on at Lax Resort. During the winter, skiers hone their skills at the indoor freeride center and jump off any pipe, rail or bump they can find. In the summer, they are cyclists on the Segnes Trail. Launched last summer, this new addition joins the legendary 4.7-mile Runca Flow Trail, a network of bike trails spanning the villages of Flims, Laax and Falera, 1.7 miles over rock slabs and twisting hairpin bends.

2. Two-wheeled tour of Portes du Soleil, France

The Portes du Soleil region is a must-ride for mountain bikers, with a network of resorts including Les Gets, Morzine, Avoriaz, Chatel, Morgins and Champéry, all linked by one lift pass. Les Gets is the perfect base with 12 runs in the resort alone, along with three jump parks, several technical zones for the more advanced, a bike park and top-class education at Les Bike School.

3. Hiking in Trentino, Italy

Between Lake Garda and the Dolomites, Trentino is a region of woodlands, lakes, lush valleys and historic towns. A two-day route in the Val di Rabi that includes the region’s easy-to-navigate routes from Malga Stablasolo farm, Rifugio Dorigoni mountain hut, Val Sainte waterfalls, then under the peaks of Cima Collecchio to Lake Corvo.

4. Walking in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

Walk in the shadow of the nation’s three eastern peaks, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. You don’t have to deal with the high levels; Most of the hikes in this range, including the 4,700ft Höhturli Pass, are accessible but challenging. Inntravel offers a seven-night, self-guided tour from Grindelwald to Kandersteg, in the pretty town of Murren, from £1,595 per person, including half-board in three and four-star hotels and train travel from London.

5. Hike and swim in the cliffs of Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is perfect for a summer city break, a compact alpine town with lots of gorges and wonderful walks. Try the Mühlauer Klamm area. At the base of the Nordkette range, a marked trail takes hikers along a river that runs over cliffs and a series of waterfalls. Ehnbachklamm, in the small town of Zirl, is another gem, as is the Klamstig, a steep path with steps cut into the rock: all accessible via public transport.

6. Best of Mont Blanc, France

Take the train to Europe’s highest mountain on a one-change seven-hour journey from London via Paris on a week-long guided walking tour of Chamonix, including the most spectacular sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Walk for seven hours every day, at an elevation of 500 feet. A seven-night group tour with Exodus costs £1,548 per person, including B&B accommodation, rail travel and most meals.