From the Alps to Aspen: Why People Are Flocking to the Mountains for the “Secret Season”
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From the Italian Alps to Aspen, the “secret season”—the period between mid-May and mid-June when the ski crowds have died down—might just be the best time to visit. Luxe resorts are surprisingly affordable, and the off-piste activities rival those on the slopes. In fact, one could argue that mountain towns have even more to offer when the weather warms. You can take a hot-air balloon ride through the Swiss countryside in Gstaad without worrying about frostbite, or cruise on a four-wheeler at twilight (sans ski pants) near Canada’s Lake Louise. Ready to bask in the crisp alpine air? Here, four ski spots to visit during summer—no snow required.
Photo: Alamy1/4Gstaad, Switzerland
The tony resort town favored by royals and celebrities is decidedly less buzzy come June, and that’s just fine. Gstaad is an ideal destination for those looking to recharge, which you can do on your own or through a specialized program, like Gstaad Palace’s five-night Yoga in the Mountains wellness retreat, offered twice throughout the summer. (Expect lots of time to meditate and afternoons spent downward-dogging alfresco.) Alternatively, at The Alpina Gstaad—a 56-room boutique property—there’s a Mountain Detox program available for any five-night period during the summer, in which activities include colonics, spa treatments, and floatation therapy. For an even more memorable “floating” experience, try hot-air ballooning above the Swiss Alps; flights can be booked through companies like Alpine Ballooning.
Photo: Alamy2/4Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Located in the heart of Banff National Park, Lake Louise—Canada’s “diamond in the wilderness”—probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think summer vacation. But take one look at the stunning landscape and you’ll swiftly reconsider. Helicopter tours are an amazing way to view the lush, mountainous landscape and emerald green water from above; or better yet, explore the area on horseback. The century-old Brewster Stables organizes guided trail rides through the Rockies, ending at a picturesque local teahouse for lunch. Lake Louise is also home to a number of über-luxe hotels, namely Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (an iconic property with breathtaking views) and the Post Hotel Spa (a chalet-style lodge with cozy suites and cabins). Come evening, you might consider riding into the sunset on an ATV, tossing back a few at the trendy Park Distillery, or even booking a lane at High Rollers, a retro-meets-modern bowling alley.
Photo: Alamy3/4Aspen, Colorado
The idea of a secret season actually began in Aspen a few years ago as a way to market the destination’s quieter months. It didn’t take very long to catch on. Depending on the week, five-star properties like The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and Viceroy Snowmass may have rates that are roughly 40 percent lower than peak-season prices. Book a room at The Little Nell in June, for instance, and you’ll pay around $650; in January that same reservation will cost around $1,125 a night. Besides, locals insist that the town is even more beautiful in the warmer months than it is during winter—particularly if you’re hiking up Smuggler Mountain Trail, where fields of wildflowers make for a perfect picnic setting. (Before you go, get a flat white at the Aussie-style café Victoria’s Espresso, then grab a few mini baguette sandwiches from Jour de Fete for lunch.) Stand-up paddleboarding is another summer activity that’s gaining popularity in Aspen. For newbies, the Rocky Mountains’ high-alpine lakes are much easier to navigate than choppy ocean water, and a number of companies host private lessons. Even if you’re not outdoorsy, per se, Aspen has other things to offer, like its namesake Food Wine Classic, which kicks off on June 17. The tickets for this year’s festival have already sold out, but there are plenty of late-night parties to attend—and they’re arguably the best part of the festival anyway.
Photo: Alamy4/4Alta Badia, Dolomites, Italy
Amid rolling hills and charming villages in the northern portion of the Italian Alps, you’ll find Alta Badia. Despite having a handful of Michelin-rated restaurants and a few A-list tourists (George Clooney and Angelina Jolie-Pitt have reportedly visited in the winter), the ski region has remained widely under the radar. Hiking and mountain biking are at the forefront come summer—the jagged, craggy landscape is perfect for it—but if you’d prefer a more leisurely approach, e-bikes are readily available for rent. The physical activity will serve you well, considering how incredible the area’s food is. At Rosa Alpina Hotel Spa, Alta Badia’s top hotel, all three eateries are fantastic, though the two-Michelin-starred St. Hubertus—known for its stuffed ravioli with chard and Graukäse cheese—is considered the unrivaled favorite. For truly passionate foodies, the restaurant even offers a Cooking With the Stars class in its private kitchen. Oenophiles, on the other hand, will find nirvana at the family-owned Hotel La Perla, which has around 28,000 bottles in its cellar—possibly making it one of the largest wine collections on the entire continent.