When heading off on a summer mountain holiday, you might think flip-flops and swimsuit, plus a pair of trainers and maybe a light cardigan for the mountain version. Summer mountain packing: be careful — at altitude, the weather is not to be taken lightly!
To make your preparations easier and let you enjoy wide-open spaces and fresh air without being caught out, here are the key things to keep in mind when packing for a perfect summer mountain holiday.
Mountain weather specifics for summer mountain packing
- The cool air
Beyond the beauty of the landscapes, what makes the mountains one of our favourite destinations during the hot summer months is their cooler air. The higher you climb, the cooler it gets — by about 1°C every 100 m of elevation.
It is easy to see why you should put the sliders aside and dress warmly to head up to a beautiful 2,500 m summit, when your holiday chalet sits at 1,000 m.
- The sun: our “best enemy”
We love feeling its rays warm our cheeks and bronze our shoulders. Yet beware — at altitude the UV index rises by 10% every 100 m of elevation. With the cooler ambient temperature, we tend to underestimate the sun’s effects and end up with unpleasant surprises in the evening. So do not skimp on sun protection — and remember to protect your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses.
- Don’t get caught out
Another particular feature of the mountain weather is how quickly it can change. Many factors (surrounding peaks, temperature differences across altitudes and times of day, wind patterns, precipitation…) can drive these shifts, which can be as sudden as they are dramatic. So always pack something to protect you from bad weather, even if you set out under clear blue skies.
Checklist of essentials for your summer mountain packing
- A backpack to keep your essentials within reach without weighing down your back.
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap or — even better, because it covers more — a hat.
- A water bottle (you dehydrate quickly at altitude…).
- A lightweight down jacket: practical, takes up no space and slips in anywhere.
- A fleece, and more generally warm, breathable clothing.
- A windproof jacket.
- A waterproof outer layer.
- Sturdy lugged boots for better grip on terrain — ideally above the ankle for better support.
If you fancy it and have a little space left in your bag, you might also add:
- Telescopic walking poles. Foldable, they are practical to clip to a backpack without taking up too much space. While hiking, they help your progress and give you a fuller workout by engaging more of your upper body.
- Binoculars. Because the mountain stages many sights worth a closer look: a chamois on a cliff face or a bearded vulture passing overhead — the spectacle can be breathtaking (never look directly at the sun through binoculars, at the risk of damaging your retina!).
- A head torch, for early risers who want to experience hiking at dawn and watch the sun rise as nature wakes up.
Now ready for anything with your mountain bag packed, all that is left is to enjoy your summer with peace of mind and discover our summer mountain stays with original, sport or relaxation activities!
For inspiration and to be tempted by our exceptional stays, follow us on Pointe de Sel’s social media.
Pointe de Sel arranges your summer mountain holiday to suit your wishes, with accommodation in a high-end chalet in the Alps — fully privatised — in-chalet dining and bespoke activity bookings. Set off with peace of mind: we take care of everything.
Enjoy a luxury chalet holiday in Savoie with Pointe de Sel.
The benefits of an all-inclusive luxury chalet stay
An all-inclusive luxury chalet stay in Savoie is an excellent choice for those seeking a dream holiday experience, combining a wide range of mountain activities, exceptional amenities, an ideal location, and the flexibility of a tailor-made service.
Pointe de Sel’s ambition is to deliver unforgettable holidays. Get in touch and we will help you find the ideal chalet stay for your family holiday in Savoie.
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