Summer and winter aren’t the only times to visit the mountains – autumn also has its share of surprises in store.
Enjoy the flamboyant colours of the trees, go for a walk in the wonderfully mild weather, try out one of the many autumn activities, take part in the local events held at this time of year, avoid the crowds, switch off… There are a thousand and one reasons to plan an autumn mountain holiday!
In this post, we share the top reasons to head to the Alps in autumn…
1. Fabulous autumn colours
Autumn is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful seasons in the mountains. When the warm autumn colours turn the leaves of the trees red and the first snow begins to sprinkle the highest peaks, the scenery becomes spectacular, offering an explosion of colour that you’ll never forget!
Enjoy the mountains from your chalet in the Alps
2. The weather is milder
Another good reason to go to the mountains in autumn is the weather. Admittedly, it won’t be as hot as on Mediterranean beaches, but temperatures are still mild and pleasant at this time of year. Although the mornings and evenings are cool, the days can be mild and sunny. So you can enjoy a fairly pleasant climate without having to deal with the extremes of summer or winter. Short-sleeved T-shirts are the way to go!
3. The hiking trails are less crowded
The resorts in the Alps are very popular in the high season. Holidaymakers looking for tranquillity and wide open spaces will appreciate an Alpine holiday more in autumn, when the crowds of holidaymakers gradually dissipate. The resorts are much less busy and the hiking trails much less crowded, offering a more peaceful and intimate experience in the heart of nature. It’s a chance to find yourself completely alone on even the more popular trails.
4. The ideal time for keen photographers
Autumn landscapes in the mountains make for some wonderful pictures. Brightly-coloured autumn scenery, atmospheric sunsets, snow-capped peaks, mountain animals gathering their food for winter… It’s the perfect opportunity for photographers to capture some unique shots.
Book your chalet in the Alps
5. Make the most of local produce
Autumn is harvest time. Pumpkins, leeks, squash, chestnuts, grapes, apples, pears, walnuts and hazelnuts… You’ll find plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in season at the local markets. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy local specialities prepared with seasonal, quality ingredients, such as gratins, soups, veloutés and stews.
Find all the markets in Haute Savoie on the LaYaute.fr website.
6. Pure mountain air
The mountains offer pure, fresh air, which is good for your health and well-being. Less pollution, fewer allergens: the air in the mountains is healthier overall. No more exhaust fumes, cars and city noise. For your holidays, head for the Alps! The mountain air will help you feel more energetic and revitalised, and help you get a good night’s sleep.
They say you can’t beat the mountains!
7. There’s so much to do in the great outdoors
In autumn, you can enjoy a great variety of outdoor activities in the mountains. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding, wildlife watching, fishing, mushroom picking… The mountains are transformed into a huge playground for lovers of nature, adventure and discovery.
8. Peace and relaxation are guaranteed
Enjoy unspoilt nature and an atmosphere of calm and serenity. Recharge your batteries, reconnect with yourself and get away from it all. In autumn, the mountains are the perfect place to focus on the essentials, far from the pollution and hustle and bustle of the big cities. It’s the ideal place to disconnect from your daily routine.
9. Numerous health benefits
Whatever the season, the Alps are the ideal environment for promoting health and well-being. For the body, the mind and the spirit, mountains and altitude offer a whole host of benefits including:
- Stress reduction;
- A source of vitamin D;
- A reduced risk of cardiovascular disease;
- Strengthening of the immune system;
- Reduced inflammation of the joints.
All these positive health benefits from the Alps help to improve our quality of life – all the more reason to spend your autumn holidays there!
10. Cultural discoveries don’t stop in autumn
Local events are just as varied out of high season. As well as the major events that are not to be missed, there are a number of events that punctuate the life of the resorts throughout the autumn. Discover the culture, traditions and local history of the mountain villages, and take part in traditional events… There’s plenty to choose from.
Here are just a few of the various events taking place in the Alps in autumn:
- The Mountain Bike World Cup in the Portes du Soleil, from 7 to 17 September 2023;
- Heritage Days, 16 and 17 September;
- The Trail des Aiguilles Rouges in Chamonix at the end of September or the Grand Trail du Lac in Le Bourget du Lac on 22 October;
- The return from the mountain pastures in Annecy, mid-October;
- Visits to cheese maturing cellars in several Alpine villages;
- The X’Plore festival in the heart of the Tarentaise, from 20 to 29 October.
Find the complete list for Savoie-Mont-Blanc here.
11. Accommodation prices are lower
As well as all these good reasons to visit the mountains in autumn, there’s another considerable advantage – the attractive prices of off-season accommodation. Renting accommodation out of season means considerable savings on your rental budget.
But make sure you choose your accommodation carefully.
First and foremost, the choice should be made on the basis of your “travel group” and the number of travellers. You should also pay close attention to the equipment and facilities available in these chalets, and select your accommodation according to the season in which you plan to travel. For a mountain holiday in autumn, it’s best to opt for accommodation with a spa, sauna or steam room, for example.
Stay in the Alps in autumn
The ideal chalet for a family holiday in autumn
Chalet Levant Blanc in Morzine is ideal for a family holiday. As well as all the equipment you need to look after your children (changing table, safety devices, high chair, bath seat…), there’s plenty to keep the rest of the family occupied. In particular, the chalet has a games and TV room where children can keep busy on rainy autumn days, while the parents relax in the jacuzzi or enjoy a cup of tea around the fire.
Click on the following link for a wider choice of family-friendly properties.
The perfect chalet for an autumn holiday with friends
For an autumn break in the mountains with friends, chalets equipped with pool tables, table football, a pétanque pitch and large living areas are ideal. These properties offer guests the chance to spend time together and share ideas, while retaining their privacy thanks to spacious bedrooms, often with en-suite bathrooms.
This is particularly true of Chalet Kalyssia. With its spacious living rooms, outdoor jacuzzi, wine cellar, pétanque court, luxurious bedrooms and billiards room, this property is perfect for a break with friends in the Alps in the low season.
Discover the most suitable properties for a stay with friends by following the link below…
The dream property for an autumn break with your partner
What better way to spend a romantic break with your loved one than in a chalet equipped with a spa, steam room or sauna? With their hammams and outdoor hot tubs overlooking the autumn landscapes, the Pralor Le Peille and Pralor Le Nova chalets in Manigod are perfect for a romantic break.
Find all our romantic rentals by using the “Cool For Couples” filter or by following the link below.
You can also subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when a new property is added to the OVO Network collection. Or make an appointment with one of our advisers, who will help you find the perfect rental property for you.
The mountains are beautiful in autumn. Breathtaking landscapes, local events and activities throughout the season, fresh air and peace and quiet, plenty of activities to discover… There’s no shortage of reasons to plan an autumn mountain holiday!
Still not convinced? Then take a look at the following articles:
- 5 reasons to visit the Alps in September
- 5 reasons to visit the Alps in October
- 5 reasons to visit the Alps in November
- Autumn in the Alps
- Visiting the mountains out of season
