UKC

Just looking for a little inspiration, we have had some great summer holidays in the Alps and would like to go back again this year. We are quite an outdoor lot and enjoy climbing, walking, cycling, via ferata, rafting etc etc etc. We are looking for a base that can provide some or all of these activities and have already been to Chamonix, Vallouise and Vaujany so are looking for any other suggestions that might fit the bill.

All thoughts / opinions appreciated....

In reply to GravitySucks:

Have you considered the Dolomites?

In reply to GravitySucks:
Ailfroide has a large campsite with good facilities. Very busy in Summer but doesn't feel too crowded. Great base for climbing/ walking/ VF/ cycling/ exploring --- not sure about rafting though.

In reply to GravitySucks:

Aosta valley Italy?

In reply to GravitySucks:

We ahd a great week last year staying in Les Deux Alpes doing that sort of thing.

In reply to GravitySucks:

If you've not been you need to try the Dolomites at least once...

http://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/page.php?id=2708

In reply to GravitySucks:

I enjoyed the Mercantour NP in June with my wife. Lots of good walking (at that time of year you still needed basic alpine skills for most of the tops) and very easy reach of Provence and the coast. Probably ideal for a family, worth some research.

In reply to GravitySucks:

We stayed just outside Tignes a few summers ago. Brilliant place with loads going on, inc summer glacier skiing. Val d esere is just down the road with great via feratta. The majority of the uplift and most of the activities are free if you stay in Tignes and here is windsurfing on the lake and kayaking too.

In reply to GravitySucks:

the Vercors is an awesome area, or the Jura mountains too?

In reply to GravitySucks:
The area round Lake Annecy has many safe trails up interesting little peaks around 2,400m, there is swimming in the lake, campsite Lac Bleu at the east end of the lake has apartment s and mobile homes to rent and a restaurant. Obvious water based sports opportunities. I tend to head further south for better weather, the Hautes Alpes. Alpes Dauphine Camp site above Gap has a restaurant, take away meals, many walks in the Champsaur valley. I seem to remember someone organising a raft descent of a mini canyon. Look also at sites near Embrun in the main valley, near enough to Briancon to try the cable car. Canoeing on the huge Serre Poncon lake/reservoir. Camping Deux Bois has mobilhomes to rent.

In reply to GravitySucks:

neither know your grades nor your accommodation option - the AAC has a guide to family friendly huts.

one of the choices: Ravensburger Hutte. and in a addition walking, rafting in striking distance ...

good base for close to everything: maltatal / carinthia ... from cragging to 3000m peaks ... plaisier / alpine / mountaineering / via ferrata.

it all depends on the age of children.