Have you ever wondered what happens in the most famous ski resorts when the season ends and the snow melts? Well, we have done some digging and found out the amazing history, treasures and natural beauty that are left when the snow melts…
Lech, Austria - Sea of Stone
During the winter months’ snow and skiers cover the ‘Sea of Stone’ in Lech, but once the snow melts you are left with masses of fossils which are up to 200 million years old, you can literally walk over an ancient coral reef. During the Summer months the area is a very popular hiking and wellness destination. It is not unusual to stumble across fossils and other interesting geological finds whilst hiking.
The Dolomites, Italy – Castle of Rock
In the winter months it’s a popular ski circuit but when the snow melts in the area of Lagazuoi between Cortina and Arabba, the history of World War 1 is revealed. Named the ‘Castle of Rock’, this historical site has spires and turrets, and military bases where the Italian and Austro – Hungarian armies dug shelters in its interior for men and arms, transforming it into a solid 20th century fortress. You can visit the restored tunnels, machine gun posts and walk along the trenches.
Tignes, France – Highest golf course in France
Sitting at 2100m, Tignes is a snow-sure ski resort in the winter months, but when the snow melts, the summer activities begin. Tignes is home to the highest golf course in Europe, which surrounds the big, blue and beautiful lake in the centre of Tignes. Tee off with views of the lake and mountains, but just make sure you watch out for the jet-skiers whizzing up and down the lake!
Ziller valley, Mayrhofen, Austria – Treasure chest of the Alps
Most of us know the Ziller Valley, Mayrhofen as the home to fantastic skiing with over 489km of pistes, but this is not how it was first famed. The Ziller Valley has long been known as a mineralogical treasure chest. Even at the end of the 17th century, peddlers used to make a good side business out of their valuable finds. Some hut owners were lucky enough to find crystals and could earn more selling them to salesmen than it was possible to earn in a year of farming. This attracted natural scientists and mineralogists to the Ziller Valley, where they became the first summer tourists. Today, the Ziller Valley still attracts many natural scientists on the hunt for treasures such as clear mountain quartz, black smoky quartz, red and green garnet, violet scepter amethysts and dark green emeralds.
Levi, Lapland – The Midnight Sun
When you think of Lapland, you think of snow, skiing and Santa. But what happens here when the snow melts? During the summer months, a different type of magic takes over the area. A natural phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun means the sun never sets and it never goes dark. One of the most unforgettable ways to experience the magic of Midnight Sun is to try Midnight Sun Floating, where you can float in one of Finland’s thousands lakes gazing in the sky, listening to the silence and just relax. This is something you should definitely give a try!
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