What is the weather like in the Alps in summer?

Expect warm, sunny days of 20-25°C in the valley, cooler temperatures at altitude, and the chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Mornings are usually clear, so start hikes early.

What should I wear hiking in the Alps in summer?

Wear layers: moisture-wicking base layers, a fleece or mid-layer, and a waterproof jacket. Sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots are essential. Don’t forget sunscreen, as UV is much stronger at altitude.

Where is the best place to go in the French Alps in summer?

Samoëns, Chamonix, and Annecy are all excellent bases for summer holidays in the Alps. Samoëns is particularly special for its authentic village feel and access to Grand Massif hiking trails.

What are the best things to do in the French Alps in summer?

Hiking, wild swimming, mountain biking, paragliding, and white-water rafting are all popular. Yoga and wellness retreats have also become a brilliant way to combine adventure with relaxation.

Are the French Alps good in summer for non-skiers?

Absolutely. Summer is a fantastic time to visit, trails are open, the scenery is spectacular, and the resorts are far quieter than in winter. Many people prefer the Alps in summer.

How do I get to the French Alps from the UK?

Fly to Geneva (around 1–2 hours from most French Alps destinations), take the train via Paris and Geneva, or drive via the Channel Tunnel. Trains are a great low carbon option.

A clear-headed New Year’s Eve: why more of us are seeing in 2027 on a yoga retreat

They say the way you spend New Year’s Eve sets the tone for the year ahead. If that’s true, a few days of yoga, winter walks and food someone else has cooked is a good way to start 2027.

A New Year yoga retreat still has a celebration in it. There’s a special dinner and a countdown to midnight, and you wake up on the 1st with a clear head rather than a sore one. This year we’re running five New Year retreats across the UK, and here’s what they’re actually like.

Why are more people choosing a yoga retreat for New Year?

New Year’s Eve comes with a lot of expectation, and for plenty of us the reality ends up being a long queue for a taxi at 1am, or a quiet night on the sofa wondering if we should have made plans.

A retreat gives the night a different shape. Everything is organised for you, from the meals to the classes, so all you have to do is turn up. Our UK retreats are alcohol-free, which really comes into its own on the morning of the 1st.

It’s also a good option if your usual plans have fallen through, or you just fancy something different this year. Most of our guests (87%) come on their own, and groups mix men and women of all ages, so arriving solo on 29 December is completely normal.

What happens on a New Year yoga retreat?

Every venue and teacher is a little different, so each retreat has its own itinerary, but the days follow a similar pattern. You arrive, settle in and have your first class before dinner. From there it’s yoga in the morning and evening, a walk out in the winter air, and some time left free to read, nap or wander. Every class and activity is optional, so you can do as much or as little as you like.

A few parts of the week are worth knowing about before you go.

The intention-setting workshop is a chance to look back at the year you’ve had and think about what you want from the next one. It’s relaxed, and you share as much or as little as you like.

Evening classes are slower. Yin yoga holds each pose for a few minutes, which gives your legs a good stretch after a day of walking.

Yoga nidra is a guided relaxation that you do lying down, somewhere between being awake and asleep. If you drift off, nobody minds.

What’s New Year’s Eve itself like?

The evening centres on a celebratory four-course dinner, cooked by our chef and mostly plant-based. Then there’s a countdown to midnight with the group, and you can stay up chatting or head to bed straight after.

New Year’s Day starts slowly, with a gentle class and nowhere you need to be.

Where can you spend New Year on a yoga retreat in the UK?

All five of our New Year retreats are four nights long.

East Sussex, 30 December to 3 January

Our East Sussex venue near Mayfield is one we only use at New Year, so it comes round once a year. It’s the one retreat that starts on the 30th, which gives you an extra day at home after Christmas.

Cornwall, 29 December to 2 January

Cornwall in winter is much quieter than Cornwall in August, and a good place to clear your head before the year gets going.

Norfolk, 29 December to 2 January

Norfolk is our newest venue, opened in 2026, so this will be its first New Year with us.

Peak District: Hope Valley, 29 December to 2 January

A converted cattle shed near Grindleford, with a log burner, walks straight from the door and a sauna looking out over the valley.

Peak District: Carsington Water, 29 December to 2 January

A Georgian farmhouse with views across the Derbyshire valleys, a short walk from Carsington Water.

If you’d rather have your reset once the celebrations are over, we also run three-night January retreats from 2 to 5 January in Cornwall, Norfolk and both Peak District venues. Same feast, same intention-setting workshop, just without the countdown.

Is an intention better than a resolution?

Resolutions have a habit of fading by February, usually because they ask for too much, too fast. An intention is gentler. Instead of a list of things to fix, it’s a sense of how you’d like the year to feel, like being kinder to yourself or getting outside more often.

A few days away, with time to think and nobody rushing you, makes that much easier to work out. If you’d like to read more, have a look at setting intentions for the new year and Why a New Year Yoga Retreat Is the Best Resolution for 2027.

How do I book a New Year retreat?

You can see every New Year and January retreat, with dates and exactly what’s included, on our website. If you’re not sure which one suits you, give us a ring on 01273 782734. An actual person will help you choose, not a chatbot, not a voice memo.