Mountain lakes and waters as a family: our cool ideas for summer

When the lowlands are stifling, the mountains offer their cool waters: high-altitude lakes, spectacular dams and even a lake hidden beneath the rock. Here are our favourite ideas for gaining some height as a family this summer.

We have mixed experiences with a full Kidora listing and a few classics to discover on your own: in every case, check access and conditions on the official websites before you set off — the mountains keep their own timetable.

VerticAlp Emosson: the dam that impresses

In Finhaut, three little mountain trains link up to climb to the Emosson dam, facing the Mont Blanc massif. The turquoise water of the reservoir, the vertiginous walls and the journey itself make this a spectacular outing that curious families can easily manage.

The underground lake of St-Léonard: cool air guaranteed

Between Sion and Sierre, you glide by boat across the largest natural underground lake in Europe. A guided, cool and magical trip that works even in a heatwave: under the rock, the temperature doesn’t depend on the weather.

Lac de Lioson at Les Mosses: turquoise in the Vaud Alps

Above the Col des Mosses, Lac de Lioson spreads its turquoise waters at 1,850 m: a steady climb of about 1 to 1.5 hours, a swim for the brave and a small animal park at the top make it the ideal first real high-altitude hike as a family.

The natural pool in Les Marécottes: an alpine swim

Want a proper swim in the mountains? The pool carved out of the rock in Les Marécottes offers clear, cool water with the Valais peaks as a backdrop. Combine it with the neighbouring alpine zoo for a full day out.

Classics to explore on your own

A few emblematic mountain lakes in French-speaking Switzerland lend themselves particularly well to families. Check access and conditions before you set off:

• Lac de Champex (Valais): nicknamed the “little Canada” of Valais, reachable by car or postal bus, with a flat loop around the lake and pedalos in season.
• Lac de Taney (Valais): a nature reserve perched above Vouvry, which has to be earned with a good climb on foot. For children who walk well, or for baby carriers.
• Lac de Derborence (Valais): at the end of a spectacular road, a lake born of a landslide, surrounded by one of the last primeval forests in Switzerland.
• Lac Retaud (Vaud), above Les Diablerets: small, accessible and perfect for a picnic with a view.

Planning your mountain lake day

• The water in high-altitude lakes stays cold even in August: swimming there is often symbolic. Plan for shoreline play, a picnic and watching wildlife instead.
• Bring warm layers: at 2,000 metres, one cloud is enough to send the temperature tumbling.
• Summer storms often break in mid-afternoon: set off early, head back down early.
• Sunscreen is essential: the sun is stronger at altitude, especially near water.

And to turn the swim into a proper mountain day, many resorts have a summer toboggan run a stone’s throw from the lakes: find our favourite runs in our guide to summer toboggan runs in French-speaking Switzerland.

Want to cool off without going so high? Browse our finest beaches on Lake Geneva and our ideas for cooling off in French-speaking Switzerland.

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