If you’re starting to think about your 2024 summer holiday, a ski resort turned summer haven could be the perfect spot for Dubliners seeking a safe bet to avoid hellish high temperatures.

Last summer saw records of 45.4C in Spain, 48.2C in Italy and wildfires on the Greek islands of Rhodes, Evia and Corfu, all causing chaos to travel. And though Verbier is a skiing favourite for the British royals, Barack Obama, Leonardo di Caprio and even our own, Ronan Keating - it is rapidly turning into a go-to holiday for summer because climate change has affected it in another way.

Rising global temperatures have seen the snow partially melting in ski resorts like Verbier during the winter season and now summer is the new burgeoning trend here. And those warm summer temperatures, could be a respite for holidaymakers who don’t want to risk wildfires or unbearable heat, next year.

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With wall to wall sunshine and pleasant temperatures throughout summertime, Verbier offers a real alternative for travellers who want to plan their holiday to avoid extreme heat. And even though this is typically an A-lister's; holiday, if you book for summer, rather than winter, you’re guaranteed much cheaper rates.

But this is only for now, as that could soon change as people realise summer in the alps makes climate sense. The Swiss Alps are much more than skiing, as I found on a trip last July, as part of a look at an alternative summer holiday.

I’ve previously visited Verbier during ski season and to say that was fun, is an understatement, whether you’re a novice or expert on the slopes. But summer in a chalet is also a guaranteed injection of happiness and just enough vitamin D.

Hiking in the mountains in the warm July sun is a beautiful experience. You can take in the panoramic views from a cable car before rambling down the descent to the picture postcard village.

Cool sculptures are dotted around the alps and pretty much every hiker you see, waves and says ‘hi’ as you get closer to the bottom. Adrenaline junkies zip by on mountain bikes down a bike trail that’s definitely not for the faint-hearted.

And in August, there’s an E-bike festival, allowing visitors to see more of the mountains from the comfort of a bike that’s going to do most of the up mountain work for you. During my trip last summer, I attended a drawing class in the mountains and spent a blissful morning drawing the alps and surrounding landscape. This was the ultimate in switching off and I couldn’t recommend highly enough.

For those who wish to find out more about art during their trip, they can pop into Creative Space, a new facility in the centre of Verbier. The guys there offer art education and workshops and host professional artists.

Or take a dip in a heated outdoor pool in the centre of the village and enjoy those mesmerising views. Holidaymakers can also take a mountain yoga class, suitable for all levels.

Just breathe in the air and yes, check those mountains out again - because they literally never get boring! Although they weren’t on the itinerary, three of my favourite summer moments were blasting out Bohemian Rhapsody on karaoke at the fantastic No8 bar in Verbier.

The bar staff are incredibly welcoming, while the customers are all up for the craic! And sitting in a jacuzzi whiling an hour away at the gorgeous Experimental Chalet hotel, while admiring those mountains yet again, was something else too.

As was a dip in the ice barrel in the hotel’s spa. It’s tough for a couple of seconds going in but your body rapidly settles in.

By the time you’re out, you’ll be feeling revitalised and ready to take on a hike or maybe even Bohemian Rhapsody! The food and wine are particular delights and regardless of where you go, you’re in for a treat.

Though I recommend La Nonna, an Italian restaurant in the village, La Marlénaz, for traditional Swiss cuisine and with an amazing mountain view and L’Ecurie, a French restaurant in Verbier. Whether it’s summer or winter, Verbier won’t disappoint and you might just reclaim a bit of your inner child while there.

Return direct flights from Dublin to Geneva cost from €57.99 with Aer Lingus. The Swiss Travel System provides a range of exclusive travel passes and tickets for visitors.

The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on consecutive days throughout the Swiss Travel System on rail, bus and a boat network. This pass also covers scenic routes and local trams and buses in around 90 towns and cities, and includes the Swiss Museum Pass, which allows free entrance to 500 museums and exhibitions.

Prices start from €218 for a three-day second-class ticket. A first-class, return train ticket from Geneva Airport to Verbier costs from €81.

A three-night stay at the four star Experimental Chalet, is priced from €281 pp, based on two people sharing a room. Breakfast is included.

The Verbier Infinite Playground Pass (VIP PASS) will allow you either free entrance of discounts to attractions. For more information log onto the Verbier Tourist Office.

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