Summer in the Italian mountains: Trentino and Lombardy

Summer holidays in the Italian mountains have never been more popular. Amanda Statham discovers that the stunning regions of Trentino and Lombardy are well worth exploring with your family

Thought the Alps were just for winter? Think again, because summer holidays in the Italian peaks have experienced a huge surge in popularity thanks to resorts – keen to fill vacant beds outside of the ski season – offering an enticing range of activities. From e-biking and caving to adventure parks and pony-trekking, several of the northern regions offer unique family- friendly adventures centred around mesmerising mountains, which are spectacular when snow-capped peaks contrast with lush green valleys below. Who needs the beach?

Trentino

Stretching from Lake Garda to the Dolomites, Trentino lies in the heart of the Alpine region and makes a magical choice for an outdoors family getaway, with a wealth of lakes, cities, castles and mountains to explore.

Hiking and biking 

Get the family out in the fresh air on a hike through some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery. Kids will enjoy the cable car ride to the top of Mount Mezzocorona, where there are panoramic views of the Rotaliana plains to enjoy. Then take a gentle walk through forest to the Malga Kraun, a mountain hut where you can taste typical Trentino cuisine (think local cheese and cured meats) and wander through an enchanting open-air gallery of wood sculptures to an enormous silver fir known as the Candelabra. Want to swap feet for wheels? Head to Passo Tonale, which has a family bike park with various routes to suit every type of cyclists.

Rivers and lakes

Who needs the ocean when there are spectacular rivers and lakes to play on? Older kids will want to get their adrenaline pumping riding the rapids on the Noce River in the Val di Sole, which National Geographic lists as one of the top 10 rivers to raft in the world. Swap snowboards for wakeboards on Lake Terlago, where you can book family lessons and perhaps even try jumps and turns on the tow park. Close by on Idro Lake, prevailing winds make it a dream place for learning to kitesurf against a stunning mountain backdrop.

Want something a little calmer? Levico Lake has tranquil waters ideal for exploring in a family kayak or stand-up paddle boards, or pack a picnic and enjoy a circular walk around Lake Tovel in Val di Non (it takes under an hour) then pick a spot bank-side for lunch. Don’t miss Adamello Brenta Nature Park, where you can paddle on the edge of Lake Tovel, which takes around 90-minutes to stroll around, keeping an eye out for brown bears, golden eagles and ibex.