Alpine Lake Escapes
Long beacons of summer fun when white mountain tops turn into luscious greens, people have been gathering at alpine lakes for relief in hot months with family and friends for centuries.
Many of these retreats were built up during the 20th century when metropolitan populations exploded and summers in the city became crowded, with people seeking refreshment and mountain air. In fact, while St. Moritz is now known as perhaps the winter destination, it originally was sought out by Brits in the summertime seeking mountain air for relaxation and to fight against respiratory diseases.
These alpine lakes each have a distinct aura with plenty of history stamped on their shores. Photographers have long been capturing these unique settings, where bodies of water nestle high at mountainous elevations. There is no shortage of summer fun to be had at each destination and most especially when skiers from the surrounding areas swap a passion for sliding on snow in favor of water in a different form.
Lake Tahoe
Straddling the state line between California and Nevada sits Lake Tahoe. The second deepest lake in North America at 1,644 feet, the summer haven has attracted alpinists in droves since the gold rush. Known for its world-class peaks like Squaw Valley that held the 1960 Winter Olympics, skiing the mountains in the morning and the lake in the afternoon is commonplace during certain months. Lake Tahoe was also a favorite shooting location for Slim Aarons, who captured luxurious summer living on the water and in shoreline pools around the lake.
Lake Placid
Another US Winter Olympic site, home to the 1932 and 1980 Olympics, Lake Placid boasts one of the most serene atmospheres on the east coast. Since the 1840s, the rolling green mountains and a quiet charm have made it a desirable getaway destination and an anchor of the Adirondack region, one of the great parks in the US containing more than 10,000 lakes and 30,000 miles of rivers and streams to explore.
Lake Geneva
Located on the north side of the Alps is Lake Geneva bordering both Switzerland and France. Known for its depth at 1020 feet, the lake boasts views of famed Mont Blanc and has been mentioned in European writings as early as the year 563. With Geneva on one end and the resort town of Montreux on the other, with beautiful lakeside vineyards in between, there is something for everyone on every edge of the lake.
Lake Como
There’s little left to be said about Italy’s famed Lake Como. Known for the epitome of glitz and glamor, with countless stunning five-star hotels and exquisite villas lining its shores, the alpine lake boasts steep mountainsides leading right down to the water’s edge. A summer haven known for its famous “Y” shape, the lake was formed by an enormous glacial movement over 10,000 years ago.
