Posted on 22 May 2024
Forget about the winter season because the best resorts for summer skiing showcase different sides to this niche of sport. Summer ski seasons worldwide see people flocking to snow conditions at high altitudes to continue the thrill of skiing among fantastic scenery.
From the largest ski areas to lesser-known glacier skiing, you won’t be disappointed if you love groomed slopes and glacier skiing in summer. While some resorts shut the ski lifts and go on downtime in summer months, others ramp up for alternative skiing, among other activities.
The definition of winter season versus summer season varies across the world. Still, this article looks at popular resorts open from May through Autumn. If you visit any summer resorts, ski in the morning before the sun melts the groomed slopes. Additionally, don’t forget your sunscreen, and check the weather conditions before departing to ensure the resort is opening, as times and dates differ from year to year.
The Best Resorts for Summer Skiing
1: Powder Skiing at Hintertux Glacier in Austria
- Sits at an altitude of 3250 metres near Hintertuxer Gletscher resort
- Reached by Innsbruck airport, 90 minutes’ drive away.
Regardless of who you talk to, this vast glacier always ranks highly. As one of Europe’s top glacier resorts and sitting in Tyrolean Zillertal Valley, the skiable terrain of 20 kilometres offers glacier pistes for beginners, and experienced skiers. Open for 365 days, expect excellent performing glacier lifts, leading to perfect alpine summer conditions and terrain parks. The lift pass also connects to other nearby resorts of Finkenberg and Mayrhofen, and take a detour to see the top attractions of Nature’s Ice Palace and frozen waterfalls.
2: Mölltal Glacier in Austria for An Alpine Summer
- Trails open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sits in Hohe Tauern national park, near Flattach village
- Use the Molli snow park for freestyling
Using the Glacier Express and Eissee Gondola to reach the ski area, as well as the Gletscher Jet and Adventure 3000 to four open slopes at Schareck, trails at Mölltal Glacier between 2,800 and 3,122 metres attract many experienced skiers with the excellent powder conditions. Additionally, as one of eight Austrian glaciers with 300 days of sunshine, amazing views of Gastein Valley ensure the fame and admiration of this resort. With one ski pass, easily access Mölltaler Gletscher and Ankogel Mallnitz ski areas, with 24 kilometres of slopes. While there, dine at the Eissee restaurant, offering amazing views.
3: Summer Skiing at Stubai Glacier in Austria
- Sits in the Tyrol area of Austria
- Stubai Glacier is the most extensive glacier skiing area, with slopes reaching up to 3,210 meters.
- This elevation ensures reliable snow cover, allowing unique skiing experiences from June to October.
Wow, there is much to do in this resort during summer. Snowpark Stubai Zoo is a major draw, particularly for freestyle enthusiasts thanks to several jumps, rails, and boxes. Schaufeljoch’s viewing platform provides breathtaking 360-degree vistas, while the 30-meter-long ice cave near the Eisgrat station allows visitors to explore glacial ice, complete with shimmering ice formations and informative glacier geology and preservation displays. Stubai Glacier features several restaurants and mountain huts to enjoy traditional Tyrolean cuisine, but the Jochdohle offers spectacular views alongside hearty meals.
4: Enchanting Alpe d’Huez in France
- Alpe d’Huez sits in Isère, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France.
- Has earned the nickname “Island in the Sun” due to south-facing slopes with over 300 sunny days.
- Alpe d’Huez offers excellent snow conditions thanks to the Pic Blanc glacier.
Perfect for freestyle skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts who want to practice their tricks, Alpe d’Huez is famous for ski training camps. Many professional athletes and aspiring skiers flock for off-season training, taking advantage of snow conditions and world-class facilities. Various ski schools and training programs are available to improve skills or learn new techniques, and while skiing is the main attraction, Alpe d’Huez features many other activities, including the Palais des Sports et des Congrès, indoor swimming pool, and fitness centre.
5: Lots of Skiing in Val d’Isère in France
- Normally operates for summer from June to July
- Used to access skiing on Pisaillas Glacier at 2725 to 3300 meters
- Three groomed pistes, including Moraine, Montet, Combe du Géant
- Modern lifts include Cascade and Montet
Val d’Isère offers active holidays and camps for experienced and intermediate skiers for only 2 summer months, but don’t underestimate the potential. As one of France’s most popular resorts, and sitting near the neighbouring resort of Tignes, both belong to the Espace Killy area and portray Mother Nature all year round. In summer, the downhill skiing slopes turn into green meadows ideal for mountain biking and hiking, so combine summer snow skiing with other outdoor activities.
6: Soft Snow and Blue Skies at Les Deux Alpes in France
- Also called Les 2 Alpes
- Home to Europe’s largest skiable glacier
- Second oldest ski resort in France
The famous ski destination typically shuts from September to November. Still, outside these months, skiers enjoy year-round skiing at 3,450 meters. Of course, the fantastic views of Mont Blanc earn fame. During summer, skiing occurs between 3600 and 2800 meters on the Mont-De-Lans glacier and Girose glacier, as well as the 272-acre ski area. But further down the summit, other activities like biking bring fans, making this hard-core base for outdoor adventure activities.
7: Summer Seasons in Passo Stelvio in Italy
- Offers 20 kilometres of terrain between the Stelvio Pass at 2758 meters and Monte Cristallo at 3450 meters
- Access the main glacier by cable car from the Passo Stelvio pass.
- Uniquely, this resort doesn’t open in winter.
As a popular resort for snowboarding, skiing and cross-country skiing, Passo Stelvio attracts many advanced skiers thanks to excellent conditions. With three cross-country routes, 9 snow slopes and six ski lifts, this mid-summer resort opened in 1932 and will suit beginner skiers with eight kilometres of easy slopes. Freestylers should visit the Payer Tursitica snow park. Although it offers excellent power conditions during mid-summer, they have one snowmaking machine.
8: Summer Ski Holidays in Cerro Catedral – Argentina
Heading to the other side of the world, this famous resort receives an average of 98 snowfall days, and ranks as one of South America’s best ski resorts, with lifts handling 35,000 skiers every hour. With international vibes and plenty of snow, the backcountry skiing opportunities and varied terrain offer remote huts for overnight skiing. This resort, which earns worldwide admiration for the views of Nahuel Huap Lake and the national park, sits near the famed city of Bariloche, combining skiing holidays in Cerro Catedral with city breaks.
9: Mountain Peaks of Treble Cone in New Zealand
- It covers 1359 acres, with the longest run being 2.5 miles.
- Summer elevation is 2088 meters
- 90% of terrain suits intermediate or advanced skiers.
- Kid-friendly with a snow sports school and childcare centre
As the largest ski area in New Zealand, Treble Cone hosts the longest vertical drop, and this resort is the training ground for Austria’s ski team, boasting fantastic views over Lake Wanaka. Founded in 1968 as a small summer hobby ski area, development over the years included snowmaking machines to ensure good powder conditions, especially on challenging terrain. Many skiers sign up for the backcountry tours hosted by professional guides. Still, over the last decade, more effort went into making the resort more friendly for beginner and intermediate skiers.
10: Mammoth Mountain – Amazing USA Skiing
- Covers 3,500 acres of skiable terrain
- Often opening until the end of July
- Receiving an average of 33 feet of snow yearly
Mammoth Mountains delights everyone, with warm conditions that make it trendy to ski in a t-shirt. The mountains promote morning skiing with style and paddle boarding or visiting waterfalls in the afternoon. Often attracting young crowds, the free bus service around Mammoth Mountain’s lodges makes this an ideal destination for weekly ski holidays. 25 lifts lead to varied terrain, of which most are slightly difficult, difficult or very difficult.
11: Timberline Lodge at Mt.Hood in North America
- Originally constructed during the Great Depression
- Sits within Mt. Hood National Forest and attracts 2 million visitors every year
- Has the most extended ski season in North America
Welcome to Timberline Lodge in Oregan, at 6000 feet, which attracts 2 million visitors annually. Having been featured in the 1980 film The Shining, the resort has the most extended season, and offers snowboarding and snowshoeing opportunities alongside skiing. Other summer activities include hiking and biking. Toured by Roosevelt in 1937, he left a dedication saying….
“Those who will follow us to Timberline Lodge on their holidays and vacations will represent the enjoyment of new opportunities for play in every season.”
Initially declining during World War 2, this is now a top family-friendly destination in North America.
12: Horstman Glacier at Whistler Blackcomb Mountain
- It is not recommended for beginners, just intermediate to advanced skiers
- Glacier camps usually run from June to July
- Unfortunately, experiencing rapid glacier melt, so check before departing
Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia is North America’s most famous and largest ski resort, and it is home to Horstman Glacier, which often hosts summer camps. While some people enjoy mountain bike parks and numerous hiking trails, others head to Horstman Glacier for exceptional skiing opportunities.
Unfortunately, Horstman Glacier and the northern resort have seen turmoil recently because of the lack of snow. In 2021, the T-bar was removed during a poor winter season. During the average year, the snow park and mogul fields add to the attraction of summer camps. (Is Whistler better than the Alps?)
13: Arapahoe Basin – The Longest Ski Season in Colorado
- Opens typically from October through to August the following year
- 73% is for intermediate and experienced skiers
- Uniquely limits crowds to ensure quality experiences
Sitting at 13,000 feet and covering nearly 1500 acres, Arapahoe Basin has seven areas for skiing, and is nicknamed the legend for good reasons. With 147 trails and 3 terrain parks, Arapahoe isn’t a destination for beginners, but others will be delighted with the experience.
Use the Pallavicini Lift to access the Spine track or the Lenawee Express Lift to access the other areas. A quirky place to visit at Arapahoeis is il Rifugio Bistro, which, at 12,500 feet, is North America’s highest mountain restaurant offering mind-blogging views.
14: Valle Nevado in Chile – Fresh Powder in the Andes
- Covers 23,000 acres of skiable terrain
- Sitting in a valley at 3025 meters, Valle Nevado first opened in 1988.
Since opening, Valle Nevado Mountain Resort has risen to excellence for heliskiing and accommodating skiers of all levels. Valle Nevado has exceptional snow quality due to south-facing positions, is easily reached via the 14 ski lifts, and is home to three hotels, four restaurants, and three bars.
The inbound terrain features 39 runs of which 10% are beginner, 36% Intermediate slopes, 33% Advanced, and the rest expert. The resort also earns admiration for off-piste skiing and backcountry access. Receiving roughly 270 inches of snowfall yearly, the middle of the summer season runs from the perfect time of July to October.
15: Delighful Portillo in Chile
Nestled at 2,880 meters, Portillo, near the Chilean-Argentinian border, about 160 kilometres (100 miles) from Santiago, is celebrated for high-quality snow, diverse terrain, and an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. Portillo benefits from consistent snowfall from mid-June to early October, and the resort’s high altitude and unique geographical location contribute to powder-rich environments, making it perfect for skiing enthusiasts from the Northern Hemisphere.
The resort’s famous runs, such as Roca Jack and Garganta, are known for their thrilling descents and stunning views, while the surrounding Andes Mountains provide numerous opportunities for hiking and mountaineering. Multiple hiking trails range from leisurely walks to challenging climbs, offering breathtaking views of rugged landscapes and the iconic Laguna del Inca, the turquoise lake at the base.
16: Las Lenas resort in Argentina
- Sits in Argentina’s western Mendoza region
- Opened in 1983
- Home to the world’s highest casino
The slopes at Las Leñas, with reliable powder snow and climate for extreme and off-piste skiing, range from very easy to extreme. The skiable area, at 2,240 m, goes to 3,430 m to drop 1,190 meters and includes 27 runs. During the skiing season, from mid-June to mid-October, enjoy mountain biking, horse riding, and climbing, but a strong advantage is the family-friendly atmosphere, including childcare facilities and a ski and snowboard school. The other advantage is Las Lenas rarely gets crowded; hence, it is ideal for beginners who don’t want an audience.
Also of Interest
High-Altitude Ski Resorts: France’s wide range of high-altitude ski resorts is fantastic. Skiers at high altitudes enjoy magnificent conditions and are attracted to advanced skiers lured by the piste terrain and panoramic views, yet many also accommodate intermediate skiers.
Best Ski Resort in the World: Avid skiers and alpine property hunters might think there is no way to judge what the world’s best ski resort is, but there is. From charming towns in Europe to excellent skiing, snow conditions, and alpine villages, many factors influence whether a ski resort gets the thumbs up or thumbs down from skiers and those searching for alpine real estate.
About Skiing Property
The best resorts for summer skiing mean that many destinations are now open all year round for this niche of sport. Their exclusivity also makes those destinations stand out in the real estate market. We are Skiing Property, and our wide range of ski apartments and chalets for sale highlight both winter and summer ski resorts.
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