When winter is over and the snow melts, it can be hard to imagine that ski resorts are still active. But thanks to the high mountains and glaciers, summer skiing is still possible in Europe. In this article, we will present some of the most popular summer ski destinations that offer both great skiing experiences and a varied range of activities and facilities.
Zermatt, Switzerland - Glacier skiing on the Matterhorn
Zermatt is one of the most famous ski resorts in Europe and is also a popular destination for summer skiing. Here you'll find the Theodul Glacier, located at an altitude of 3,883 meters and offering skiing experiences from June to September. In addition to skiing, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Matterhorn and go hiking in the surrounding mountains.
Read more about Zermatt.
Les 2 Alpes, France - A versatile ski resort for the whole family
Les 2 Alpes is a popular ski resort in France, ideal for families and groups of friends. The ski area stretches up to 3,600 meters and offers varied terrain with both easy and challenging slopes. In summer you can ski on the Mont-de-Lans glacier and enjoy mountain biking, hiking and much more.
Read more about Les 2 Alpes.
Hintertux, Austria - A paradise for ice climbers and skiers
Hintertux is located in Austria's Tyrol region and is one of the few ski resorts where you can ski all year round. In summer, you can ski on the Hintertux Glacier, which is located at an altitude of 3,250 meters. Besides skiing, Hintertux is also known for its ice climbing opportunities, where you can challenge yourself on the impressive frozen waterfalls and rock formations.
Read more about Hintertux.
Tignes, France - Skiing on the Grande Motte Glacier
Tignes is another popular French ski destination offering summer skiing on the Grande Motte Glacier. Here skiers and snowboarders can enjoy varied terrain suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike. When you're not skiing, you can participate in various summer activities such as hiking, mountain biking and golf.
Read more about Tignes.
Saas-Fee, Switzerland - A sustainable choice for summer skiing
Saas-Fee is a picturesque Swiss mountain village known for its sustainable approach to tourism. In summer, you can ski on the Allalin Glacier, located at an altitude of 3,500 meters. The ski resort is particularly popular with freestyle skiers and snowboarders who can explore the park with various obstacles and jumps. Saas-Fee also offers a wide range of summer activities such as hiking, mountain biking and climbing.
Read more about Saas-Fee.
Kaprun, Austria - Kitzsteinhorn Glacier and its facilities
Kaprun is located in the Austrian Salzburgerland and is home to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, which offers summer skiing from October to July. The glacier is part of the larger Zell am See-Kaprun ski area and offers slopes of varying difficulty levels. When you're not skiing, you can enjoy Kaprun's many amenities, including wellness centers, restaurants and shopping opportunities.
Read more about Kaprun.
Passo Stelvio, Italy - Skiing with historic atmosphere
Passo Stelvio is a unique ski resort in northern Italy offering summer skiing on the Stelvio Glacier. Founded in the 1930s, this historic ski resort is known for its atmosphere and charm. In summer you can ski on the glacier and also go hiking and biking in the surrounding mountains.
Ramsau am Dachstein, Austria - Family-friendly summer skiing
Ramsau am Dachstein is a family-friendly ski resort located in Austria that offers summer skiing on the Dachstein Glacier. Here you'll find both downhill and cross-country skiing on the glacier, which is located at an altitude of 2,700 meters. The ski resort is ideal for families as there are slopes suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers. In addition to skiing, other activities such as hiking, climbing and mountain biking can be enjoyed in the beautiful landscape around Ramsau am Dachstein.
Read more about Ramsau.
Zell am See, Austria - An idyllic destination with a diverse range of summer activities
Zell am See is located in Salzburgerland, Austria, and is a popular destination for both summer and winter vacations. Although the resort doesn't offer summer skiing directly in Zell am See, it's a short drive to nearby Kaprun where you can ski on the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, which we mentioned earlier.
Zell am See is surrounded by beautiful mountains and the crystal clear Zeller See, making it a perfect place for summer activities such as hiking, cycling, sailing and swimming. You can also enjoy a golf vacation as the town has a beautiful 18-hole golf course.
Read more about Zell am See.
Filzmoos, Austria - A charming village with scenic hiking routes
Filzmoos is a small, picturesque village located in Salzburgerland, Austria. Although the ski resort doesn't offer summer skiing, there are plenty of other summer activities to take part in. Filzmoos is known for its scenic hiking routes where you can explore the beautiful landscape and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Besides hiking, you can also try mountain biking, climbing, horseback riding and paragliding in Filzmoos. The town also has a number of restaurants where you can taste local Austrian specialties and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
Read more about Filzmoos.
Stubai Glacier, Austria - An impressive ski resort with challenging slopes
The Stubai Glacier is Austria's largest glacier ski resort and is located in the Tyrol region. Here you can ski from September to June and experience some of Austria's most impressive alpine landscapes. The ski resort offers over 100 kilometers of slopes that vary in difficulty and are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers.
During the summer, you can ski on the glacier and participate in a wide range of other activities such as hiking, mountain biking and climbing. Stubaier Gletscher also offers guided glacier tours where you can learn more about the history and ecosystem of the glacier.
Read more about Stubai.
Practical tips for summer skiing in Europe
Before you pack your ski equipment and head out for summer skiing in Europe, there are some practical tips to consider:
- Check opening hours and availability: Glaciers and ski resorts may have limited opening hours and days during the summer, so it's important to check this before you plan your trip.
- Be prepared for varying snow conditions: Snow conditions in summer can vary considerably, so it's important to be prepared for both soft and hard slopes.
- Protect yourself from the sun: The sun's rays are stronger in the mountains, so it is important to protect yourself from the sun by using sunscreen, sunglasses and appropriate clothing.
- Hydration is key: Skiing in summer can be more strenuous than in winter, so it's important to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Summer skiing is for those who absolutely can't wait for winter to return
Summer skiing in Europe is a unique experience that allows you to enjoy skiing and snowboarding even after winter is over. With a number of fantastic resorts offering summer skiing on their glaciers, there are plenty of options to find the perfect destination for you and your family. From Zermatt in Switzerland to Ramsau am Dachstein in Austria, there's something for every taste and level.
Planning ski holidays around Europe? You can find inspiration in the articles listed below:
