Places in Europe for a summer ski holiday: Do you still have no plans for this summer or don’t know what to do on vacation? Why not ski away from the countryside and beaches? Yes, you heard it right, skiing in the summer.
Ski resorts in France remained closed all winter last due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a sad time for all skiers, except for those who had the opportunity to ride the slopes in some countries while living there.
But in 2021, you can still enjoy skiing without waiting for winter. After a bad year, this could help the industry get back on its feet. This year there are even more opportunities, due to very heavy snowfall and spring cold snaps. Unusually cold weather in May provides the best conditions for opening the summer ski season.
The use of sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen is highly recommended, as UV radiation is much more damaging to the skin at high altitudes.
11 best Places in Europe for a summer ski holiday
France
Les Deux Alpes
Les des Alpes is France’s largest ski glacier. His season started on May 29, three weeks earlier than usual due to good snow conditions and requests from pros looking to get some practice.
At the opening, 10 lifts were launched, allowing access to the 1000-meter descent from the Tura glacier. At an altitude of 2,600, you can ride even in summer.
Here you can also watch the real pros ski down as they have their own reserved track. The resort also offers epic mountain biking trails.
Val d’Isère
In Val d’Isère, amateurs and tourists can enjoy the slopes of the Pisayas glacier together with the professionals from the French team. The resort will be open from 12 June to 11 July.
The opening was delayed by a week to coincide with the clearing of snow from the Iseran Pass.
Available from 7 am to noon, three trails for amateurs and three for professionals. Activities for the rest of the day include swimming, hiking, and, for the more adventurous, a huge network of downhill mountain biking trails.
Tignes
The Grand Motte Glacier will be open from 19 June to 1 August. This summer ski destination offers about 20 km of slopes at an altitude of 3400 to 2700 meters in the heart of the Vanoise Natural Park.
A ski pass costs 38 euros for an adult for one day. The resort also hosts guided glacier hikes, and like all major alpine resorts, there are numerous sporting events in addition.
To take a break from skiing, this year you can go to the laser tag arena, (a game that is similar to paintball, but without the pain and soiled clothes) (38 euros for an adult and 30 euros for a child).
Norway
The advantage of visiting Norway for summer skiing is that you don’t have to climb very high to find snow. This northern country has glacial resorts open during the warmer months, only 1,200 meters above sea level.
Fonna
The number of runs here is limited, but they are suitable for all skill levels.
However, you will have to forget about the nightlife, since Fontnes does not have the entertainment and services offered by the French mega-resorts. Expect a small restaurant and a few places to stay in the middle of the fjord. Undoubtedly, it is less comfortable but gives this place a special atmosphere.
Another reason to visit Fontne is that you can ski until 4 pm because the snow doesn’t melt as much as it does in France. A ski pass costs 332 crowns, which is equivalent to 32 euros.
Stryn
You won’t find a lot of restaurants and a wide choice of accommodation in Stryn.
This resort, located at an altitude of no more than 1000 meters above sea level, offers four slopes on the Tystigbreen glacier. But for skiers who love off-piste, there are plenty of options too.
Most of the accommodation available in the area is in campsites, a few hotels, and a few rental apartments. The resort has a cafeteria and equipment rental.
A ski pass will cost you 450 crowns or 44 euros.
Galldhøpiggen
Galdhøpiggen also has several well-snowed slopes available from 09:00 to 15:00. This place is located at the foot of the highest mountain in Northern Europe (2469 m), which gave the resort its name.
Climbing the only lift to the glacier, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the mountainous area divided into 25 small slopes.
In the same vein as other Norwegian resorts, Galldhøpiggen offers only the essentials: a place to eat and equipment rentals. Finding accommodation in this region can be difficult, but there are several places that offer a convenient base for accommodation.
Sognefjellet
Unlike other Norwegian destinations on this list, there are no ski slopes in Sognefjell. However, here you can ski all summer long on the highest pass in Northern Europe, at 1400 meters above sea level, along with the RV 55.
The resort’s website offers about ten accommodation options, and a day pass costs 180 crowns or 15 euros.
Austria
In Austria, a country in the heart of the Alps, summer skiers can find a variety of slopes. The temperature in the mountains allows skiing all year round.
Kaprun
In Kaprun, Salzburg, you can ski until July 23 on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, a peak that rises to 3,229 meters. No need to worry about your skiing skills, the slopes here are suitable for both beginners and more experienced winter sports enthusiasts.
You can take the funicular to enjoy the view of the Alps. It is worth paying attention to the Grossglockner – the highest peak in Austria (3798 m), which is best seen from the observation decks “Top of Salzburg” and “National Park Gallery”.
In summer, you can also ski in the Hintertux resort in Tyrol.
Here, nine ski lifts serve 20 km of pistes almost 365 days a year, sometimes closing depending on weather conditions. A lift pass costs 49 euros per day for an adult.
The region also offers many other activities, such as a dip in the thermal baths after a hard day’s skiing.
Switzerland
The two largest resorts in Switzerland offer summer skiing, but the prices here will definitely be higher than in the rest of Europe.
Saas-Fee
In Saas-Fee, in the canton of Valais, the summer season starts on 17 July. This glacier resort, located at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level, has 20 km of slopes for all skill levels.
Ski trips are also organized in the resort of Valais, famous for its “summer snowpark”. Saas-Fee will be open from 31 July and costs CHF 75 (€68) per day.
Zermatt
Another great place for summer skiing in Switzerland is Zermatt. Here the Theodul Glacier offers more than 20 km of slopes open all year round.
To get to this place, you will need to use the cable car, which will take you to an altitude of 3882 meters to the top of Petit Chervin. It also has a platform that offers 360-degree views of the Swiss, Italian and French Alps, which is a very worthwhile sight.
The cost of a ski lift pass is 75 Swiss francs (68 euros).
Italy
The place for summer skiing in Italy is the Cervino region in the Aosta Valley. From here you can climb the Matterhorn to ski on the Rossa Plateau, 3,500 meters above sea level.
You can get here by cable car departing from Le Breuil. And to enjoy the slopes, you have to pay 33 euros.
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