Why choose summer skiing?
Good question: why should one choose to ski or snowboard in summer? Well, here’s why:
Where to go?
The stunning glacier landscapes and the glamor of the après ski strangely projected on a somewhat medieval background make Europe one of the top and most easily accessible summer skiing locations. Austria, Switzerland, Italy and France all have prime spots. Austria
The most well known Austrian resources are Neustift, Kaprun, Hintertux, and Ramsau am Dachstein. This resource here will give you plenty of details on each of these resorts and some more. Those heading to the Hintertux glacier will get to try the so-called “Gletscherbusse” — glacier buses — the gondola lifts that are responsible for carrying tourists. The Stubaier glacier will entice with an ice grotto — a dive into the heart of the glacier. The entrance fee is a mere five euros, and children under 10 go free. More info here. Switzerland
Lying at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is usually the first resort on the list for a Swiss trip. But do some research first (start with this), otherwise you might miss the Metro Alpin — the railway in the Saas Valley that takes passengers to the world’s highest revolving restaurant. Fancy that, right? Italy
Breuil-Cervinia is the top glacier destination in Italy. It lies at the foot of the same glacier as Switzerland’s Zermatt – known in this part as Monte Cervino – hence the very name of the resort/village. The resort seems to be highly appreciated by golf lovers: there’s an 18-hole golf course — the highest in Italy — right at the foot of the Matterhorn. Passo Tonale and Val Senales are other top destinations. France
Les Deux Alpes and Tignes are the heroes of French summer skiing. Les Deux Alpes owes its fame to being the largest skiable glacier in Europe with an 800 meter vertical descent. More info here. Tignes is imbued with history. The first and original village of Tignes was situated in the Isere Valley, but got submerged after the World War II when a dam was built in the valley to produce electricity. Snow hedonism aside, Tignes is treasured for the impressive fresco of Hercules adorning the dam and the ski resort built at the higher lake. This Telegraph article might come in handy for those who want more detailed info about the resorts, which levels and skills they are suitable for, and the type of accommodation available. But there are more reasons for choosing summer skiing: the crisp mountain air, the lake breeze that carries scents of wild flowers and lavender, and the thrill and excitement of sitting on a glacier appreciating the Earth’s timelessness. Get out there and enjoy nature!
