Where to Ski This Summer: The Best Summer Skiing in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

Think skiing’s just a winter gig? Think again. Glacier skiing and Southern Hemisphere slopes keep the snow dreams alive all year round. Whether you’re chasing freestyle fun, technical training, or just want to schuss through snow under the summer sun, here’s where to find the best summer skiing in 2025.

There’s an eye-popping range of summer skiing experiences on offer around the world, from the exoticism of the Andes, to the rootsy, laid-back club fields and ski resorts of New Zealand – as well as the weird and wonderful mix of glaciers and vivid green meadows that’s a feature of summer in the Alps. 

Summer Skiing in Europe

Hintertux, Austria: Steep, Snow-Sure and Seriously Scenic

The steepest lift-serviced glacier in the Alps and a year-round skiing mecca, Hintertux tops out at 3,250m with a 2km summer run. It’s a favourite of pro teams for good reason. From gate training near the drag lifts to the rails and kickers of Betterpark (open until 1 June 2025), this glacier delivers for racers and freestylers alike.

With ten ski lifts running in summer and slopes ranging from easy blues to steeper reds, there’s something here for every level. It’s also one of the most snow-sure destinations thanks to its high elevation and north-facing slopes.

Off the piste, you can explore Nature’s Ice Palace, a natural glacier cave with frozen waterfalls and a sub-zero lake. Want to paddleboard or even swim in ice water? Yep, you can do that too. This is one of the best destinations for summer skiing in Austria.

• When: 365 days a year (though July-August can get slushy)
• Stay: Friendly and relaxed Hintertuxerhof, or base in Mayrhofen for more summer variety
• More info: hintertuxergletscher.at

Les Deux Alpes, France: Freestyle Heaven and Full-On Summer Vibes

The freestyle capital of summer skiing, Les Deux Alpes offers one of the Alps’ best glacier parks with jumps, rails, and beginner-friendly terrain. Ski up to 770m vertical (on good years) on the Mont-de-Lans glacier, with a dozen runs and ample snow coverage early in the season.

The resort is a magnet for freestyle skiers and snowboarders, thanks to its vast terrain park, rails, kickers, and chill vibe. It’s also a hub for off-snow fun. Mountain biking, e-biking, swimming, tennis and skateboarding round out the summer scene. Events like King of the Plaza, Girls Shredding Days, and the Défi de la Muzelle trail race keep the atmosphere buzzing.

There’s even a local Fête des Foins celebration and downhill mountain biking competitions, making it one of the liveliest Alpine villages in summer.

• When: 29 May – 6 July 2025
• Stay: Three-star Souleil’Or, or book via Peak Retreats
• More info: les2alpes.com

Tignes, France: Glacier Grit a British Institution

Although the summer season has been trimmed, Tignes still impresses with its 20km of glacier skiing on the Grand Motte and Snoworks’ excellent British-led coaching camps. The glacier tops out at 3,456m, with wide, well-groomed pistes perfect for improving technique or learning new skills.

Snoworks’ week-long camps provide coaching with video analysis and on-snow sessions tailored to all levels. The My Tignes card also gives access to a full suite of off-slope fun — think skateboarding, rollerblading, trampoline parks, and a world-class indoor swimming complex.

The season is short but intense, with the Mountain Shaker event adding energy and edge through sports competitions and live music. Tignes is a top choice for skiing in summer.

• When: 21 June – 20 July 2025
• Stay: Hotel Lo Terrachu, or go via Peak Retreats or Erna Low
• More info: tignes.net

When: 22 June — 21 July, 2024
Where to stay: at Hotel Lo Terrachu in Tignes-le-Lac. It’s not too convenient for the lifts, but this where the Snoworks video analysis takes place. It’s also handy for Tignes’ superb indoor pool and weights room. Peak Retreats and Erna Low feature Tignes in their programme of Alpine summer holidays.
Further information: tignes.net
 

Cervinia, Italy: Warren Smith and Zermatt’s Summer Slopes

All skiing in Cervinia’s summer season takes place on the Theodul Glacier, technically in Switzerland but easily accessed from Italy. You get access to 23km of piste, with terrain ideal for both learners and advanced skiers.

Pair this with Warren Smith’s legendary coaching camps, which run throughout July and August, and you’ve got the ideal fix for breaking a technique plateau. His unconventional, biomechanics-based approach helps unlock performance gains in skiers of all levels.

Skiers can also enjoy SnowXperience for beginners, or even a snow tube descent. Thanks to the newly completed Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, you can now switch between Zermatt and Cervinia with ease for lunch or sightseeing. Summer skiing here is both scenic and skill-boosting.

• When: 5 May – 7 September 2025
• Stay: Hotel Mon Reve in Cervinia
• More info: cervinia.it

Saas Fee, Switzerland: Glacial Grandeur and Ice Caverns

With red-rated glacier runs topping out at 3,500m, Saas Fee is a more challenging summer ski option and a favourite of training ski teams. Six lifts serve the Allalin glacier, where conditions are best from July through October.

There’s also a vast ice grotto, one of the largest of its kind, where you can walk through ice tunnels and admire frozen formations. Off the slopes, Saas Fee’s car-free village and cobbled streets offer a charming base, with plenty of alpine excursions like via ferrata routes and rope parks.

Lift passes are cheaper in the autumn, when skiing extends into the afternoon — ideal if you want more bang for your buck. For adventurous summer skiing, Saas Fee delivers.

• When: 7 July – 31 October 2025
• More info: saas-fee.ch

Kaprun, Austria: Chill Park Days and Lakeside Lazing

Known as “The Kitz”, the Kitzsteinhorn glacier delivers mellow bowls, open-bowl skiing and a brilliant snow park that draws freestylers and mellow cruisers alike. There’s usually a good snow base through May, with some seasons running into June.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can join a free, guided glacier hike at 3,029m, where panoramic views and glacial features await. Then descend to Zell am See, Kaprun’s neighbouring resort, for waterside picnics, sunbathing or stand-up paddleboarding on the lake. This is a perfect blend of skiing in summer and lakeside relaxation.

• When: 5 May – 10 October 2025
• More info: zellamsee-kaprun.com

Bormio, Italy: Summer-Only Skiing on the Stelvio

The Stelvio glacier is Italy’s only summer-exclusive ski resort, operating from the Passo dello Stelvio, which is accessible via a thrilling mountain drive. It’s uniquely open only in summer, with heavy snow in winter cutting off road access.

You’ll find six ski lifts and around 20km of pistes on Monte Cristallo, rising up to 3,450m. There’s terrain for learners, cross-country skiing, and a vibrant park scene. Though there’s no true resort at the glacier base, there are a few hotels and traditional restaurants. It’s authentic, atmospheric and one of the quieter spots for skiing in summer.

Try skiing in summer at Stelvio for an authentic Italian experience.

• When: 31 May – 2 November 2025
• More info: bormio.eu

Val d’Isère, France: Short but Sweet at Pisaillas

The Pisaillas Glacier offers one of Europe’s shortest but most scenic summer ski windows. Accessed via the Col de l’Iseran, it’s just a short drive from the main village. Three slopes are open to all, with several more reserved for race training.

The slopes are well-maintained and suited to intermediates, and at just €34 for a day pass, it’s one of the most budget-friendly glacier options. The skiing season may be brief, but it’s a unique way to extend your season while enjoying Val d’Isère’s superb summer vibe. There’s also a full calendar of family-friendly events and games at the base area.

Daily lift passes are just €36, making this one of the best-value options for a summer ski fix.

• When: June 14 to July 13, 2025.
• More info: valdisere.com

Fonna Glacier, Norway: Fjord Views and Low-Key Charm

Fonna Glacier Resort in western Norway is a hidden gem for summer skiing. Sitting at a lower altitude (1,200m), it offers shorter lift lines and sociable hours (10am–2pm), perfect for families or those new to glacier skiing.

Only 300 ski passes are sold each day to help maintain the glacier, which features easy slopes, freestyle areas, and cross-country tracks. The drive to Fonna is half the adventure — winding past dramatic fjords and snow walls — and there’s a fee for road access and parking, which supports snow clearance.

The views across Hardangerfjord and the North Sea add a dramatic backdrop. Though closed for 2025, it’s worth bookmarking for future summer skiing with a fjord-side twist.

• When: Closed for summer 2025 due to operational issues
• More info: visitfonna.no

For more off-season inspiration, check out our summer in the mountains section. We also have cracking guides to where to ski in New Zealand, the best mountain biking resorts, cycling to get fit for skiing, and high altitude golf.

And whatever you do, make sure you maintain your ski fitness this summer!