How Can I Ski During the Summer?
For those who have only experienced snow on a ski slope, the idea of skiing in summer might seem absurd. However, there are places in the world where skiing is possible year-round.
Some people might think that skiing in the summer would be impossible because they think of skiing as something you do on snow, but there are artificial snow slopes that allow people to ski during any time of year. Due to the popularity of summer skiing, there are now six indoor ski slopes in the UK which produce real snow on which you can practice your skiing or snowboarding. This is done by keeping the temperature between -1°C and -5°C, which facilitates the production of snow just like that found in natural settings.
Another way to ski during the summer is to travel to somewhere where it is winter. From June to August you can hop on a plane and fly to somewhere cooler to get your fix of snow and mountains.
Finally, where there are high mountains, there will be glaciers on which you can ski during the summer. Continue reading to see our recommendations for top glacial ski resorts in France.
UK Indoor Ski Snow Slopes
The following UK towns feature ski slopes using real snow: Snow Factor (Braehead, Glasgow), Snozone (Castleford), Chill Factore (Manchester), SnowDome (Tamworth), Snozone (Milton Keynes) and The Snow Centre (Hemel Hempstead).
The UK is home to many more dry ski slopes, you can see a map showing them all here, courtesy of The Ski Club, to help find one near you.
Where to Ski During the Summer?
Here is our list of the top summer skiing resorts, the best ski resort for June to August.
Tiffindell, South Africa
Tiffindell Ski Resort is located on the slopes of Ben McDhui mountain in South Africa. The peak of Ben McDhui, at an altitude of 3001 meters, is the highest mountain in Cape Province and Tiffindell is the highest ski resort in all of South Africa. Perhaps skiing is not what you think of when it comes to South Africa and its stunning summer heat, but in 2014, Tiffindell was voted 19th in CNN Travel’s World’s Best Ski Runs.
Tiffindell’s ski season lasts from June-August every year, and if there isn’t enough naturally occurring snow, not to worry – the resort has phenomenal snowmaking equipment to help provide a good base of snow, aided by the freezing high-altitude temperatures.
Las Leñas, Argentina
The alpine resort of Las Leñas is a world-renowned destination in Argentina and one of the best skiing destinations in Latin America. Located in the heart of the Andes mountain range, Las Leñas boasts over 52km of skiable terrain. The ski season lasts from June all the way through September
Valle Nevado, Chile
Valle Nevado is a year-round mountain resort. Go to Valle. Nevado to ski the highest trails in Chile, with the best snow in South America. It features 40km of slopes with 14 lists to explore the region. Valle Nevado resort spans from 2,860m to 3,670m elevation, meaning it is likely to have great snow conditions.
Coronet Peak, New Zealand
Coronet Peak is a ski resort located in Otago, on New Zealand’s South Island. It has 40 km of ski slopes perfect for your summer ski holiday. Coronet Peak has just about the best terrain for any level of rider. There are a lot of different interconnected bowls that provide thrilling skiing or snowboarding. Coronet also has snowmaking machines, should mother nature need a helping hand.
Perisher, Australia
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Perisher is a ski resort located in New South Wales. It offers 65km of snowy paths and 49 ski lifts for easy access. This resort is from 1,605m and 2,034m elevation. Perisher Blue is connected to Guthega, Blue Cow and Smiggin Holes Resort to create the largest ski resort in all of the Southern Hemisphere. The whole network is connected by 50 ski lifts, making for a phenomenal ski holiday.
Glacier Summer Ski Resorts in France
Tignes Summer Glacier Skiing
Tignes has a glacier open all summer! The Grande Motte, open most of the summer, offers a great variety of summer skiing. The access to the glacier is by a funicular, which takes around 7 minutes from Val Claret. Although it is important to note that the glacier is open to the public only in the mornings, this helps protect it from damage and protects the snow cover from overuse so it can be enjoyed for longer.
Val d’Isère Summer Glacier Skiing
In Val d’Isère, the Pissaillas glacier only opens for a short summer season in June and July. Snow cover is key to opening up the glaciers, so it’s best to check before heading out.
Les Deux Alpes Summer Glacier Skiing
Les Deux Alpes is where you can find the largest glacial ski area in the French Alps. The fantastic snow park is one of its main summer skiing attractions and not just for adrenaline junkies, but also for beginners. Most ski runs are blue in the summer, but there are a few reds, too. the nearest Airport (Grenoble) is only 70km away, so you can get there in only 90mins by car.
If you like to ski twice a year, why not treat yourself to a luxury ski holiday in the French Alps between December and April. Look no further than Consensio’s luxury Ultimate Catered Chalets, Relaxed Catered Chalets and Self-Catered Alpine Apartments.