7 summer skiing destinations in Europe

Summer holidays: you probably picture sun, sea, and securing a sunbed, right? And, if you’re anything like us, that image dampens your stoke rather than fires it up. 

Well, how about swapping your sunbed for your skis, your floppy hat for your ski helmet, and those sandy beaches for snow-capped mountains? Yep – we’ve found seven insane spots for summer skiing in Europe! Now, you can work on your goggle tan for nearly 12 months a year. Just don’t forget to pack the sunscreen, of course…

Summer shredding doesn’t mean skipping your outerwear, though. You still need a fire ski outfit. So, browse our latest range of ski pants for women and ski pants for men – and prep to have those vents wide open!

Where to ski in Europe in summer

Hintertux, Austria

Head to the small resort of Hintertux at the base of the Hintertux Glacier (10,663 feet) and unlock some of Europe’s most challenging summer skiing. Yep, the Hintertux Glacier is one of the steepest glaciers in the Alps, with nearly 12.5 miles of slopes (mostly Reds) to play with under that summer sun.

The glacier is open from 8.15 am to 4.30 pm, 365 days a year. Pretty rad, right? It’s also home to the Betterpark Hintertux, one of Europe’s highest terrain parks. Here, you’ll find small to large jump lines, a jib line, and XL kickers to send it! The park is usually open until 2 pm, so make sure you get your laps in. Wondering what to do post-2 pm? Hintertux provides way more than summer shredding. Hike, join a mountain bike tour, or aim for Nature’s Ice Palace, a glacial cave system you can boat and paddleboard through – or unleash your inner Wim Hof with an ice swim! 

Top tip: Want après vibes in summer? Swap the laid-back Hintertux for a stay in Mayrhofen. It’s only a 25-minute drive from Hintertux and home to legendary après spots, such as Brück'n Stadl. Trust us – they’re just as rowdy in the sunshine months as they are in winter! 

Kaprun, Austria

Say “Small but mighty,” and we instantly think of Kaprun. Yep, this little resort packs a punch with incredible riding offered into the summer! Come the sunshine months, and it’s time to ride the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier at 9,938 feet. It’s open from late spring to early June for skiing and longer for hiking and mountain biking.

Okay, there’s not much on Kitzsteinhorn Glacier to challenge advanced riders. However, the awesome snow quality and sweeping, stunning views more than make up for it. Walk onto the ‘Top Salzburg’ panorama viewing platform at over 9,840 feet and check out the mind-blowing views of the Hohe Tauern National Park glacial peaks. It’s enough to challenge anyone’s vertigo! On a super clear day, spot the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain (12,461 feet). Oh, and look out for marmots — they kind of epitomize summer in the mountains. 

Top tip: Chill out (pun fully intended!) at the Ice Arena. This is an insanely fun activity area with a snow beach, deck chairs, toboggan runs, and an ice bar. It’s only open from July to mid-September, though, and you have to hike on the glacier at this time instead of skiing it. 

Les 2 Alpes, France

We had to include one of Europe’s largest summer ski destinations! Post-winter, Les 2 Alpes becomes a hub of summer activity at altitude. But the glacier is where the fun’s really at. Yep, at 11,811 feet, the glacier is one of Europe’s highest peaks, with over 200 rideable acres. Most acres are reserved for racers, pros, and ski camps from April to July. But there’s still more than enough for the public to play with. 

Les 2 Alpes offers 11 slopes, the majority of which are cruisey blues. Freestylers get their kicks in the Snowpark with rails, tables, kickers, a halfpipe, an airbag, and more. And Les 2 Alpes isn’t just known for summer skiing and snowboarding. This full-blown summer resort has hiking, biking, paragliding, horseback riding, bungee jumping, and other outdoor activities. Plus, the village has a year-round party vibe.

Top tip: Buy yourself a 6-day lift ticket with a Glacier Experience pass. You’ll have access to all your skiing and snowboarding needs and can also use the resort facilities, such as tennis, tobogganing, one day of mountain biking, swimming pool, and more.

Tignes, France

Tignes: awesome in winter, awesome in summer! Yep, this ski resort nails the winter and summer balance, thanks to the Grande Motte Glacier (11,995 feet). It really is all about the early bird catching the worm here, though, as the glacier opens at 7 am. So, if you’re an early riser, you can carve over 12 miles of corduroy on blue, red, and black runs before they turn to slush. Jibbers can also perfect their rail slides in the terrain park. 

The glacier shuts at 1 pm, but that doesn’t mean the good times have to stop! Check out the Bike Park, cruise across the lake with a kayak or pedal boat, or launch yourself down a ramp into the icy waters (part of the Tignes Le Lac’s Acroland setup)! When it’s time to wind down, you can’t beat Tignes for post-adrenaline beverages. And you’re spoilt for choice with terraces! Our top picks are a cocktail right by the lake on the Lo Terrachu terrace (where yours truly worked a summer!) or a beer on the famous Loop terrace. Of course, there’s also a panoramic terrace on the glacier itself. Keep your eyes peeled for Mont Blanc on the horizon!

Top tip: Want to be one of the first on the glacier? Stay in Val Claret! It’s the closest of Tignes’ three villages to the underground funicular, which whisks you to the top of the glacier in just seven minutes!

Cervinia, Italy

Snow-sure slopes in mid-summer and insane views of the Matterhorn!? Cervinia (also known as Breuil-Cervinia) is hard to beat! And it’s all thanks to Plateau Rosa, part of the Cervino Ski Paradise. The Plateau Rosa glacier stands at a dizzying 12,739.5 feet, making it Europe’s highest accessible glacier. Reach it from Cervinia in just over half an hour. And then, cruise down 13+ miles of trails. Cervinia also shares its summer slopes with Switzerland’s legendary Zermatt. 

Fancy pairing your vistas with freestyle? Access Snow Park Zermatt, one of Europe’s highest terrain parks. Here, pro riders train on the Big Air during summer. Beginners can also sample summer shredding with the SnowXperience Plateau Rosa, a learners’ area with snow tubing, too. And, once the glacier closes at 2 pm, why not explore Cervinia’s village, order a caffè, and experience la dolce vita? Keen to mix things up? It’s summer in the Italian Alps, after all! So, swap your skis or board for wheels post-lunch and check out the Breuil-Cervinia Bike Park. It has over 62 miles of downhill trails! 

Top tip: Take a photo at Testa Grigia, where Italy and Switzerland meet! Yep, plant one foot in Bel Paese and the other in the land of chocolate and fine watches. It’s got to be done, right?

Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Hit the Allalin Glacier from early July and cruise over 12 miles of trails at 11,811 feet. Not bad, right? Just remember – it takes an hour to reach the glacier, so set an alarm to avoid slush laps. And don’t expect mellow trails. You’ll rip steep runs designed for intermediate and advanced riders. And when the burn becomes too much, take a break and watch the Swiss ski team train or nurse a beer on the glacier’s restaurant sun terrace. Alternatively, flex your skills on the halfpipe in the glacier’s freestyle park. 

Okay, Saas-Fee’s glacier is only open until noon. But there are plenty more adrenaline-filled activities to do. Go mountain biking or hiking (the lifts run until 4 pm), climbing, swimming, and more. Then, give your legs a rest in Saas-Fee’s picturesque car-free village or jump on the Feeblitz, one of the Alps’ highest toboggan runs. It reaches gotta-scream speeds of 25 miles per hour!

Top tip: Visit the Ice Cave Allalin (also known as the Ice Pavilion), a 230-foot-long tunnel taking you into the depths of the glacier. If your nerves can handle it, experience the cave’s avalanche simulation with body-reverberating shock waves and lighting effects.

Zermatt, Switzerland

It’s not often you find summer snow to rival winter conditions. Enter Zermatt. This ski resort excels in everything, including an eye-watering altitude of 12,739.5 feet. So, why not head for the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in the world? There, you can ride pristine slopes in mid-summer on the Theodul glacier, Europe’s highest accessible glacier (linked with Cervinia).

All cards on the table — Zermatt is a notoriously steep, gnarly resort. But, on the glacier, most of the trails are marked a mellower, cruise-worthy blue. And these wide-open slopes expand over 13 miles. This makes it perfect for beginners and intermediates wanting a slice of summer action. More of a park rat? Check out the legendary Snow Park Zermatt on the Plateau Rosa (Cervinia’s side), with kickers, rails, a half-pipe – and jaw-dropping views of the Matterhorn!  

Top tip: Fancy a true Italian carbonara for lunch? Ski over the border! Yep, Zermatt shares its summer ski area with Cervinia in Italy. So, you can take the cross-border Matterhorn Alpine Crossing cable car and dip into Breuil-Cervinia’s village for Italian cuisine (and a scoop or two of gelato!). 

Wrapping up

Sign us up for summer! Who else can’t wait for sunshine and slush alongside those glaciers and goggle tans? And, of course, who knows how much longer our glacier playgrounds will be around for, right? So, seize the opportunity while you can!

Looking for more tips around summer skiing in Europe? Curious to see if any like-minded riders will be in the area? Join our exclusive Dope Snow Community Facebook Group. It’s the perfect place to meet other riders, take a sneak peek at future collections, and share your adventures – and epic summer goggle tan!

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