Summer Skiing Isn’t Just on the Water Anymore

Discover the world’s best destinations for summer skiing.

Summer vacations conjure images of many things, namely lounging by the pool or relaxing among the ocean waves. But after record snow falls and favorable glacier conditions this year, ski season has been officially extended in many parts of the world, and shredding the slopes is now not just limited to a winter sport. Check out these five destinations around the world to get your ski and snowboard fix in the summer months.

Les Deux Alpes, France

The ski resort in the French alps is situated on Europe’s largest ski-able glacier. It offers nearly 140 miles of ski runs, in addition to a super-pipe, air bag, rails, tables and freestyle modules. Their summer ski area is located on a 20 hectare glacier and ranges from 1 1/2 to 2 miles up, making it one of the largest European summer skiing locales. The park also includes a snowpark, red run, nine blue runs, one green run.

Whistler, Canada

A favorite destination for LuggageFree clients, Whistler offers summer glacier skiing and snowboarding through July 16. Horseman Glacier on Blackcomb Mountain offers the longest snow season in Canada. The area features soft snow in the summer, which makes conditions perfect to practice your jump, park and bump skills. There are no bunny hills here. Skiers and riders must be able to ride on t bars as there are no chair lifts on the glacier. You can also ship skis to Canada with Luggage Fee. Operating hours are from noon-3 p.m. daily.

Hintertux, Austria

The Hintertux Glacier is Austria’s only year round ski resort and offers winter sports enthusiasts perfectly groomed, snow runs 365 days of the year. Those just getting their ski-legs in addition to more experienced skiers can take advantage of over 30 miles of slopes that vary in level of difficulty. A special attraction for deep snow fans are the free-ride runs at the Lärmstange. Snowboarder and free-skiers can also check out the freestyle-opportunities at the Betterpark Hintertux.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Another top international ski destination for LuggageFree clients, Zermatt, Switzerland has the largest and highest elevation skiing opportunities in Europe. Because of this, they can offer skiing all summer long on 15 miles of ski runs and eight ski lifts, including the Klein Matterhorn cable car – soaring up a shear mountain face to a lung bursting 12,530 ft. Expect glacier skiing at its best with clear paths. Keep in mind that lifts close by 2 p.m. in midsummer because of wet skiing conditions. Gaze out at Switzerland and Northern Italy while you glide down slopes.

Mammoth Mountain, California

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the Inyo National Forest and accessible from Northern or Southern California, Mammoth is the state’s go-to ski destination — even in the summer. With record snow fall earlier this year, the mountain runs will now stay open through August. Get your shred on daily from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m, using six lifts accessing 40+ trails and one terrain park. This is for experienced skiers only. Additional lifts will be opening for the 4th of July holiday as well.