For skiing enthusiasts, there is always an aspect of sadness that kicks in when the snow season ends, and you have to put your ski gear away.
It’s easy to feel hopeless knowing that you won’t be able to ride on the beautiful slopes until the next winter season.
However, it doesn’t have to be this way. If you had time and the means, you would always follow the winter season around the world.
Keep in mind when the hot season approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, the cold season starts in the Southern Hemisphere.
But you might wonder, if someone decided to ski all year round, would there be enough ski resorts with snow for skiing every month? Can you ski throughout the year?
The short answer is yes. It’s possible to ski all year round, and there are many resorts across the world to ski in different seasons. So, you can follow the snow conditions across the world and always be sure to find great skiing areas each month.
And if all else fails with ski resorts, you can always embark on a backcountry skiing adventure, as long as you are an experienced skier.
In this article, we’ll talk about how to ski every month and show you the best places to ski during the summer season.
But before we get into that, let’s have a look at how geography affects ski resorts.
Table of Contents
How Geography Affects Ski Resorts
Did you know that season changes do not result from the fact that the earth revolves or gets closer and farther away from the sun? Well, they happen because of the tilt of the planet.
When the earth was newly formed, a huge crash with another body hit the earth and lopsided it from its up-and-down axis.
The lopsided axis remains until this day, and it’s actually the reason behind December winter in the Northern Hemisphere while the southern Hemisphere stays warm during this month.
With that said, it’s easy to assume that ski areas in different parts of the world tend to be more in the colder South and North poles. But this isn’t the case.
Other than the coldness, there are other factors that determine ski resorts, including the elevation of the terrain.
High mountain ranges like the European Alps are the best places for skiing as they provide good conditions and the perfect coolness needed for ideal snow.
And the geological activity that has resulted in mountain ranges like the Alps means that such places are usually around the waistline of the earth on each side of the equator.
So, we cannot simply say that the coolest parts in the north and south poles have the most frequent riding areas.
Best Ski Resorts for Summer Skiing
While there are many ski areas across the world, only a few of them are open for late spring and summer skiing.
If you want to ride on a snowy terrain during the sunny season, here are some of the best places to visit for an exciting ski trip:
#1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
This is possibly the largest ski resort you’ll find in North America. It boasts the best powder that skiers and snowboarders love to ride.
What’s more exciting about this resort is that it doesn’t close down when the regular cold season is over.
The normal ski season in Whistler Blackcomb lasts from November to early June, but the glacier re-opens in July for summer camps and other sports like cross-country skiing.
Whistler welcomes skiers and snowboarders to ride on the Horstman Glacier in a public terrain park, which is accessible with a gondola that moves people from one mountaintop to the other.
You can also indulge in heli-skiing by booking a helicopter to take you to the mountaintop or more remote terrain, especially if you like challenging adventures.
When spending time in this ski area, you’ll enjoy riding on the advanced ski terrain for experienced skiers and relish European-style meals.
#2. Timberline Lodge and Ski Area, Oregon
Timberline resort is the highest of Mount Hood’s three ski areas, with an elevation of about 8,540 ft.
The ski area has the heaviest and the most reliable snowfall between November and Memorial Day, but you’ll still find snowy terrain at the mountain glacier.
This resort usually hosts freestyle skiers and snowboarders and experienced racers, but you can always find a perfect place for public skiing. The ski runs in this resort are well-maintained, and the lifts run throughout the year.
Timberline Lodge is a perfect place to take your family in the summer season, as they’ll have plenty of things to do while you enjoy riding on the magnificent Palmer Glacier.
If you enjoy some summer activities as well, you’ll have a great time living in this lodge, as you can engage in hiking, mountaineering, biking, and more.
#3. Hintertux Glacier Ski Resort, Austria
Hintertux Glacier is one of the few areas left in the globe that offer skiing every day throughout the year.
During summer months, Hintertux provides ten modern gondola lifts that ride skiers for an exciting 7,000 feet vertical descent, allowing them to enjoy the beautiful mountain sceneries.
There are more than 12 miles, and good ski runs where both beginners and advanced skiers can ride, as the terrain has both green runs and rugged slopes.
And once you have skied enough, you can take a guided tour with your family or new friends through Nature’s Ice Palace glacial crevasse.
#4. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt boasts the highest peaks in Europe and has a large ski area that supports skiing all year round.
When the snow season ends, skiers can still enjoy riding in the snowy glaciers of Zermatt with great terrain parks and well-maintained runs.
And it doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or experienced rider since there are easier runs and challenging slopes.
The kind of skiing experience you get in Zermatt actually beats what most resorts offer in the normal winter season in the Southern Hemisphere.
So, don’t hesitate to visit the Zermatt if you are after a great skiing experience during the hot season.
#5. Kitzsteinhorn, Austria
Mount Kitzsteinhorn hosts an incredible glacier ski resort that welcomes skiers and snowboarders for summer ski vacations.
The typical ski season in the Kitzsteinhorn Ski Resort runs from October to June, but the slopes open again in July for skiing and snowboarding.
With two cable cars to move skiers from the flowering bottom to the eternally white highest point, this mountain is the only place with a glacier skiing area in the Austrian region of Salzburg.
Kitzsteinhorn Glacier Ski Resort also has an alpine scenery that allows beginners and intermediate skiers to unwind as they have fun on the beautiful mountain.
#6. Les Deux Alpes, France
Situated on the French Mont de Lans Glacier, Les Deux Alpes resort is also one of the most enjoyable high-altitude ski areas that allow summer skiing in Europe.
The hot season starts in late June and ends in late August, but you’ll still have several groomed runs to ride on this mountain.
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, expert, or freestyle skier, you can always find excellent runs to ride in this resort, regardless of your skill and experience.
Natural snow is guaranteed 3,600 meters at the high altitude area, and preventative measures to maintain the snow are taken throughout the year.
From skiers to snowboarders, all snow enthusiasts can head to this resort when the dry season approaches for a perfect snow park experience.
#7. Allalin Glacier Saas-Fee, Switzerland
While Switzerland is well-known for great resorts with consistent snow during the winter, the Saas-Fee’s Allalin Glacier makes it possible for skiers to enjoy riding during the summer months.
Like Zermatt, Saas-Fee Resort allows skiers of all ability levels to enjoy the fresh powder, from beginners to advanced skiers. You can visit the ski area from mid-July to August to enjoy skiing, along with other activities like hiking and wine tours.
If you are just getting started, this resort is an ideal option, as there are several snow sports schools where you can learn to ski or snowboard. It’s also a great place to polish your riding skills and master some tricks.
When you are done exploring the slopes, you can relish some delicious meals at the Mountain’s Revolving Lodge, set at more than 11,400 ft above the sea level.
#8. Grand Motte Glacier, France
Another perfect area to ski in France during sunny days is the Tignes’ Grand Motte Glacier.
It’s also one of the highest resorts in Europe that offers the best snow and fresh powder after the winter.
You can visit the Grand Motte Glacier from mid-June to early August and enjoy riding on the four groomed pistes and the terrain park located on the upper side of the snowy slope.
And when you are done skiing, you’ll have extra fun at the resort’s unique shops and hotels, such as the Restaurant Le Panorama.
When is the Ski Season in the US?
The ski season in the US usually runs from late November to early April or May in most resorts.
However, several ski resorts, especially the larger ones and those located in high mountains in Colorado, California, and Utah, extend the ski season to mid-July.
There are also a few areas that support skiing during summer months, including Timberline Lodge and Ski Area, Oregon and Mammoth Mountain, California.
The US is well-known for going big when it comes to skiing and snowboarding, and that’s why it hosts some of the most famous ski areas like Aspen Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.
Resorts like Park City Mountain and Beaver Creek are also synonymous with the perfect skiing experience and celebrity vacations.
How to Ski All Year Round
If you want to ski throughout the year, there are several resorts that are open when most of the ski areas close.
For skiers living in the US, you’ll have plenty of options during the regular skiing season, which runs from November to April.
You’ll even be very lucky if you live in places like Colorado and Utah, as there are several resorts that extend their ski season, from Breckenridge to Snowbird Resort.
However, when the summer months approach, you’ll only have a few skiing options, including Timberline and Beartooth Basin.
But this is not the end. You can enjoy indoor skiing during the hot season in places like Big Snow American Dream, New Jersey, Inside Ski Training Center, Virginia, and WinterClub Indoor Ski and Snowboard in Florida.
If you want to travel to different parts of the world and chase the winter, you can always be sure to find ski areas with reliable snow for a great experience.
Here is a snap of how you could plan to ski every month in different parts of the globe:
- January – Vail Resort or Aspen Mountain, USA
- February – Snowbird and Alta, USA
- March – Whistler Blackcomb and Sunshine Village, Canada
- April – Zermatt, Switzerland
- May – Ylläs, Finland
- June – Mount Hut, New Zealand
- July – Valle Nevado and La Parva, Chile
- August – Perisher Ski Area, Australia
- September – Hintertux Glacier, Austria
- October – Galdhopiggen Summer Ski Resort, Norway
- November – Yabuli Ski Area, China
- December – Hokkaido and Shiga Kogen, Japan
FAQs
Q: Can You Go Skiing All Year Round?
A: Yes, you can go skiing all year round, and there are several ways to do that. You can enjoy indoor skiing when winter ends and no more snow is left on the slopes.
Another approach involves traveling across the globe to chase the winter or ski on the glaciers that still have snowy slopes during the hot season.
Q: Where in the World Can You Ski Year Round?
A: There are only a few places that allow skiing all year round (natural snow), including the Zermatt, Hintertux, and Timberline Palmer Glaciers.
If you want to enjoy skiing throughout the year, the best way to have a great experience is to find the resort with the most reliable snowfall for each month you travel. You can refer to the list above and see which options work for you.
Q: Are There Places to Ski in the Summer?
A: Yes, there are plenty of places to ski in the summer. All you need is time and the pockets to spend time in some of the best ski areas in the world.
The most reliable places that support skiing in the summer in North America are Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia and Timberline Lodge and Ski Area in Oregon.
Other resorts with extended skiing seasons in North America include Arapahoe Basin, Snowbird, Killington, and Beartooth Basin.
When it comes to summer skiing in Europe, you’ll have an array of options as several countries have reliable resorts with snow in the summer. This includes France, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and Norway.
Q: Can You Ski All Year Round in the Alps?
A: Yes, year-round skiing is possible in the Alps. When the ski season starts, you’ll have many resort options, but most of them close when the sunny months approach.
Even so, there are a few areas in the alps where you can ride on snow during the summer, including Hintertux, Zermatt, Kitzsteinhorn, Cervinia, and Les 2 Alpes.
But you need to keep in mind that in summer, most areas allow skiing in the morning, usually between 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.
This is because the snow softens when the sun is too hot and only glaciers support skiing during the hot season.
Q: Where Can You Go for Spring Skiing?
A: There are many places where you can go skiing during spring break, depending on where you live. If you want to ski in North America during springtime, there are many ski areas, including Park City, Jackson Hole, Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, and more.
In Europe, many resorts open during spring break in the European Alps, from Val Thorens, France, to Lech-Zurs, Austria.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you are inspired even more to ski during the summer as you don’t have to store your skiing gear when the winter season ends.
Skiing every month of the year may feel like a mere fantasy tale to many people, but it’s actually possible to find snowy slopes anytime.
You just need to get your pockets ready and prepare to travel to different places across the globe to hit the slopes, even in the summer months.
