Summertime Slopes: Five Spots for Glacier Skiing in the Alps

You don’t need to wait until winter to hit the slopes at these high-altitude ski resorts

Summertime in the Alps paints a vivid picture in shades of emerald and azure, with wildflowers speckling the gentle hills and glassy lakes glimmering in the valleys of rugged cliffsides. But even in the warmest months of the year, there are still remnants of the mountain range’s illustrious winter wonderland. Home to several glaciers set thousands of meters above sea level, the European Alps offer frozen adventures all year-round. So, grab your skis and embark on a snow-filled summer vacation like never before.

Located in Austria’s mountainous northern region of Tyrol and one of only two ski resorts open year-round, Hintertux Glacier supplies snow-seeking adventurers with over 20 kilometers of epic terrain and panoramic winter views even in the balmiest of months. The ideal time to venture up to this glacial playground for some summer skiing typically spans from June to August but can vary depending on yearly temperatures. Aim for an early-morning session for the best conditions, followed by a hearty lunch right off the piste or even some additional frozen activities such as tubing, ice-cave explorations, or even an underground glacial lake cruise.

Although not a year-round affair, only open from late June to late July, the Grand Motte Glacier is still a formidable player in the summer skiing world. Access is made easy with the help of the Perce-Neige funicular, which transports skiers from the Val Claret neighborhood of Tignes, France directly to the slopes. Be sure to take the Grand Motte cable car to the peak of the glacier.  Here, you’ll be able to glimpse this unique contrast in climates first-hand as snow-blanketed mountains give way to verdant fields and crystalline lakes beyond. Aside from skiing, visitors can also partake in guided hikes throughout the surrounding Vanoise National Park or opt for a more relaxing afternoon exploring the charming villages that make up the picturesque ski-resort.

Just Southwest of Grand Motte sits Europe’s largest skiable glacier, boasting up to 3,600 meters of altitude and over 270 acres of terrain. Le Deux Alps, a prominent ski resort in France’s rugged Isère department, is home to both the colossal Mont-de-Lans Glacier as well as its neighboring counterpart, the Girose glacier, both providing a diverse array of runs as well as a terrain park for those looking to finesse their technique. The Girose Glacier is also known for the Grotte de Glace, a spectacular ice cave formation that welcomes guided tours to explore the enchanting natural phenomenon as well as the man-made ice sculptures that reside inside. The summer ski-season ranges from May to July (with some regulations regarding athlete-training seasons) but chairlifts remain available throughout the rest of the summer for hikers and mountain bikers.

While France carries the esteem for housing the largest skiable glacier, Switzerland holds the prize for the highest. At 3,883 meters above sea level, Theodul Glacier is proudly perched just beneath the Matterhorn, which means not only does it grant visitors acres of thrilling pistes, but sweeping views of the iconic summit. Due to its towering height and therefore colder temperatures, Theodul is the only other glacier to host year-round skiing. Although the highest peak sits in Switzerland, the glacier actually spans across the border into Cervinia, Italy. Easily accessible from both countries, visitors can choose from the Swiss alpine-village of Zermatt, where BEAUSiTE Zermatt and Grand Hotel Zermatterhof offer contemporary mountain charm in a luxurious setting, or an Italian retreat at Valtur Cervinia Cristallo Ski Resort.

Situated in Northern Italy, Stelvio Glacier is unique in that it’s one of the only ski-resorts that operates solely in the summer months. The mountain opens in early-May and remains active until closing in November, when heavier snowfall renders the access road (comprised of a whopping 48 hairpin turns) unnavigable. The resort offers dozens of kilometers of groomed runs, a terrain-park, and even multiple cross-country skiing routes, making it welcoming destination for all types of skiers. For adults looking to add a bit of holistic wellness and alpine luxury to their getaway, consider a stay at Preidlhof Luxury Dolce Vita Resort, where a day of skiing can be rewarded with a rejuvenating massage.