10 resorts for summer skiing in Europe

Ready to dig your edges into some mashed potatoes, rub shoulders with pros at training camps, and sink beers on sunny terraces to the world’s slickest house tunes? Then, summer skiing in the Alps is for you. So, let’s soak up the sunshine – and our top 10 resorts for serious goggle tans and slush laps. 

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Where to ski in the Alps during summer

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is a premier ski destination known for its car-free charm, luxury hotels, and unbeatable views of the Matterhorn. While many resorts shut down after winter, Zermatt keeps going with nearly 13 miles (21 kilometers) of skiing on the Theodul Glacier. Reaching altitudes of 12,739 feet (3,883 meters), it’s one of the highest lift-served areas in Europe. You can access it via the Matterhorn Express gondola and the Glacier Paradise cable car.

Summer skiing in Zermatt starts early, with lifts usually running from around 7 am to 1 pm. Expect firm, fast snow in the morning, softening as the sun rises higher. Stay in Winkelmatten or along Schluhmattstrasse for quick access to the main lift base. Then, after morning laps, grab a drink on the sun deck at Papperla Pub or chill riverside at Snowboat for a laid-back après.

Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Saas-Fee might be the Alps’ best-kept secret for summer skiing. Tucked deep in a high alpine valley, this charming, car-free village sits at 5,906 feet (1,800 meters) and holds the Allalin Glacier, reaching up to 11,482 feet (3,500 meters). Around 12 miles (20 kilometers) of trails stay open into the warmer months, with lift access via the Metro Alpin, the world’s highest underground funicular. The glacier is also a hotspot for summer pro training camps—especially slopestyle and halfpipe.

Summer days on the glacier start early and wrap by lunch, so get up there for those crisp morning laps before the sun softens things up. Lodging-wise, base yourself near the Alpin Express station for the shortest walk to the lifts. Then, after skiing, sip a beverage in the sun at Black Bull Snowbar or relax at Hotel Popcorn! — Saas-Fee’s go-to for a post-shred vibe.

Hintertux Glacier, Austria

Open 365 days a year, Hintertux is Austria’s only resort for year-round skiing. Yep, it’s a summer shredder’s dream. The glacier starts around 8,530 feet (2,600 meters) and tops out at a lofty 10,660 feet (3,250 meters), with up to 12 miles (20 kilometers) of runs open in the warmer months. Access is via the Gletscherbus gondolas, which take you from the valley floor to the glacier in under 30 minutes. 

The terrain stays in great shape thanks to high elevation and smart grooming. Plus, there’s often a freestyle park running up top — ideal for slopestyle training through the off-season. Stay in the village of Hintertux to be closest to the base lifts or in nearby Tux for a bit more nightlife. After skiing, hit up Tuxer Fernerhaus for a sunny beer on the mountain or swing by Kleine Tenne in the village for classic Austrian après vibes — lederhosen sometimes included.

Kaprun, Austria

Kaprun is home to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, one of Austria’s top summer skiing destinations. The glacier sits between 9,180 and 10,550 feet (2,800–3,210 meters) and typically offers skiing from late spring into early summer, depending on snowfall. You’ll ride the MK Maiskogelbahn and 3K K-onnection gondolas from the town up to the glacier lifts, where a handful of groomed runs and a snowpark await.

Conditions can vary, so early mornings are best for firmer snow before the sun heats things up. Stay in central Kaprun for easy access to the base lifts and all the amenities. Alternatively, head slightly uphill to hotels closer to the gondola for a quicker start. Post-shred, grab a cold drink at Pavillon Bar in town or chill at Maisi Alm’s terrace for alpine views and sun-soaked après. The dream. 

Stubai Glacier, Austria

The Stubai Glacier is the largest glacier ski area in Austria and one of the most consistent for summer turns. It’s only 27 miles (43 kilometers) from Innsbruck and reaches up to 10,500 feet (3,210 meters). Plus, the glacier has reliable snow conditions even into the warmer months. You’ll hop on the Eisgrat gondola from the valley and be whisked up to a high-alpine playground of groomed trails, terrain parks, and panoramic views.

The glacier is also a hotspot for pro training camps, with dedicated zones for slopestyle, halfpipe, and freeride sessions. Accommodation in Neustift puts you close to the lift base, and many hotels run early shuttles to beat the crowds. For a chill après vibe, Dorfpub in Neustift hits the spot with cold beers and relaxed terrace seating — perfect for swapping stories after a few laps on Austria’s summer snow.

Sölden, Austria

Sölden stands out as a summer ski destination with serious cred. Unlike most resorts on this lift, Sölden offers access to two glaciers — the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach. Both rise to around 10,660 feet (3,250 meters). The summer ski season usually runs from late spring, with a good mix of wide-open trails, fast lifts, and high-alpine snowfields. With over six miles (10 kilometers) of runs and a modern lift system, it’s great for both casual laps and serious training days.

Staying in central Sölden gives you easy access to the glacier road — just be prepared for a scenic, winding drive. The lively après-ski vibe doesn’t disappear in summer either. Swing by Kuckuck for laid-back terrace drinks and solid food, or check out Grizzly Bar if you're after something more upbeat.

Les Deux Alpes, France

Les Deux Alpes (also written ‘Les 2 Alpes’) is one of the Alps’ most established summer ski destinations, famous for its high-altitude glacier that reaches up to 11,811 ft (3,600 meters). During the warmer months, the glacier offers around 11 miles (18 kilometers) of runs. You can access it via the Jandri Express gondola and the surface lifts up top. It’s also a hotspot for freestyle, thanks to its dedicated summer snowpark.

Lifts typically open at 7 am and close by 12:30 pm, so get up early to make the most of the terrain. Stay near the base of the Jandri Express for an easy lift connection — the three-star Le Souleil'Or is our pick for location and value. For après, Smithy’s Tavern has a buzzing patio and a slice of the best post-shred vibes in town.

Tignes, France

Tignes hosts one of the highest summer ski areas in Europe, thanks to the Grande Motte glacier at 11,319 ft (3,450 meters). A funicular takes you from Val Claret to the glacier base in just seven minutes, with several chairlifts and T-bars operating up top. While the glacier terrain is smaller than in winter, it still offers an epic mix of runs, a snowpark for freestylers, and stunning alpine views.

Snow conditions are best first thing in the morning, with the lifts typically spinning from 7 am to around 12:30 pm. It’s wise to stay in Val Claret for the quickest lift access — Hôtel Le Ski d'Or is a solid shout. After skiing, grab lunch in the sun at Couloir or hit Loop Bar in Le Lac for drinks and DJs. The après is chilled in summer but still has that classic Tignes buzz.

Passo Stelvio, Italy

Perched at 9,045 ft (2,757 meters), Passo Stelvio (also known as Stelvio Pass) is home to one of the highest paved mountain passes in the Alps. Plus, it’s a hidden gem for summer skiing. The glacier here reaches up to 11,319 ft (3,450 meters), and the ski area is typically open from late May to early November, making it one of the longest glacier seasons in Europe.

Prepare for a laid-back, old-school vibe — the lifts are mostly T-bars, and the skiing wraps up by early afternoon. Stay right at the pass for unbeatable access — Hotel Pirovano Quarto has half-board deals and is steps from the lifts. Après is mellow, but the panoramic terrace at Hotel Livrio is unbeatable for a sunny beer at altitude.

Cervinia, Italy

Sitting at 6,725 feet (2,050 meters), Cervinia hosts sunshine shredding on the Plateau Rosà glacier, which stretches up to 11,417 feet (3,480 meters) and links with Switzerland’s Zermatt. With around 16 miles (25 kilometers) of runs open and panoramic views of the Matterhorn, it’s a stunning spot to squeeze in high-altitude laps. 

Snowpark Zermatt also spills over into this zone during summer, making it a go-to for freestylers chasing air time in the off-season. Lifts usually run until around 1:30 pm, so get up early. Stay in town at Hotel Mon Reve for direct slope access and epic views. After skiing, chill out at Yeti Bar on the sunny terrace with a cold one — it’s a favorite among locals and visiting riders.

Wrapping up

Summer skiing in the Alps offers a totally different kind of thrill. Whether you're chasing slushy laps, training in the park, or just squeezing in turns under the summer sun, there's a resort for every kind of rider. With the right base and a pumping après spot, these glacier gems make the off-season feel anything but ‘off’.

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