Summer Skiing Guide: Slopes, Gear & Planning Tips

I used to think summer skiing was a gimmick. Something for pros or the insanely rich. Then I spent a July morning carving turns on the Hintertux Glacier with the sun on my back, followed by an afternoon hike in a t-shirt. The combo is addictive. It's not about replacing winter, it's a different sport entirely—one that mixes crisp mountain air with the freedom of a summer day.

Where to Find Snow in Summer

Forget powder days. Summer skiing is about corn snow, glaciers, and sometimes, giant freezers in the desert. The quality varies wildly, and picking the right spot makes or breaks the trip.

The Alps are the undisputed king. Massive glaciers high up (usually above 2,700 meters / 8,850 feet) keep the snowfield intact. But here's the kicker—they're not full resorts. You're skiing on a preserved river of ice, which means limited terrain, often just a few lifts serving a specific glacier bowl.

Top Summer Ski Destinations: A Quick Comparison

The Southern Hemisphere is the other classic answer. Resorts in the Andes (Chile, Argentina) and New Zealand have their peak season during our summer. You get genuine winter conditions—the possibility of powder, full resort operations. The trade-off is the travel time and cost.

Then there's the indoor option. Places like Ski Dubai (UAE), SnowWorld in the Netherlands, or indoor centers in China and the UK. They get a bad rap from purists, but they're brilliant for beginners. The snow is consistent, the temperature controlled, and you can get a 2-hour lesson without worrying about altitude or weather.

Summer Ski Gear: The Non-Negotiables

Your standard winter kit needs a summer overhaul. The sun is your biggest enemy and your best friend.

Let's talk about the sun. At 3,000 meters, UV radiation is intense. I've seen more goggle tans and burnt lips in one summer session than in a whole winter. You need a defense system:

• Sunscreen: SPF 50+, mineral-based (zinc oxide), and labeled for high altitude or sports. Apply it thickly to every exposed spot—ears, under the chin, the back of your neck. Reapply every two hours, no excuses.
• Ski Mask/Buff: Not for warmth, for shade. A light, moisture-wicking neck gaiter you can pull over your nose and cheeks. It's a physical barrier the sun can't penetrate.
• Goggles: This is where people cheap out. You need lenses with a high VLT (Visible Light Transmission) for bright sun—think rose, amber, or dark grey. More importantly, they must have 100% UV protection. Cheap lenses can dilate your pupils in low light but let in UV, causing snow blindness.

Clothing is a layering puzzle. The base layer should be super lightweight and sweat-wicking. A simple athletic shirt often works better than a thick thermal. The mid-layer is a thin fleece or a lightweight insulated vest—something you can stuff in a backpack. Your outer shell is just for wind and the occasional wet snow spray in the afternoon. Skip the heavy insulated jacket.

Skis? The snow cycle is brutal. It freezes hard overnight, turns to perfect corn around 10 AM, and becomes heavy slush by 1 PM. An all-mountain ski with a bit of width (85-100mm underfoot) handles this variable stuff better than a pure carving ski or a fat powder board.

How to Plan Your Summer Ski Trip

This isn't a "show up and ski" deal. A little planning turns a good trip into a great one.

The Itinerary: Mix Skiing with Summer

The beauty is the dual-season day. Don't try to ski from first to last lift. You'll be exhausted and miss the point.

A perfect day looks like this: Up early for the first gondola (usually around 7:30-8:00 AM). Ski hard for 3-4 hours on the firm, fast corduroy or the softening corn. Have lunch on the mountain. Get off the slopes by 1 PM when the snow gets sticky. Change out of your boots (bliss). Spend the afternoon hiking to a mountain hut, swimming in an alpine lake, or mountain biking. The Apres-ski is a beer on a sunny terrace, not in a dark pub.

Here’s a sample 5-day trip framework for the Alps:

Day 1: Arrive in valley town (e.g., Sölden for Hintertux, Bourg-Saint-Maurice for Tignes). Acclimatize, rent gear if needed, easy hike.
Day 2: Morning glacier skiing. Afternoon explore the local town or take a cable car to a viewing platform.
Day 3: Dedicated non-ski day. Go via ferrata, mountain bike, or visit a nearby city (Innsbruck, Chamonix).
Day 4: Another morning ski session, maybe try a lesson or the terrain park. Afternoon lake visit.
Day 5: Final morning ski, depart.

Booking & Logistics

Lift passes are often sold as 4-hour or morning-only blocks. Buy these online in advance—it's usually cheaper and guarantees your spot on busy days. Accommodation is easier and often cheaper than in winter. Stay in the valley towns, not necessarily right at the glacier cable car, for better restaurants and more summer activity options.

And have a Plan B. If the weather closes the glacier (whiteout or rain), be ready to switch to that hike, via ferrata, or museum visit. Flexibility is part of the summer ski mantra.

Your Summer Skiing Questions Answered

Where are the best places for summer skiing?

It depends on what you're after. For the classic glacier experience, the Alps are unbeatable. Hintertux in Austria is the most reliable, open every single day of the year. Zermatt in Switzerland offers the most iconic scenery. For a full winter-in-July feel, head south to Chile's Valle Nevado or Argentina's Las Leñas. If you're just starting out or want guaranteed conditions, an indoor snow center like Ski Dubai or SnowWorld is a stress-free bet.

What special gear do I need for summer skiing?

Sun protection is your top priority. I pack sunscreen like I'm going to the beach—a high SPF (50+), mineral-based stick for the face, and a sport spray for reapplication. A light, breathable neck gaiter is essential. Goggles with a low-light lens (rose, amber) are better than dark ones for the variable light of a glacier. Clothing is all about layers you can shed: a tech t-shirt base layer, a thin fleece, and a shell. Forget the big puffy jacket.

Is summer skiing good for beginners?

It can be, but with major caveats. The dedicated beginner areas on glaciers like in Tignes or Saas-Fee are well-maintained and have magic carpets. The afternoon slush is also softer for falls. However, the high altitude and potential for very icy conditions in the morning add variables a first-timer doesn't need. Honestly, an indoor slope is a superior learning environment for a true beginner—consistent snow, no weather, no altitude. Use summer glacier skiing as a beginner if you're already somewhat athletic and game for an adventure, not if you're nervous about your first time on snow.

How do I plan a summer ski trip itinerary?

Think "activity combo," not just skiing. Block out your mornings for skiing (9 AM - 1 PM is the sweet spot). Book your après-ski afternoons in advance too—research hiking trails, mountain bike rentals, or scenic gondola rides. Book lift passes online, often for specific morning sessions. Stay in a lively valley town with other things to do, not isolated up high. And please, build in an acclimatization day if you're coming from sea level. Headaches at 3,800 meters ruin the fun.

Summer skiing strips the sport down to its basics: the turn, the mountain air, the sheer joy of sliding on snow under a blue sky. It's less about the vertical and more about the experience. Pack your sunscreen, keep your plans loose, and get ready for a version of skiing you probably never imagined.