<p>We&#x27;ve picked out three ski resorts for fair-weather skiers looking to hone their skills on the slopes this summer</p>
Photo: Andy Parant

Top Resorts for Summer Skiing

We've picked out three ski resorts for fair-weather skiers looking to hone their skills on the slopes this summer

Summer
Published at: 19 Apr 2019
Last updated at: 9 Nov 2023

Are you a fair-weather skier? Then why not hit the slopes this summer and take in the rays whilst honing your skills on the piste? Race camps are common during the summer months but if you are lacking that competitive streak then there is still plenty to occupy you on the mountain. Plus when the snow gets too slushy there are tons of other activities on offer from hiking and biking to golf and watersports.

Serena Norton
Serena Norton

Tignes has one of the longest summer ski seasons in the Alps. Accessible from mid-June to the end of August, the Grande Motte glacier offers around 20km of piste between 3,000 and 3,456m.

It takes just seven minutes to reach the ski area on the underground funicular from Tignes. In addition to 20km of slopes covered by 12 ski lifts is a terrain park where you can try out new tricks. Summer is also the perfect time to invest in your skiing prior to the winter season. Snoworks offer technical courses combining all-terrain, bumps and race carve whilst ESF offers lessons for all levels.

Approximate lift opening times are 07.15 am to 13.00pm. In the afternoon you can relax or try your hand at a host of summer activities. Acroland is one of the big draws and is sure to get your adrenaline surging. With or without skis, build momentum on a 35-metre ramp before attempting a spectacular flip into the lake. Many freestyle-skiing champions train here every summer so if you’re not feeling brave there is plenty of action to enjoy whilst soaking up the sun.

STAY: Chalet Tango - part of the Black Diamond residence, this innovative design-led chalet offers fantastic spa facilities and entertainment for all the family.

Summer skiing in TignesPhoto: Andy Parant
Acroland in TignesPhoto: Andy Parant
Bedroom at Chalet Tango in TignesPhoto: Chalet Tango

At 3,883 metres above sea level, Zermatt is home to the highest ski area in Europe. 21km of summer skiing is available on the Theodul glacier which is accessible via the gondola from Zermatt to the Klein Matterhorn. The ski area is shared with Cervinia in Italy so you can ski over the border for lunch.

Sports shops and ski schools are open during the summer season so there is no excuse not to improve those turns. Over 100 ski teams from 22 countries train on the glacier during the warmer months so there is plenty of inspiration to be found on the slopes. Make sure you take a trip on the Matterhorn glacier ride, the world’s highest 3S cableway, which at 3,883m offers completely breathtaking views of the mountain landscape.

The snowpark on Plateau Rosa is the highest in Europe and offers 15 rails, seven boxes and various jumps of differing sizes. The slopes are best enjoyed in the morning when the sun is not as strong and the ski area closes at noon to preserve the conditions for the following day. Take the opportunity to relax on one of the many mountain restaurant sunny terraces or enjoy the beautiful landscape by hiking one of Zermatt’s many inspiring trails. You might even spot a marmot if you’re lucky.

STAY: Chalet Les Anges - with panoramic views of the Matterhorn and a beautiful terrace, there is no better place to spend long summer days soaking up the mountain air. An outdoor hot tub is a perfect spot to relax and admire the stunning surroundings.

Summer ski wear in ZermattPhoto: Michael Portmann
Summer ski area in ZermattPhoto: Michael Portmann
living area at Chalet Les Anges in ZermattPhoto: Chalet Les Anges

With pleasant temperatures, 20 km of diverse slopes and a fantastic snow park, Saas Fee is superb for summer skiing. The ski area opens in mid-July and remains open well into October. The Metro Alpin (highest underground funicular in the world) leads to the Allalin Glacier at 3.600m where you will find the world’s highest revolving restaurant - worth checking out for the incredible panoramic views alone.

Freestylers tend to head to the snow park which is equipped with kickers, rails, boxes and transitions. A ski and boarder-cross piste will available for training from the end of August. There is also a half pipe - Stomping Grounds runs private sessions from 5th - 25th October but it is open to all from the end of August until the end of September. Numerous national teams and junior squads from alpine, freestyle and cross-country skiing undertake their summer training in resort and there are a variety of camps and training on offer during the off-season.

After a hard morning on the slopes, relax on a comfortable sofa in the ‘Chill Out Zone’ before trying out one of the other activities on offer like rock climbing, horse riding or via ferrata.

STAY: Chalet Lycka - in a beautiful setting just a few minutes' walk from the Hannig lift station this attractive chalet has a south-facing terrace for soaking up the sun as well as a Nordic tub and home cinema.

Summer skiing in Saas FeePhoto: PPR Saastal Tourismus AG
Zip lining in Saas Fee in summerPhoto: PPR Saas-Fee Guides Puzzle Media
Chalet Capra spa in Saas FeePhoto: Capra Chalet