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Summer skiing may seem like an oxymoron, but thanks to North America’s high elevation ski areas and glaciers, and the Southern Hemisphere’s June through October winter, it’s possible to shred any time of year. Note that a few North America and Europe ski resorts remain open through late spring and into the summer, but your best bet is to head south. Southern Hemisphere resorts start seeing snow in May and typically open in June, so if you’re chasing powder, you’ll want to book a trip to countries south of the equator—New Zealand, Australia, Chile and Argentina are all fantastic options.
Check out our picks of the coolest ski resorts around the world for skiing and riding in summer.
The Best Ski Resorts To Visit This Summer
Hintertux, Austria
The Hintertux is one of the few remaining glaciers open year-round, only closing in cases of extreme weather. Hintertux Glacier has up to 20 km (nearly 12.5 miles) of slopes open for summer skiing, with runs accessible via 10 lifts, including the Glacier Bus 3, which can transport 3,000 skiers per hour. The Hintertux offers a good range of runs for all levels of skiers and riders, but is famous for its steep, challenging terrain. Freestyle fans have their choice from five lines — Pro Line, Medium Line, Easy Line, and 2 Jib Lines — at Betterpark Hintertux. Betterpark is open from April to the beginning of June and during the spring, and then it opens again from mid-September.
Check out summer lodging options at Hintertux.
Tignes, France
France’s Grande Motte Glacier has varied terrain—blue, red, and black runs—accessed by chairlifts and drag lifts. The summer ski area typically remains open into late June or late July, depending on snow conditions, and offers 20 km of downhill skiing, plus freestyle terrain, cross-country skiing, and a restaurant with a view. The glacier closes in the early afternoon, which is a perfect reason to start après-ski early or to head down to the water to experience the stunning Lac de Tignes.
Check out summer lodging options at Tignes.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Open year-round, Zermatt boasts 21 km (roughly 13 miles) of summer skiing on its Theodul Glacier, the highest and largest summer ski area in Europe. In addition to snow-sure pistes, Snowpark Zermatt provides the ultimate summer terrain park for snowboarders and freestyle skiers, and features one of the best views of the iconic Matterhorn. Zermatt visitors can enjoy a variety of summer ski school experiences as they share the slopes with ski teams in training. SnowXperience Plateau Rosa is a beginner park right on the Italian border, perfect for those trying snow sports for the first time. Summer skiing at Zermatt is available until noon or 1 p.m., depending on the day.
Check out summer lodging options in Zermatt.
Saas Fee, Switzerland
The Allalin Glacier above Saas Fee offers summer and fall skiing from mid-July to late October. The lifts typically run until early afternoon, depending on the day of the year, so double-check times as you plan your ski day. Arrive early to avoid the slush.
The 20-kilometer ski area, just edged in size by Zermatt’s glacier, is well suited to intermediates and is particularly popular with freestylers and race teams. The snowpark has a half-pipe, kickers, rails, boxes, and transitions in all shapes and sizes to suit all skill levels. Take a break at the Chill Out Zone below the pipe, where you can kick back on comfy couches while enjoying music. The glacier also has a restaurant and sun terrace serving lunch and drinks.
Check out summer lodging options in Saas Fee.
Timberline Lodge, Oregon
Located about an hour and a half from Portland, Timberline Lodge runs the longest ski season in North America. The Palmer Express high-speed quad lift allows the mountain to operate from June until August. Mountain maintenance is usually scheduled for September, with lifts reopening in November, weather permitting.
Timberline is the summer site for the U.S. Ski, Freeskiing, and Snowboarding teams and is primarily used for summer ski racing and freestyle camps. Yet daily guests can still enjoy the groomed terrain off Palmer. Additionally, the freestyle terrain parks are a major draw for snowboarders and freestyle skiers in the summer months. Note that Timberline is only suitable for advanced skiers and riders during the summer, as terrain is limited to steep, high-elevation areas.
After a morning of lapping Palmer, head down to Wy’East Day Lodge, to the entrance of the Timberline Bike Park, which features tons of green, blue, and black-diamond mountain biking trails.
Las Lenas, Argentina
Once summer begins in the Northern Hemisphere, head to the Southern Hemisphere (South America, Australia, and New Zealand), where the seasons are flipped. Here, the season begins at the start of the North American summer, in June, and goes until fall. Las Leñas is one of the highest ski resorts in Argentina and boasts reliable snow. The mountain’s 43,000 acres (17,500 hectares) of skiing is suited to skiers and riders of all levels, though the majority of it is off-piste, which is popular with advanced and expert skiers chasing winter. Some of the best powder can be found on the steep bowl and long couloirs accessed from the Marte chairlift.
Various ski instruction programs can keep your skills at a high level. More advanced skiers can embark on an adventure into untouched powder with a guide. Three on-mountain restaurants and plenty of accommodations make for a complete ski resort experience at Las Lenas.
Cerro Catedral, Argentina
Cerro Catedral is one of the biggest ski areas in South America, featuring 120 km (75 miles) of runs, 38 lifts, one tram, a four-person gondola, and beautiful views of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Its slopes are sprinkled with numerous mountain huts for food and drinks. For non-skiers, the mountain offers a multitude of non-skiing activities, including various tours, a snowcat ride, tubing, sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Valle Nevado, Chile
Valle Nevado has plenty of sunshine and snow, making it a paradise for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Miles of terrain are served by some of the most modern lifts in South America, including the first and only gondola in Chile. The ski area links with neighboring El Colorado and La Parva to make up the Tres Valles of the Andes for a combined 7,000 acres of skiable terrain. Other highlights include hike-to-backcountry terrain and world-class heli-skiing, with runs that feature up to 5,000 feet in vertical. Valle Nevado’s cozy village is home to three hotels, several restaurants, and a number of great bars for après-ski. Valle Nevado is part of the Ikon Pass, Power Pass, and The Mountain Collective. Bonus: Since Valle Nevado shares ownership with La Parva, an interconnected ticket offers same-day access to both resorts.
Ski Portillo, Chile
Ski Portillo’s owners have continued to keep its ski area small and intimate. You’ll find no town, shopping center, or even ubiquitous franchise restaurants or coffee shops here. But you’ll find the famous big yellow hotel, Hotel Portillo, which accommodates around 450 guests. Plus, you’ll rarely experience lift lines and crowded slopes.
Portillo features 14 lifts and 35 trails with long groomed runs accessed by chairs and drags. For advanced/expert skiers, freeriding is the major draw, with its abundance of steep off-piste faces. Heli operations are available to take you to even higher elevations and descents. Portillo also has countless hike-to-backcountry areas.
Coronet Peak, New Zealand
Coronet Peak is one of the most popular ski resorts on the South Island of New Zealand and is just 20 minutes away from Queenstown. Its varied terrain offers something for everyone. Beginners and intermediates have wide blue and red runs, while more advanced skiers can hit the terrain park or test their stamina on the longest run, the M-1, stretching 2.4 km (1.5 miles). The resort is known for its efficient high-speed chairlifts and night skiing on select evenings.
Treble Cone, New Zealand
In Lake Wanaka, Treble Cone covers two basins, the Saddle and Home Basin. Both provide some of the best freeriding in New Zealand. The resort’s longest run is the High Street to Triple Treat trail, which stretches over 4 km (2.5 miles). Fans of steep and challenging terrain claim Treble Cone has some of the best in the country, with close to half the mountain dedicated to advanced terrain. Expert riders can take guided tours out to the Motatapu Chutes. Nevertheless, plenty of long, wide, uncrowded runs cater to beginners and intermediates.
Perisher, Australia
Perisher, accessed by the Skitube Alpine Railway in New South Wales, is the largest ski area in both Australia and the Southern Hemisphere. It comprises four villages: Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Simiggins Holes, and Guthega, which are all connected and offer varied terrain. It boasts an impressive 47 lifts. A lot of Perisher is best suited for intermediate skiers and riders, but beginners and advanced skiers will also find their spots. Freestyle fans will love the five terrain parks and superpipe. Perisher is also part of the Epic Pass.
Thredbo, Australia
Thredbo, also in New South Wales, has been named the best ski resort in Australia by the World Ski Awards on several occasions, and for good reason, since it’s home to Australia’s longest runs and nearly double the vertical of any resort in Australia. Thredbo also has the country’s only alpine gondola. There’s generally plenty of snow on and a great selection of lessons, special programs, and events. For those feeling adventurous, you can reach Mt. Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest point, via the Kosciuszko Express chairlift and a 6.5 km (four mile) hike. Thredbo has an exciting village right at the base of the mountain, so there’s plenty to do when you’re off the mountain.
Header image ©Valle Nevado
March 17, 2026
