Summer glacier skiing: 5 ski resorts where winter continues

Summer skiing in Austria and Switzerland has long been more than a niche pursuit. While temperatures in the valley climb to 30 degrees, there is still enough firn snow on the high glaciers to link clean turns. The appeal: empty pistes, cool mountain air and the chance to maintain your technique and feel for skiing through the warmer months.

For ambitious skiers and training groups, these weeks are invaluable. Race teams refine their carving turns here, ski tourers stay in shape, and anyone who does not want to wait until December gets their snow fix. But not every glacier resort genuinely stays open in high summer. In this comparison, we separate true summer ski resorts from those offering only an extended season.

Climate change makes the subject more complicated: glaciers are retreating and the reliable summer months are becoming shorter. Even leading resorts have had to suspend operations temporarily in years with little snow. That makes it all the more important to check the current status before travelling, and to know which resort suits your plans.

Five resorts stand out: two in Switzerland and three in Austria. They differ mainly in altitude, summer operations and character. Here is the quick overview:

\*Hintertux is generally open year-round, but has had to pause operations for several weeks during low-snow summers. You can always find the latest status on the official glacier website or at SnowOnline.de.

Hintertux Glacier in the Zillertal is the focal point for summer skiing in Austria. As the country's only area offering almost year-round skiing, it is the obvious choice. At altitudes of up to 3,250 metres, there is still plenty of firn snow in July; in good years, up to 20 kilometres of pistes have been open throughout the summer months.

For early risers, training groups and anyone who wants to make proper turns in summer, Hintertux is the natural choice. The lifts start running at 08:15, and that is exactly when you should be at the top, before the sun softens the slope. Not ideal if you are after masses of piste kilometres: in high summer, the offering is reduced, with a clear focus on carving and training.

Zermatt is the Alps’ iconic summer ski area, as well as its highest and largest. The lifts take you via Trockener Steg to the Klein Matterhorn at 3,883 metres, where around 21 kilometres of pistes await on the Theodul Glacier in summer. Add what is perhaps the Alps’ most spectacular backdrop, with constant views of the Matterhorn.

Thanks to its extreme altitude, conditions are especially reliable. Important: skiing is mainly in the morning. Until around midday, the firn remains wintry, then it softens. An early start pays off twice over. Summer ski pass rates apply from early May to late October. Not ideal if you are looking for an affordable weekend: Zermatt is at the premium end of the price range.

Saas-Fee is a classic choice for glacier fans who like things quiet and high alpine. The area around Allalin is compact, easy to navigate and exceptionally well suited to training. It is no coincidence that many racing and national teams complete their summer training blocks here.

The key difference from Hintertux and Zermatt is that Saas-Fee does not start its summer season until mid-July. If you want to make turns in June, this is not the place. In return, the area rewards you with consistent firn snow at high altitude and an atmosphere that appeals equally to ambitious skiers and recreational visitors. Not ideal if you expect an extensive piste network: its strength lies in focus and quality, not kilometres.

The Kitzsteinhorn above Kaprun is one of Austria’s best-known glacier destinations and is particularly useful for extending your ski season. Skiing generally runs from October into early summer, and sometimes a little longer depending on snow conditions.

Its appeal lies in the combination: glacier skiing, modern lifts, training facilities and the resort town of Kaprun, with Zell am See close by. If you want to combine skiing with an active family holiday or a mountain break, this is one of the most well-rounded options. Not ideal if you are looking for classic high-summer skiing in July and August, when skiing is usually suspended.

Stubai Glacier is Austria’s largest glacier ski area and belongs on every list of summer skiing destinations in the Alps. Its altitude, scale and reputation make it a firm favourite, though its clear focus is on an extended season rather than classic high-summer skiing.

The ski season typically runs until mid-May. In summer, the area is open to day visitors and hikers, including the Top of Tyrol viewing platform, while skiing pauses. Stubai Glacier is excellent for spring turns on extensive terrain; for skiing in July, you will need to head to Hintertux or Zermatt.

For planning, it is worth making a clear distinction. In the strict sense, true summer skiing, meaning reliable lift-served skiing even in July and August, is available in the Alps almost exclusively at Hintertux and Zermatt. Saas-Fee joins them from mid-July.

Kitzsteinhorn and Stubai Glacier, by contrast, are better described as glacier areas with an extended season: excellent in autumn and spring, but usually without skiing in high summer. Both are outstanding destinations, just not for turns at the height of summer.

Summer skiing is not a winter holiday in July: conditions work differently. The sun is high, UV radiation is extreme above 3,000 metres, and spring snow changes significantly throughout the day. Plan for it and you will get the most out of your day.