June 12, 2026 – As the summer solstice approaches, a select number of high-altitude resorts are offering skiers and snowboarders the chance to carve up snow-covered slopes. Val d’Isère, a renowned French Alpine destination, has officially opened its summer ski operations on the Pisaillas Glacier, extending the winter season for enthusiasts seeking a unique alpine experience. This move signals a growing trend for glacier skiing as a summer alternative, with other European and North American resorts also providing limited opportunities.
Val d’Isère Embraces Summer Snow Sports
Val d’Isère, celebrated for its challenging pistes and extensive winter offerings, has now become a destination for summer snow sports. The resort initially announced a three-week opening for summer skiing, commencing on June 6th. However, anticipating favorable conditions, they have extended this window, now aiming to provide access to the Pisaillas Glacier until July 12th, a duration of five weeks. This extension is contingent on maintaining optimal snow and weather conditions, highlighting the delicate balance required for glacier operations.
The Pisaillas Glacier, accessible via the iconic Col de l’Iseran, the highest paved road pass in the Alps, has been divided to accommodate both professional race team training and the general skiing public. This dual-use strategy allows aspiring athletes to hone their skills during the off-season while still offering recreational opportunities for holidaymakers. The summer ski terrain is situated at elevations ranging from 2,725 meters to 3,197 meters, serviced by the Cascade chairlift and the Montets drag lifts. Currently, three runs are open to the public, providing a focused yet enjoyable skiing experience amidst the stunning summer alpine landscape.
Steve Angus, a seasoned winter snow reporter for Tignes and Val d’Isère, has shared vivid images and videos from the slopes, capturing the essence of summer skiing. His 12-year-old daughter, Olivia Angus, has also been actively participating in race training on the glacier, providing a firsthand account of the resort’s summer offerings through her own photographic contributions. These visual accounts offer a compelling glimpse into the vibrant summer ski scene at Val d’Isère, showcasing dedicated training sessions and the broader appeal of glacier skiing.
A Panoramic View of Summer Skiing in the Alps
Beyond Val d’Isère, a handful of other glacier resorts are currently open or are preparing to open later in the summer. This limited availability underscores the challenges and unique appeal of year-round or extended-season skiing.
Zermatt/Cervinia: The Perennial Playground
The glacier area straddling Zermatt, Switzerland, and Cervinia, Italy, stands as the only ski area in the Alps with aspirations of remaining open 365 days a year. This continuous operation is facilitated by advancements in lift infrastructure and the strategic management of high-altitude glaciers. The recent upgrade to lift access on the Italian side has further solidified Cervinia’s commitment to year-round skiing, making it a significant hub for those seeking snow sport opportunities regardless of the season. Skiers and snowboarders can access this expansive area from both the Swiss and Italian sides, offering a dual-national experience within a single resort.
Hintertux, Austria: A Shift in Operations
Hintertux Glacier in Austria, historically a resort that aimed for year-round operation, is currently open but has announced a planned closure on July 26th. Following this, the resort will transition to enjoying the glacier landscape off the slopes. While the resort has not explicitly stated whether this marks a permanent cessation of year-round skiing or a temporary measure for the current year, it signals a potential shift in operational strategy. Skiing is anticipated to resume in September 2026, with the "Hintertux Park Opening" scheduled for early October, indicating a robust winter season preparation.
Les2Alpes, France: Extended Spring and Summer Access
The French resort of Les2Alpes continues to offer spring and summer skiing on its glacier. While certain areas are designated exclusively for race training, other slopes remain accessible to the general public, and the popular fun park is also operational. Reports indicate that the glacier is in excellent condition for this time of year, a factor attributed to the snow received in the preceding months. The resort is scheduled to remain open until July 5th, benefiting from the accumulated snow base that has ensured good skiing conditions.
Passo Stelvio, Italy: A Summer Snow Haven
In Italy, Passo Stelvio provides glacier skiing throughout the summer months, with plans to remain open until the end of October. This resort typically offers up to 20 kilometers of pistes, situated between 2,758 meters and 3,450 meters. While the available terrain can vary as conditions change, Passo Stelvio remains a significant option for summer ski enthusiasts in the Italian Alps.
Scandinavian and North American Summer Skiing
The pursuit of summer snow is not confined to the Alps. Scandinavia and North America also present opportunities for those eager to continue their snow sport adventures.
Norway: Galdhøpiggen Sommerskisenter
In Norway, Galdhøpiggen Sommerskisenter is currently open, offering a unique high-alpine skiing experience. Situated on the Galdhøpiggen glacier, it is one of the most prominent summer ski destinations in Scandinavia.
Sweden: Riksgränsen’s Weekend Offerings
Riksgränsen in Sweden is also providing summer skiing access, although its operations are limited to weekends. This allows dedicated skiers to enjoy the northern European summer snow experience during specific periods.
Canada: Sunshine Village’s Record-Breaking Season Extends
Sunshine Village, located near Banff in Alberta, Canada, is extending its season into the summer months following an exceptional winter characterized by record snowfall. After closing its regular season on May 18th, the resort has reopened for a limited summer period that will run into July. This decision is a direct result of the unprecedented snow accumulation, with mid-mountain bases reported at 1.82 meters and upper slopes holding 2.38 meters of snow.
The summer operations at Sunshine Village are expected to feature the Strawberry Express chairlift and potentially another lift, depending on snow conditions. These lifts provide access to mostly beginner-friendly terrain on the eastern side of Mount Standish. Kendra Scurfield, Vice-President of Brand and Communications for Sunshine Village, described the past season as a "fairy tale," highlighting the extraordinary conditions. She noted that while summer skiing won’t replicate deep powder turns, it will offer a "slushy summer skiing – high vibes – and just with the novelty of skiing in July in the Canadian Rockies." This sentiment captures the unique allure of summer skiing – a blend of familiar activity with an unexpected seasonal twist.
Current Summer Skiing Options (as of June 12, 2026)
Alps:
- Val d’Isère, France: Open on the Pisaillas Glacier until July 12th.
- Zermatt/Cervinia, Switzerland/Italy: Year-round glacier skiing.
- Hintertux, Austria: Open until July 26th.
- Les2Alpes, France: Open until July 5th.
- Passo Stelvio, Italy: Open until the end of October.
Scandinavia:
- Galdhøpiggen Sommerskisenter, Norway: Currently open.
- Riksgränsen, Sweden: Open on weekends.
North America:
- Sunshine Village, Canada: Reopened for summer skiing in the latter half of June, running into July.
Analysis and Implications
The availability of summer skiing, while limited, speaks to several key trends and implications within the snow sports industry. Firstly, it highlights the continued demand for skiing and snowboarding opportunities throughout the year, driven by both professional athletes seeking training grounds and recreational skiers looking for unique holiday experiences. Secondly, it underscores the importance of high-altitude glaciers as crucial assets in extending ski seasons, especially in an era of increasing climate variability. The successful operation of these summer ski areas is heavily reliant on consistent snowfall during the winter and effective glacier management.
The decision by resorts like Hintertux to potentially scale back or end year-round operations, even if temporary, could reflect evolving economic considerations, environmental pressures, or a strategic shift in focus. Conversely, the extension of summer operations at Val d’Isère and Sunshine Village, directly linked to exceptional snowfall, demonstrates the potential for record seasons to unlock unexpected opportunities.
For resorts, offering summer skiing can be a valuable revenue stream, diversifying their offerings beyond the traditional winter months and attracting a different demographic of tourists. It also provides employment opportunities and keeps resort infrastructure utilized. For skiers, it represents a chance to continue their passion in iconic locations, often with stunning panoramic views and a more relaxed atmosphere than the peak winter season.
The increasing accessibility and promotion of summer skiing suggest a growing niche within the broader ski tourism market. As climate change continues to impact snow reliability in lower-altitude resorts, the strategic importance of high-altitude glaciers for year-round or extended-season skiing is likely to grow, making these destinations increasingly sought after by a dedicated global community of snow sports enthusiasts.
PlanetSKI will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on summer skiing operations across the globe.
