Did you know that you can ski throughout the summer? If you feel an annual jolt of sorrow every March when you put away your skis, you should be aware that there is a solution. Read on to find out what you’ll experience when you go skiing outside the traditional season period.
Is it Possible to Ski All Day in the Summer?
While there are some pistes with weather conditions favourable enough to allow it, the general answer would be no. You can usually find most pistes open to skiers from very early in the morning to early in the afternoon – they tend to be closed in the later hours of the day as the rising temperature will cause the surface snow to melt.
Are the Ski Schools Open?
The general rule is: so long as there are skiers, there are schools, but you should request more specific information from the staff at the resort you’ve set your sights on.
Is Off-Piste an Option?
If you are lucky. As the warm days peel off layers of snow and the cool nights freeze them back into place, you can catch some really pleasant and smooth runs, so keep an eye out for them!
Why are Terrain Parks Important?
For two reasons. First, resorts invest their primary efforts into maintaining terrain park facilities in the summer. Second, summer is an off-peak season. Both of these mean that you have the perfect opportunity to practise your tricks mostly undisturbed in order to show them off in the winter. Terrain parks also often attract pro skiers who put on jaw-dropping shows.
Do Lift Passes Cost the Same Amount in the Summer and Winter Months?
The higher temperatures in the summer mean that you’re not likely to find as many pistes open as in the winter, and resorts acknowledge that by offering lower price lift passes depending on the number of pistes open and the condition they are in. You can also purchase a flexible pass, allowing you access to the facilities for a fixed number of days irrespective of whether they are consecutive or more spread out in time.
Which Non-Skiing Activities are on Offer?
Resorts will usually offer a wide range of other attractive activities. Traditional ones would be swimming, riding a mountain bike or simply hiking up the hills. Adrenaline lovers may admire the alpine landscapes while sliding down a ramp at hair-raising speed. If adrenaline is not exactly your cup of tea but you still want to immerse yourself in nature, you could even join a party of bear watchers.
One resort ideal for your summer skiing adventure is Tignes in the French Alps. With its perfectly maintained ski pistes, a wealth of exciting skiing and non-skiing opportunities, nature-friendly ambiance, authentic alpine cuisine, and a variety of catered ski chalets, Tignes is every mountain lover’s dream escape.
Martin Wynn
