Summer Ski Guide: The Top 10 Summer Ski Resorts

Photo: Zermatt Matterhorn

The main Northern Hemisphere ski season has faded into hero dirt and river days for most. The deep-seated craving for just one more turn is probably screaming louder than your last après band. But hold up, the lifts haven’t universally ground to a halt! The dream of an endless winter isn't some fantasy; it's a full blown reality if you know where to point your compass.

So, before you fully commit those skis and boards to their summer hibernation, check this. We're dropping the details on the top 10 resorts worldwide to keep you shredding, grinning, and sending it hard through the prime summer months of June, July, and August.

Zermatt, Switzerland: Iconic Glacier Laps Under the Matterhorn

If you're going to chase summer snow in Europe, why not do it under the shadow of the most photogenic mountain on Earth? Zermatt's Matterhorn Glacier Paradise reigns as Europe's highest and largest summer ski area. We're talking 21km of pristine pistes on the Theodul Glacier, with 360-degree views that are simply, utterly ridiculous. You can even carve your way into Cervinia, Italy, for a legit mid-morning espresso. And yes, the Snowpark Zermatt is a summer staple for freestyle riders.

• Expect:

  • High-alpine glacier skiing, meticulously groomed pistes.

  • Large, well-maintained snowpark with diverse features.

  • Unbeatable panoramic views.

Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood, USA: North America's Summer Shred Institution

Stateside, Timberline Lodge on Oregon's majestic Mt. Hood is the undisputed champion of summer shred in the US. The legendary Palmer Snowfield keeps the lifts spinning reliably through June, July, and August (often later). It’s less about deep powder, more about perfect morning corn, legendary slushy park laps, and the pure, defiant joy of skiing under the summer sun.

• Expect:

  • Above-treeline glacier/snowfield skiing.

  • World-renowned terrain parks that are a primary focus.

  • Groomed lanes for public shredding and intensive training camps.

Hintertux Glacier, Austria: 365 Days of Relentless Stoke

For the truly insatiable, Austria's Hintertux Glacier is your year-round sanctuary. One of the very few spots globally offering skiing 365 days a year (snow permitting). It boasts a surprisingly diverse range of terrain for a glacier, including some legitimately steep pitches that will keep you honest, and the acclaimed Betterpark Hintertux, a sprawling freestyle arena that's a magnet for pros.

• Expect :

  • Varied glacier slopes with options for some steep, challenging lines.

  • Top-tier, extensive terrain park (Betterpark Hintertux) with creative features.

  • Highly reliable snow, even in the heart of summer.

Ski Portillo, Chile: Legendary Andean Steeps

Photo: Ski Portillo

Now we flip the globe, because it's full-blown winter in the Andes! Ski Portillo, Chile, is more than a resort; it's an institution. Famous for its iconic yellow hotel set dramatically against the turquoise Laguna del Inca, and its intimate, week-long (most packages are Sat-Sat) immersive ski experience. Portillo is legendary for its truly steep terrain, including access to the infamous Roca Jack slingshot Poma lift and lines like the Super C couloir (a serious backcountry mission).

• Expect:

  • Challenging steeps, wide-open powder bowls, and legendary couloirs.

  • Limited grooming on advanced terrain, emphasizing natural Andean conditions.

  • Best for advanced to expert skiers/riders hungry for big mountain adventure.

Valle Nevado, Chile: Accessible Andean Powder & Vast Terrain

Just a 90-minute drive from Santiago, Valle Nevado is Chile's premier modern resort, anchoring the "Tres Valles" alongside La Parva and El Colorado. Think modern lifts, expansive, high-altitude terrain ( topping out over 12,000 feet), and a high probability of scoring that light, dry Andean "champagne powder." The interconnected system offers a massive playground (over 7,000 acres with a joint pass), with heli-skiing readily available.

• Expect:

  • Wide-open bowls, long groomed runs, and significant, easily accessed off-piste.

  • Modern facilities and a range of slope-side accommodation. Good for various levels, though experts will find the most to explore.

  • High elevation ensures dry snow; often blessed with bluebird days following big storms.

Las Leñas, Argentina: South American Freeride Mecca

For legions of big mountain riders, Las Leñas, Argentina, is a name spoken with a mix of reverence and wide-eyed excitement. The reason? The Marte chairlift. When this mythical lift is open (and that's a big "when," highly dependent on conditions), it unlocks an almost unbelievable universe of steep, challenging, and often untracked off-piste terrain – thousands of vertical feet of pure, unadulterated freeride bliss.

• Expect:

  • Vast, steep off-piste terrain with couloirs, bowls, and long descents.

  • Be prepared for strong winds ("el viento blanco") and highly variable conditions; the Marte is not a guarantee.

  • Best for advanced to expert riders.

Saas-Fee, Switzerland: High-Alpine Glacier Sanctuary

Back to Europe for another gem. Nestled amidst some of Switzerland's highest peaks, the charming, car-free village of Saas-Fee offers a more tranquil but equally stunning summer ski experience on its Allalin Glacier. Typically open from mid-July, the skiing here is seriously high (up to 3,500m), the snow quality is often excellent, and the views are, predictably, spectacular – a sea of 4,000-meter peaks. They also maintain a world-class snowpark, often a pre-season training hub for Olympic athletes.

• Expect:

  • High-altitude glacier skiing with reliable snow, well-groomed pistes.

  • Excellent quality snowpark, attracting top-level athletes.

  • Stunning panoramic views of surrounding 4,000m peaks.

Treble Cone, New Zealand: Kiwi Steeps, Deep Snow & Epic Views

For those seeking a more challenging and often less crowded experience in New Zealand's Southern Alps, Treble Cone (near Wanaka) is a must. It's the South Island's largest ski area and is renowned for its long, uncrowded runs, natural freeride features, challenging steeps (especially the Motatapu Chutes and Saddle Basin), and absolutely epic, screensaver-worthy views over Lake Wanaka.

• Expect:

  • Challenging off-piste terrain, natural bowls, and steep groomed runs.

  • Best suited for strong intermediate to expert riders looking for natural features and adventure.

Coronet Peak, New Zealand: Queenstown's Rollercoaster & Night Lights

Photo: Coronet Peak

As one of Queenstown's two main ski fields (the other being The Remarkables), Coronet Peak delivers a high-energy experience with stunning vistas. It's known for its undulating, rollercoaster terrain, extensive snowmaking (ensuring coverage even in leaner years), fast groomers, and even night skiing on certain evenings. Its proximity to the adventure capital of Queenstown makes it a popular choice for a packed summer-winter holiday.

• Expect:

  • Varied terrain with natural rolls and dips, excellent grooming.

  • Extensive snowmaking and night skiing options.

  • World-class views over the Wakatipu Basin.

Thredbo, Australia: Aussie Alpine Charm & Kosciuszko Views

Yes, you can absolutely score proper winter turns Down Under! Thredbo, nestled in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, boasts Australia's longest runs and some of its highest lifted points. It has a vibrant, European-style village atmosphere at its base and offers a good mix of terrain, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging steeps like the "Funnel Web," plus access to backcountry touring in Kosciuszko National Park.

• Expect:

  • Long runs, including Australia's longest, the "SuperTrail."

  • Good terrain variety for different skill levels.

  • Access to backcountry touring opportunities.

So there you have it – ten prime global destinations to ensure your ski or snowboard season doesn't just end; it evolves. Whether you're carving up a sun-drenched European glacier in July, getting face shots in the Andes in August, or lapping world-class parks in New Zealand, the opportunity to slide on snow is always out there if you're willing to chase it.

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stash member Marlee Knight