The opening of ski resorts for this summer season has been going strong. Every week there have been new resorts opening for the very eager people who have been waiting to ski all winter. We have already put together a list of the top 5 places for summer skiing in Europe which you can read all about here, but we want to give you an update of which resorts have officially opened until now. 

So grab your summer ski gear and get ready to head to the mountains to get some good runs on the glaciers as we get ready for what looks like a great winter season 21/22. 

Resorts That Have Officially Opened 

Tignes, France  

Tignes announced its ski season will be open from the 19th of June, all the way to the 1st of August, which hopefully gives us plenty of time to get there if travel restrictions continue to ease. During the opening this past weekend Tignes reported 180 cm of snow on the glacier and over 20km of slopes open for skiing and snowboarding. They also have cross-country skiing trails available for anybody wanting to improve their skills.

Temperatures on the glacier are reported to be around 5 – 9 ºC which is a nice change from the 20-30ºC they have been getting in the resort and cities below. Check out all the activities that you can do in Tignes and book your ski passes here.

Val d’Isere, France 

Val d’Isere opened the Pisaillas Glacier on the 6th of June and will remain open until the 11th of July so you still have 3 more weekends to head up there if you’re close by. There are a total of 6 pistes open, three of which are specifically reserved for athletes and teams to train, and the other three are for all recreational skiers. 

These slopes are open from 7 am to midday, every day and there is currently a limited number of 600 people allowed on the glacier each day which means you have to buy your ski pass in advance to make sure you’ll be able to get a spot. If you’re thinking about going there, make sure you check their website for other safety measures which are in place at the moment for any skier heading to the glacier.

Cervinia, Italy 

The lift system for Breuil-Cervinia opened on June 12 and will remain open until September 19. From Cervinia, it takes you a little under 30 minutes on the lift to reach the glacier Plateau Rosà where, thanks to its altitude of 3,500m above sea level, you are guaranteed to have good skiing conditions all year round. 

Other ski areas in and around Cervinia opening for the summer ski season will be Valtournenche opening from the 26th of June to the 12th of September, and Torgnon Summer Park which will open from the 10th of July to the 29th of August. Italy seems to be moving quickly with its vaccine program which could mean it will soon be open for travel with proof of a negative test and we’ll be able to enjoy a bit of summer skiing before the beginning of the winter season. Book your ski pass here for Cervinia.

Les 2 Alpes, France 

Probably one of the first ski areas to open for summer skiing, Les 2 Alpes has been open since May 29 and has yet to announce its closing date. The glacier has over 90 hectares of marked runs and a snowpark. Reaching an altitude of 3,600 the slopes will be open from 7 am to 12:30 pm every day.

Other areas that will be open in 2 Alpes are the Snowpark which consists of 4 snowsport zones for all level skiers and snowboarders. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a pro skier, you will find something to have fun with and practice your freestyle at the Snowpark. The other area open is the slalom stadium, but of course, this will be dedicated to athletes for training, but maybe you’ll be able to get a glimpse of the French Olympic team practicing. Book your ski pass for Les 2 Alpes here and head to the mountains for some snow. 

Zermatt, Switzerland 

Zermatt is another top destination for summer skiing in Europe, it’s actually an all-year-round ski destination. During the summer you get to ski on the Theodul Glacier right above Zermatt, it’s Europe’s biggest and highest summer ski resort with over 21km of pistes and a summer snowpark too. 

As with most, if not all, summer ski areas, the best and only time you’ll be able to ski is from early morning to midday because after that the snow could get too slushy with the high temperatures. But don’t worry, there is still plenty for you to do in the afternoon, and let’s be honest, after 5 straight hours of skiing in the morning, we could all enjoy a laid back afternoon on a sun lounge in one of the many restaurants in the mountains, taking in the views and enjoying an aperitif.  If you wish to go to the top of the glacier and have a nice summer ski day then book your ski pass here.

We are very excited to be getting closer to winter again, and it’s even more exciting reading about all the traveling solutions European countries are putting in place. But for those of you that are itching to get to the slopes just like we are, as you can see, there are quite a few options available. If instead, you want to wait until winter then start looking at independent instructors in the resort where you are planning to go. 

The Instructors on Maison Sport are Waiting for You!