Key points of the article:
- Summer skiing takes place on high-altitude glaciers (up to 3,600m), where there are fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere than in winter.
- Several French resorts (Les 2 Alpes, Tignes, Val d’Isère) and across Europe (Switzerland, Austria) offer this experience.
- The mountains in summer offer a wide variety of activities (hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, family activities, wellness), allowing you to ski in the morning and try a different activity in the afternoon.
- Summer skiing is affected by global warming, which encourages more responsible tourism and the development of resorts and practices.
While most holidaymakers are heading to the beach, a stay at a summer ski resort gives you the chance to enjoy snow-covered slopes and breathtaking views, without the crowds or the sweltering heat. This unforgettable experience promises a different kind of skiing adventure and the chance to ski in unique conditions.
Discover the summer ski resorts that welcome you in France, along with some tips to make the most of your stay.
Find a chalet for summer
Summer skiing: a different way to enjoy the mountains
No less than 41% of French people have visited the mountains in summer over the past three years.
Where can you ski in summer?
On certain high-altitude glaciers, such as the Mont-de-Lans glacier or the Argentière glacier, temperatures remain low enough to allow skiing in summer. These glacial areas maintain a stable and compact snow cover, even when the snow has melted elsewhere in the mountains.
The spirit of summer skiing
Summer skiing has all the same ingredients as in winter (snow, scenery, atmosphere), but in a more relaxed and brighter setting. It’s a chance to experience the spirit of skiing, with more colour and better weather. You can hit the slopes in the morning, when the snow is still firm, and enjoy other activities in the afternoon.
Where can you ski in the Alps in summer?
The French resorts that offer summer skiing
Les 2 Alpes
The Mont-de-Lans glacier, which sits at nearly 3,600m, enjoys plenty of sunshine and spectacular views of the Écrins National Park.
The resort of Les Deux Alpes is also known for its lively atmosphere and wide range of summer activities.
Tignes
Summer skiing takes place in Tignes on the Grande Motte glacier, which rises to over 3,400m and offers breathtaking views of the Vanoise peaks.
Après-ski continues around Lake Tignes, where you can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking and hiking in a stunning high-mountain setting.
Val d’Isère
Not far from Tignes, Val d’Isère offers summer skiing on the Pisaillas glacier, which rises to over 3,000m at the gateway to the Vanoise National Park.
You can ski in the glorious landscapes of the Upper Tarentaise, while staying in a village renowned for its Alpine charm and its many summer activities.
Summer skiing in Europe
Switzerland
Switzerland has several popular destinations for summer skiing, notably Zermatt and Saas-Fee.
In Zermatt, the slopes of the Theodul Glacier are overlooked by the famous Matterhorn. Saas-Fee, nicknamed “the Pearl of the Alps,” has a renowned glacier ski area surrounded by numerous peaks over 4,000 metres.
Austria
Austria is another leading destination for summer skiing, with famous glaciers such as Hintertux and Stubai.
Hintertux allows skiing almost all year round on a vast area at over 3,200 metres in altitude. The Stubai glacier, near Innsbruck, offers modern facilities with views of the Tyrolean Alps.
Stay in a chalet to enjoy the spirit of skiing without hitting the slopes
La Clusaz
The typically Alpine atmosphere of the village of La Clusaz is clear to see. From the Col des Aravis, popular with many cyclists, the view of the Mont-Blanc range is spectacular.
In summer, the pastures of the Aravis mountains provide the perfect setting for hiking, mountain biking, or paragliding.
Le Grand-Bornand
Certified “Famille Plus,” Le Grand-Bornand offers an authentic atmosphere as well as a programme of events and activities for children of all ages.
Lovers of the great outdoors can enjoy walks around Lake Lessy, alpine strolls on the Glières Plateau, and cycling excursions in the Borne Valley.
Manigod and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt
In addition to their many summer activities (paragliding, climbing, treetop adventure courses, etc.), Manigod and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt offer a peaceful, natural setting.
From hikes on the Beauregard Plateau to cycling trips to the Col de la Croix Fry, these two resorts boast stunning views of the Aravis and Mont-Blanc mountains.
Les Gets and Morzine
There’s plenty going on in Les Gets and Morzine throughout the summer, thanks to their many activities and a packed calendar of events.
In the Portes du Soleil area, you can go mountain biking on Mont Chéry, hike in the Aulps Valley, or play golf with the mountains as your backdrop.
Megève and Samoëns
In Megève, hikes around Mont d’Arbois and the views of the Mont-Blanc mountains are complemented by elegant wellness and gastronomic experiences.
Samoëns features the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, an impressive natural amphitheatre, and the Lacs aux Dames leisure area, where families can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.
What to do in the mountains in summer
Outdoor activities
In summer, hiking paths take you through plateaus, alpine pastures and forests, while mountain biking trails and mountain passes attract keen cyclists.
But there are many other ways to enjoy the mountains too, with activities such as paragliding, kayaking, climbing and rafting.
Activities for children and families
Children can have fun while they discover nature, with educational trails, map-reading courses and visits to mountain farms.
Some resorts also offer summer toboggan runs, treetop adventure courses and aquatic leisure centres.
Wellbeing and mountain cuisine
Many mountain resorts offer spas, heated pools and wellness areas, allowing you to relax while taking in the mountain scenery.
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy Alpine cuisine: mountain cheeses, Savoyard specialties, and local products await you at markets and on the sunny terraces of mountain restaurants.
When to visit the mountains in summer
The best times to enjoy summer skiing
From June to September, Alpine landscapes become lush green pastures, filled with wild flowers.
August is very lively, with a wide range of activities and events at the resorts. Early September is more peaceful, with pleasant temperatures and spectacular views.
Weather, altitude and practical advice
In the mountains, mornings are often the best time to enjoy outdoor activities, before possible thunderstorms arrive later in the day. Be sure to check conditions before you head out.
Bring several layers of clothing and carry water, sun protection and sunglasses. The sun is very strong in the mountains, even when temperatures feel mild.
Summer skiing and sustainability in the mountains
The evolution of glaciers and summer skiing
Glacier skiing has been enjoyed for decades, but it is now increasingly affected by climate change. In the Alps, glaciers have lost 50% of their volume since 1850, with melting accelerating since the 1980s.
As a result, some resorts have reduced or stopped summer skiing, while others are adapting their activities.
Travelling responsibly in the mountains
Follow these few steps to ensure you travel responsibly:
- Consider trains or carpooling to get to the resorts;
- Stay on marked trails to protect Alpine flora;
- Choose accommodation committed to environmental practices;
- Support local producers by enjoying regional produce;
- Limit waste and avoid single-use plastic.
Why stay in a mountain chalet in summer if you love skiing?
Mountain tourism currently accounts for 22.4% of overnight stays in France. There are several reasons to choose the mountains for your summer holiday.
Discover the mountains in a new light
Staying in the mountains in summer gives you a whole new perspective. After the monochrome white of winter, summer reveals a varied palette of colours.
The mountains are dressed in intense green shades, alpine pastures bloom with flowers and the summer light transforms the landscapes. The long sunny days also give you more time to explore these wonderful scenes.
Enjoy a peaceful and more affordable mountain experience
In summer, the resorts are generally quieter than during the winter season, allowing you to fully enjoy nature and the atmosphere of Alpine villages.
This time of year is also more affordable than the ski season, so your budget goes further and you can indulge in the outdoor activities.
The ideal destination for families
Private chalets are especially well-suited to family stays. They have several bedrooms and shared spaces, both indoors and outdoors, where everyone can get together.
Some chalets even offer entertainment facilities for children, such as playrooms, table football, ping-pong tables, gaming consoles or trampolines.
Choosing the perfect chalet for your summer stay in the mountains
The advantages of a large chalet
A group chalet offers more room than standard accommodation. Everyone can find their own space, but there’s also the opportunity to get together after a day outdoors.
These chalets are fully equipped, with a modern kitchen and all the appliances you need to enjoy a completely self-sufficient stay.
Location and easy access to activities
A chalet in the heart of nature provides quick access to activities, hiking trails and mountain lakes, helping you avoid long car journeys.
However, make sure you check the proximity of shops, ski lifts and family-friendly activities to make daily life easier.
Book early for your summer stay in the mountains
The chalets with the best locations book up quickly in summer, especially in July and August, so it’s a good idea to plan your stay well in advance.
Booking early means you’ll have more choice and find the accommodation that best suits your needs, with the right number of bedrooms, facilities and the perfect location.
FAQ on summer skiing and summer stays in the mountains
Is it possible to ski in France in summer?
It is possible to ski in summer in France on high-altitude glaciers.
Where can you ski in France in summer?
On the glaciers in Tignes, Les Deux Alpes and in the Mont-Blanc mountains, the slopes generally remain open in the mornings until early July.
Which French resorts allow summer skiing?
French resorts offering summer skiing include Tignes, Les Deux Alpes, La Plagne and Chamonix.
Does it snow in France in summer?
Yes, it can snow in summer on French peaks and glaciers, especially above 2,000 metres.
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