Snowboarding, with its exhilarating rush and the thrill of carving through fresh snow, is a sport that’s traditionally linked to winter months. However, what if you could experience snowboarding in the summer? Yes, it is possible to snowboard all year round! While the majority of resorts close their slopes during the warmer months, there are select places around the world where snowboarding can be enjoyed even in the middle of summer. In this article, we’ll explore the best summer snowboarding destinations, highlighting resorts that offer access to snow-covered slopes during the warmer months.
Why Snowboarding in Summer?
Snowboarding in summer is a unique experience that offers several advantages. During the summer months, the ski slopes tend to be less crowded, allowing riders to enjoy more space and fewer lines. The weather is typically milder, so you don’t have to worry about freezing cold temperatures. Plus, the summer snow can be softer, which some snowboarders find more forgiving. Many snowboarders also take advantage of summer snowboarding to improve their skills, work on specific tricks, or participate in training camps.
1. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is one of the most famous summer snowboarding destinations in Europe, and it’s open all year round. Located in the Swiss Alps, this resort boasts the Matterhorn Glacier, which offers summer skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Zermatt’s high altitude, combined with the glacier’s pristine snow, makes it a reliable destination for snowboarding, even in the warmer months.
Key Features:
Glacier Access: Zermatt’s glacier allows snowboarders to enjoy snowboarding throughout the year. In the summer, the resort is particularly less crowded, giving snowboarders a unique experience.
Wide Range of Terrain: Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Zermatt offers terrain for all levels. The resort has plenty of runs and freestyle parks for those who love tricks.
Top-Notch Facilities: Zermatt is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, with plenty of options for dining, shopping, and après-ski activities.
When to Go:
The summer season lasts from June to October. The conditions can vary depending on the specific month, but the high-altitude glacier generally ensures excellent snow conditions throughout the season.
2. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
Whistler Blackcomb is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in North America. While the winter season is the most popular, Whistler is also home to one of the best summer snowboarding options in the world.
The Horstman Glacier on Whistler Mountain is open for snowboarding throughout the summer months, offering snow lovers a great chance to get their fix during the off-season.
Key Features:
Horstman Glacier: This glacier provides ample snow coverage even in summer, and it’s a prime spot for summer snowboarding.
Training Camps: Whistler Blackcomb is famous for hosting professional training camps during the summer. Snowboarders of all levels can join these camps to improve their skills and learn new tricks.
Diverse Terrain: Whistler offers a variety of terrain for both park riders and backcountry snowboarders. The summer park is well-maintained and features a range of jumps and rails.
When to Go:
Summer snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb is available from late June to August. The resort opens the Horstman Glacier to the public for snowboarding, and training camps are a big draw.
3. Mount Hood, Oregon, USA
Mount Hood is another great summer snowboarding destination located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The Timberline Lodge and Ski Area at Mount Hood offer summer snowboarding on the Palmer Glacier, making it one of the best places to hit the slopes when most other resorts are closed.
Key Features:
Palmer Glacier: Mount Hood’s Palmer Glacier remains covered with snow year-round, and it’s open to snowboarders during the summer months.
Summer Snowboarding Camps: Like Whistler, Mount Hood is famous for its summer snowboarding camps, attracting professional riders and beginners alike. These camps offer a structured environment for improving skills.
Accessible Location: Mount Hood is just a short drive from Portland, Oregon, making it a convenient summer snowboarding destination for those living in or visiting the area.
When to Go:
The summer snowboarding season typically runs from May to mid-July, although this can vary depending on snow conditions. The Palmer Glacier is usually open for snowboarding from 9 AM to 2 PM daily during the peak summer months.
4. Les 2 Alpes, France
Les 2 Alpes is another top European summer snowboarding destination. Located in the French Alps, it’s one of the only ski resorts in Europe that offers summer snowboarding. The glacier here is high enough to provide excellent snowboarding conditions, and with its modern lift system, it’s easy to access the terrain.
Key Features:
Glacier Coverage: Les 2 Alpes’ glacier is one of the largest in Europe, offering a significant snowboarding area even in summer.
Wide Terrain Variety: Les 2 Alpes offers terrain for all levels, from beginner slopes to more advanced, freeride runs. The resort also has a park with rails and jumps for freestyle enthusiasts.
Beautiful Scenery: The French Alps offer breathtaking views, and snowboarding in such a scenic environment adds to the overall experience.
When to Go:
Summer snowboarding typically runs from June to August. During this time, the glacier is fully operational, offering snow coverage throughout the summer season.
5. Saas Fee, Switzerland
Another Swiss resort that’s perfect for summer snowboarding is Saas Fee. This charming resort, situated in the Valais region, offers excellent year-round snowboarding. The Saas Fee Glacier provides ample snow coverage during the summer months, and it’s less crowded than other Swiss resorts, making it an ideal location for snowboarders seeking a more peaceful experience.
Key Features:
Saas Fee Glacier: The glacier here ensures that the resort remains snow-covered even in summer, making it a reliable destination for snowboarding.
Terrain Parks: Saas Fee offers excellent freestyle options for snowboarders, with several terrain parks and halfpipes to challenge riders.
Authentic Swiss Village Feel: Unlike larger, commercialized resorts, Saas Fee maintains a quaint, picturesque village atmosphere, providing an immersive Swiss experience.
When to Go:
Saas Fee offers summer snowboarding from late June to early September, with great conditions throughout the season. The glacier is open daily for snowboarding, and the resort has a good selection of terrain to explore.
6. Cervinia, Italy
Located in the Aosta Valley of Italy, Cervinia is another great summer snowboarding destination. It’s connected to Zermatt, meaning snowboarders can easily access both the Italian and Swiss Alps for an incredible cross-border experience. The Plateau Rosa Glacier offers some of the best snowboarding terrain in Europe.
Key Features:
Glacier Access: The Plateau Rosa Glacier is open throughout the summer, offering snowboarding even when the temperatures rise in the lower regions.
Skiing and Snowboarding for All Levels: Cervinia offers a variety of runs suitable for beginners and experts alike. It’s a great location for families and solo travelers looking to snowboard in the summer.
Cross-Border Opportunities: Being connected to Zermatt, you can experience two of the best snowboarding resorts in Europe in one trip.
When to Go:
Summer snowboarding at Cervinia is available from June through August. The Glacier offers a long snowboarding season, with conditions remaining excellent even in the warmer months.
Conclusion
While many people associate snowboarding with winter, it is possible to enjoy this thrilling sport in the summer months as well. The world’s top ski resorts, from Switzerland to the United States, offer excellent summer snowboarding options. Resorts like Zermatt, Whistler, and Mount Hood have specialized glaciers that ensure snow coverage all year round, and many offer snowboarding camps that cater to all skill levels.
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