If you’re wondering welche Skigebiete sind offen (which ski resorts are open), spring and summer in Europe still offer some surprising options, especially at high-altitude glacier resorts. While most low-altitude resorts have already shut down for the season, dedicated skiers can still find open slopes in a few high-elevation locations.
Europe’s Remaining Open Ski Resorts
Currently, only a handful of resorts in the Alps remain accessible for skiing, mainly on glaciers that stay snowy year-round.
Hintertux Glacier (Austria)
- Open 365 days a year
- About 27 km of pistes (42 % of total) open
- 10 of 20 lifts currently operating
- Snow depth: ~65 cm at summit (3 250 m), base at 0 cm (~1 500 m)
Zermatt / Cervinia / Valtournenche Matterhorn (Switzerland/Italy)
- Glacier skiing open with limited terrain
- 14 km of slopes open (4 %), 19 lifts operating
- Top snow depth ~120 cm; base around 0 cm
Passo dello Stelvio (Italy)
- Glacial terrain offers summer skiing
- Approximately 6 of 8 lifts open, 75 % of slopes accessible
Additional Glacier Resorts
Other glacier-accessible resorts like Saas-Fee and Les Deux Alpes remain partially open. Saas-Fee allows summer skiing on its glacier, and Les Deux Alpes boasts Europe’s largest skiable glacier with operations into summer.
Where Skiing Has Closed for Lower Altitude Resorts
For most of the Alps including Germany, France, lower ski areas in Italy, and non-glacial Austrian resorts skiing is now over for the season.
- Germany: No ski resorts are open below resort height
- Austria (non-glacial areas): Closed until next winter
- France: Only major glacier regions like Tignes, Val Thorens, and Les Trois Vallées may still offer limited terrain
Why These Glaciers Stay Open
High-altitude glacier resorts benefit from colder temperatures and accumulated snow that lasts through spring and summer. Facilities like Hintertux and Zermatt invest in snowmaking and infrastructure to remain operational year-round. These resorts serve not just recreational skiers, but also athletes seeking off-season training.
Seasonal Advantages
- Reliable snow retention at altitude
- Well-maintained facilities with summer lift operations
- Training opportunities for competitive skiers
Low-altitude resorts lose snow early and thus shut down when conditions deteriorate.
Planning Your Off-Season Ski Trip
If you’re aiming to ski in summer, glacier resorts are your only option.
Top Tips
- Choose a glacier resort: Hintertux, Zermatt/Cervinia, Stelvio, Saas-Fee, Les Deux Alpes
- Check updated snow reports: Use platforms like OnTheSnow or Skiresort.info for live slopes and lift info
- Pack for alpine conditions: Weather can be unpredictable at altitude even in summer
These resorts often feature summer ski camps, training programs, and less crowded slopes appealing to serious skiers and summer adventurers alike.
Summary Table: Open Ski Areas Today
| Resort | Country | Pistes Open | Lifts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hintertux Glacier | Austria | 27 km (42 %) | 10/20 | Open year-round glacier skiing |
| Zermatt / Cervinia | Switzerland/Italy | 14 km (4 %) | 19/51 | Limited glacier skiing |
| Passo dello Stelvio | Italy | ~75 % slopes | 6/8 | Summer glacier skiing |
| Saas-Fee | Switzerland | Glacier terrain | Seasonal | Open for public from July on glacier |
| Les Deux Alpes | France | Glacier slopes | Yes | Largest skiable glacier in Europe |
So, if you’re pondering welche Skigebiete sind offen, your best options lie among glacier resorts in the Alps. Hintertux stands out with year-round access, while Zermatt/Cervinia, Stelvio, Saas-Fee, and Les Deux Alpes offer limited summer skiing. Although most lower-altitude resorts have closed, these high-elevation destinations ensure continued alpine fun through the off-season. Plan ahead, check current snow reports, and pack appropriately for alpine conditions.
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