Maybe you’ve heard of it and either didn’t believe it or didn’t really understand what you were hearing. Let me tell you again in either case: I’m talking about packing up the car with your significant other, friends and/or kids and heading inshore rather than to the coast. Yes, I’m talking about packing the skis in the car rack and taking that ski vacation a little late this year. And, I’m not talking about fake powder either. I’m talking about real snow and ice, and, as you may have guessed, huge, skiable glaciers! Here are some great glacial goals to have for this summer’s skiing schedule.
4. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is probably one of Europe’s most accessible skiable glaciers, easily get-at-able from several nearby countries. Plus, you won’t have to fight the crowds for some of the best, and often reduced, accommodation. Reservations, however, might be a good idea if you plan on skiing through the weekend. Glacial skiing here is best for beginners and intermediates, as there are not a lot of “obstacles” to dodge. Expert skiers can have some fun, though, challenging the moguls along the route. The summer snowboard park is open to boarders of every level as well. The best times to ski are after a good storm and from 7am till 3pm, you’ll find the freshest powder. Lift passes are comparable to winter prices, however.
3.Verbier, Switzerland
Booking your summer ski vacation (Can you believe I’m saying that?!?) in Verbier might have your friends laughing, but you’ll have the last laugh. Verbier was recently rated as being one of the leading ski zones in all of Europe. It’s because of the pistes, snowboarding, the Mont Fort Glacier and the pristine accommodation. My husband, however, walked away with two blistered ears and a bout of snow blindness after just an hour or so. The kids, too, got a little red necked from the intense sun. You must remember that there’s less filtering of the sun and that it’s really intense up at this altitude. Bring SPF sun lotion—like you’d pack for the beach—and UV protected goggles. It’s wise to strap on the fanny pack with water and snacks as well. You’ve seen your kids H-angry (Hungry + Angry) when they need to eat I’m sure.
2. Alpe d’Huez, France
Alpe d’Huez in France has brought downhillers, snowboarders and even cross-country skiers (3-5 km worth) around for the summer for the many years. It’s one of the places you’d find people mentioning off the tops of their heads when asked, “Where can I summer ski?” The area depends on skiing holidays as a big part of the local economy. However, the glacier skiing has been closed down for an indeterminable amount of time due to the glacier receding. There has been plenty of snow apparently, but they want to make sure that there will be no long-term damage to the glacier before opening it back up to summer skiing. There’s still plenty to do, however, from mountain biking and hiking to volumes of après-ski choices.
1. Les Deux Alpes, France
Talk about a place to really absorb the French countryside—my favorite of all the -sides this side of Europe, mind you. My family loves to get wild in the great outdoors, and Les Deux Alpes in France is probably our most coveted summer vacation destinations. I almost always book my accommodation and reservations in advance, just to make sure I get what I want. From bottom to top, I can get to the top and be gliding down the glacier in less than thirty minutes. (My family moves a bit slower than me, so it takes them about 45 minutes.) Anyway, from mid-June until the last day in August, this is Europe’s largest skiable glacier (3600 m to 2800 m). A ski pass gives way to all sorts of discounts and amenities in the area. Get this at the tourist office upon arrival.
As days are getting warmer, it is more than time I get my ass down in a raft if to make the most of the season!
