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3 Bucket List Summer Ski & Snowboard Destinations

Can't wait for winter? Check out these awesome destinations.

By: evo + Save to a List

Skiers and snowboarders have a hard time coping with summer. The heat, monotony, and general lack of snow to slide around on can wear down the psyche of even the most diehard riders. But your summer contact with your skis or board doesn’t just have to be relegated to waxing them and throwing longing glances. There are a wide variety of snowy summer destinations available, they just take a little more effort to access. But that’s part of what makes these locations unique, and truly bucket list worthy.

Mount Hood, Oregon

For North American snow lovers, a ski or snowboard trip to ski Mt. Hood is the obvious choice. Timberline Lodge is a historic ski area on Mt. Hood, and their season stretches from August to October each year. That’s made possible by chairlift access to the Palmer Glacier. Most of the summer skiing on Mt. Hood takes the form of ski and snowboard camps, for everyone from racers to park rats, but there are public lanes for freeskiing and a public park as well.

If you’re looking for a fully curated experience, a camp is the way to go, and there are adult camps for all skill levels available on Mt. Hood as well. Ski-in-ski-out (early in the summer only) lodging is available at the Timberline Lodge, and there are multiple lodging options in the nearby town of Government Camp, as well as wide selection of dispersed campsites nearby.

The ideal time to visit Mt. Hood is late spring or early summer. Later in the summer the snow melts out and you have to walk down from the lift to the lodge. Earlier in the spring the weather is less predictable and you’ll run into more rain and fog.

Part of what makes summer skiing at Mt. Hood so accessible is its proximity to the Portland International Airport. The airport is a little over an hour from Timberline Lodge, so it’s easy to catch a flight and head right to the slopes.

For more backcountry-focused skiers and snowboarders, there are a variety of tours and mountaineering routes possible above the ski area on Mt. Hood. Just be sure to check in at the ranger office at the base for current conditions and other information. The portion of Mt. Hood above the ski area is much steeper and more dangerous than the lower section and contains hazards like crevasse and fumaroles, cracks in the active volcano that vent gasses.

South America

For those looking for a more exotic summer ski or snowboard trip, South America is an incredible option. Down in the Southern Hemisphere our summer turns to winter, and their mountains are striking, beautiful, and huge. Most of the skiing in South America is located in Chile and Argentina, so travel logistics are a little more challenging. However, the Santiago airport allows for easy access for your ski or snowboard trip to Chile. From there, visitors have a wide variety of transportation services available to get you and your gear from the airport to the slopes.

Portillo is one of the most popular ski resorts in South America for good reason. Its decadent lodge is blessed with incredible mountain views, and it offers inbounds and backcountry terrain that appeals to a wide range of skiers. The classic Portillo line is the Super C Couloir. This steep backcountry line is easily visible from the resort, and after a long bootpack and traverse expert skiers and riders are treated to incredible views of some of the biggest mountains outside the Himalayas, and a 5000 foot descent.

Argentina is another great option. Some resorts like Las Lenas have a little more of free-for-all than some North American skiers will be familiar with, and it boasts a huge selection of lift-accessed backcountry terrain, but there are more North American style resorts like Bariloche, too. Booking a South America ski or snowboard trip package can be a great way to help navigate these differences.

There are also a wide variety of heli skiing operations in South America, if you’re looking to make your trip truly unforgettable. Portillo, and several of the other resorts offer heli skiing add ons, and there are independent operations as well.

The South American ski season usually runs June-October. The best time to visit is August and early September, which roughly corresponds to January/February skiing in the Northern Hemisphere. October and November, South America’s spring season are a great time to visit if you’re looking to do some stable spring touring and mountaineering on any of the region’s numerous volcanoes.

Europe

Summer might not seem like the best time to take a ski or snowboard trip to Europe, but the Alps are famous for their glaciers, which means there are actually some great destinations to explore. The most popular option is probably Hintertux Glacier, which boasts year-round skiing and snowboarding. Other options include Stubai, Tignes, and Les Deux Alpes.

Part of what sets summer skiing and boarding in Europe apart is the wide variety of resort options, and it’s a good idea to schedule your trip to visit a couple since they each have their own unique personality and off-snow attractions.

Europe is one of the easiest places to ski in the summer logistically. There are many major airports to fly into, and once you’re there the public transportation infrastructure makes it very easy to get around without needing a cab or rental car.

Much of the summer skiing and snowboarding in Europe is park-focused, but there are groomed and off-piste runs available all summer, depending on the snowpack. Similar to Mt. Hood, early summer is the best time to ski in Europe with June and July being your best bet for ample snow and good weather.

Gear for Summer Skiing & Snowboarding

Packing for a summer ski or snowboard trip is much like packing for a winter one, with a few exceptions. It’s important to bring your waterproof and insulating layers, even if you don't think you’ll need them. Weather changes quickly in the mountains, and storms blow in fast, even in the summer. That’s especially true for South America, pack just like you would for any other winter trip.

It’s unlikely you’ll get fresh snow at Mt. Hood, or in Europe, so it’s a good idea to bring your park or groomer setup. Those locations can also get very warm and sunny, so good lightweight clothing is essential. You’ll want to stay covered up to protect yourself from the sun and the snow, no matter how badly you want to go suns-out-guns-out. Your hands can get especially beat up by the abrasive summer snow, so make sure to pack a good pair of gloves or mittens.

Since space comes at a premium when traveling to ski, make sure your gear is versatile. Many companies are making technical wicking base layers that look great in the bar too. It’s also very important to bring good sunglasses, and ski goggles with low-light and bright lenses. Foggy days happen, especially when you’re skiing on a glacier, but when the sun’s out the risk of snow blindness is very real.

Finally, ski gear is worth a lot more in South America than it is most other places. The selection there is limited and expensive so bring your own gear. A good ski bag or snowboard bag will make this oh so much easier. And, if you don’t feel like paying to fly it back home with you it’s a really good idea to bring older gear and sell it at the end of the trip. You’ll save money on baggage fees, help offset the cost of your trip, and you’ll be helping out other skiers and snowboarders.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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