Skiing On Summer Vacation, Don't Miss These Some Of The Best Places In Europe

JAKARTA - Still no plans for this summer or not sure what to do on your vacation? There is nothing wrong if you try skiing. Yes, skiing in the summer.

After being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year, vaccinations, as well as comprehensive lockdown and response measures, have allowed a number of ski areas in Europe to reopen to the public this summer.

As a general rule, summer skiing is reserved for professionals preparing for winter or amateurs looking to perfect their technique. Keeping health and safety in mind, here are some ski spots in Europe that opened this summer, as quoted by Euronews, June 22.

Les Deux Alpes, France

Les Deux Alpes is the largest ski glacier in France. The season kicks off on May 29, three weeks earlier than usual following exceptional snow conditions and at the urging of professionals wanting to train.

The early opening saw 10 ski lifts come into operation allowing access to a 1.000-meter drop on the Toura glacier. While the place at an altitude of 2.600 meters is not open this summer.

You can also surf with the pros, or at least admire them from a distance as they have their own custom track. The resort also offers some epic mountain biking trails through the snow and 'dry' descents around the area.

A vibrant nightlife and all the summer mountain activities you could want round out the offerings of this giant European resort.

Fonna, Norway

The advantage of visiting Norway for summer skiing is that you don't have to climb too high to find snow. This Nordic country has a glacier resort that is open during the warmer months, just 1.200 meters above sea level.

The number of tracks is limited here but suitable for all levels. There's even a snow park for adventurers who want to jump.

You have to forget the party atmosphere, as Fonna lacks the entertainment and services offered by the big French resorts. Expect a small restaurant and a few places to stay in the middle of the fjord. A different experience no doubt but part of the charm of this location.

Another reason to visit Fonna is that you can ski until 4 p.m., as the snow doesn't melt as much as in France.

Kaprun, Austria

In Austria, a country in the heart of the Alps, summer ski enthusiasts can find all kinds of slopes. The country's glaciers allow you to ski all year round.

In Kaprun, Salzburg, you can ski until July 23 on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, a peak that stands 3.229 meters high. There's no need to worry about your skiing skills, as the different slopes are suitable for beginners as well as more experienced winter sports enthusiasts.

From Friday to Sunday to June 27, freestyle skiers will also be pleased to know that this destination has a snow park. You can take the cable car for views of the Alps all year round.

Sights to watch include Großglockner, Austria's highest peak (3,798m), which is best viewed from the viewing platform at the Top of Salzburg and the National Park Gallery.

In summer, you can also ski down the glacier slopes at the Hintertux resort in Tyrol. Here, nine lifts service 20 km of slopes almost 365 days a year, depending on weather conditions. For a chance to experience the fun of summer skiing, lift tickets cost 49 euros per day for adults.

Many other activities are also offered in the area, such as basking in the hot springs after a tiring day down the mountain.

Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Two of Switzerland's largest resorts offer summer skiing but prices tend to be higher here than in the rest of Europe. It should be taken into account that it is not possible to reach Saas-Fee or Zermatt by car.

Saas-Fee is located in the canton of Valais, summer will start on July 17th. Perched at 3.600m, this glacier resort features 20km of slopes for all skill levels.

Equipment testing sessions were also held at the resort of Valais, which is famous for its 'somersnowpark'. Saas-Fee will be open from 31 July with an admission fee of 75 CHF (68 euros) per day.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Another great place for summer skiing in Switzerland is Zermatt. Here the Théodule glacier offers more than 20 km of slopes that are open year-round.

To reach this area, you'll need to take the Matterhorn on a cable car that takes you 3.882 meters to the top of Petit Cervin. Here, a platform also allows 360° views of the Swiss, Italian, and French Alps. This memorable experience is not to be missed.

For those looking for a thrill, a snow park is also waiting for you in the summer in Zermatt. The lift ticket price is 75 CHF (68 euro).

Cervino, Italy

The summer ski destination in Italy is the Cervino area in the Aosta Valley. More precisely, the Breuil-Cervinia station can be found right next to Zermatt. From here, it is possible to take the Matterhorn for skiing on the Rossa plateau, 3.500 meters above sea level.

To get here you can use the cable car that departs from the Italian station from Le Breuil. And to be able to enjoy the open slopes in the summer, you have to pay 33 euros.