Exclusive Guide | The 10 Ski Resorts You Can't Miss This Summer!

11 min read
Exclusive Guide | The 10 Ski Resorts You Can't Miss This Summer!

Although the domestic ski season is already over, that doesn’t mean your snowboard has to stay permanently tucked away at home. After all, the world is vast—there’s always somewhere where it’s still snowing. And even if it isn’t, people will often create artificial snow just so they can hit the slopes. What you need to know is: where exactly can you go?Go skiing

Don’t worry—today, we’re here to help you plan your very own summer ski adventure. We’ll reveal the top 10 glacier ski destinations around the globe that you simply can’t miss this summer, plus share the most reliable, must-have travel tips to ensure you don’t miss out on a single incredible spot for winter sports under the sun!

1
Riksgransen, Switzerland

Snow season ends: May 24; reopening June 18–21

Riksgransen, perched more than 124 meters above the Arctic Circle at the crossroads of mountains in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, proudly claims its title as the world’s northernmost ski resort. While its official snow season technically ends on May 24, the resort remains fully operational from June 18 to 21, staying open nightly from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Renowned for its heli-skiing adventures and expansive backcountry terrain—boasting a staggering one million acres of untouched powder—it also offers plenty of beginner and intermediate slopes for skiers of all levels to enjoy.

Traffic
    

Air China flight CA911: Beijing–Stockholm, departing at 14:50 and arriving at 18:40, with a 4-hour and 5-minute layover. Air China flight SK1046: Stockholm–Kiruna, departing at 21:25 and arriving at 22:55, with a one-way fare of 11,274 yuan for a round-trip ticket, including taxes.

(Flight schedules and fares are for reference only; please check with the relevant airline for the latest information.)

Note: Kiruna–Riksgransen: By car (1 hour 40 minutes); by bus (Kiruna bus station–Riksgränsen hotel, 7:00–9:04); by train (Kiruna station–Riksgränsen station, 15:27–17:44)

Accommodation

GoodBooking.com booking website:

http://www.hotels.cn/de1280929/hotels-riksgransen-rui-dian/

Official accommodation bookings for Riksgransen Ski Resort:

http://online.techotel.dk/PicassoOnline45/domino.aspx?hotelid=76088&lang=sv&p_pax=2_0_0

Tip

Riksgransen Ski Resort Official Website:

http://riksgransen.se


2
Whistler-Blackcomb, Canada

Snow Season Ends: May 30, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMReopening June 20 – July 26

We recommend Whistler-Blackcomb Ski Resort—not only for its expansive ski terrain (8,171 acres) and abundant natural snow, but also because it offers an incredible summer skiing experience at the world-famous Horstman Glacier, complete with North America's only glacier-accessible lift service. The lifts operate daily from 11:00 a.m. between June 20 and July 26—but this is definitely an activity best suited for advanced skiers.

Traffic
    

Air China flight CA991: Beijing–Vancouver, departing at 15:50 and arriving at 10:30 the next day; round-trip fare is 16,500 yuan, including taxes.

Air Canada flight AC026: Shanghai to Vancouver, departing at 17:55 and arriving at 13:30—round-trip fare is 11,504 yuan, including taxes.

(Flight schedules and fares are for reference only; please check with the relevant airline for the latest information.)

Note: Vancouver is approximately 130 kilometers away from Whistler Ski Resort.

Accommodation

Whistler's online accommodation booking website:

https://www.expedia.com/cn/Hotels

Book online or by phone: 1-888-993-9733

Booking.com accommodation booking website:

http://www.booking.com/city/ca/whistler.zh-cn.html?aid=330632;label=msn-M2dsZwcv_INKqCCxX9Vs8A-5367592646;sid=79a9672dae07f99f2a15fbd94e0eefd3;dcid=4;inac=0&;lang=zh-cn(Reason for recommendation: The website offers options for Simplified Chinese and RMB currency conversion, making it extremely convenient.)

Tip

Discounted tickets: Passengers can call the toll-free number 18884034727 to purchase discounted airfare.

Whistler Ski Resort Official Website:

http://www.whistlerskiguides.com

Introduction to skiing at Heishoushan Mountain:

https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/things-to-do-in-whistler-where-to-ski-best-restaurants-and-bars-to-visit-thrillist-nation


3
Mount Gassan, Japan

Snow season ends: late July

Does a ski resort typically have plenty of snow? When it comes to Mount Tsukiyama in Japan, the answer is definitely yes. In fact, skiing at Mount Tsukiyama isn’t possible until April. The six-mile-long slope and its separate double-chair lift finally open to the public from April 10 through the end of July each year. It’s Japan’s only summer ski resort—and also a renowned spot for professional Japanese skiers as well as Mongolian-style ski enthusiasts to train during the warmer months.

Traffic
    

JAL Flight EL20: Beijing–Tokyo, 8:25 AM–1:00 PM, with a 1-hour and 20-minute stopover; JAL Flight EL283, Tokyo–Izumo, 2:20 PM–3:45 PM, with a round-trip fare of 22,869 yuan (tax included).

(Flight schedules and fares are for reference only; please check with the relevant airline for the latest information.)

Note: Izumo–Mount Gassan: By car (about 55 minutes).

Accommodation

Japan Skiing Website: Accommodation Booking

http://accommodation.snowjapan.com/region/jp/yamagata.en.html?aid=378315

Kiyomizu-ya Inn:

http://www.gassannoyado.com

Mountain climbing lodge:

http://www.gassan-yatunami.jp

Sendai-ya:

http://www.sendaiya.jp

Five-Colored Pavilion Inn:

http://www.h2.dion.ne.jp/~gosiki/

Mizawaya Inn:

http://homepage3.nifty.com/gassanyonezawaya/

Tip

Japan Skiing Official Website:

http://www.snowjapan.com/japan-ski-resorts/yamagata/nishikawa/gassan

Yueshan Official Website:

http://www.gassankanko.jp


4
Tignes, France

Snow season ends: May 10; reopening July–August

Just 300 meters from the French Riviera, Tignes reopened its summer ski area at the Grande Motte Glacier in July—giving you the perfect chance to combine a weekend getaway to both the beach and the high mountains! A vintage cable car will whisk you up to the glacier at an impressive 11,335 feet, offering a thrilling 12-meter-long transport line—and let’s not forget the exhilarating 2,460-foot vertical descent. Sounds like an adventure you won’t want to miss!

Traffic
    

Air France Flight AF125: Beijing–Paris, 13:45–17:40; Paris–Lyon, 21:30–22:40; round-trip fare: RMB 6,535 including taxes.

Air France flight AF111: Shanghai–Paris, 11:25 PM–5:35 AM; Paris–Lyon, 9:35 AM–10:45 AM. Round-trip fare: 14,000 yuan, including taxes.

(Flight schedules and fares are for reference only; please check with the relevant airline for the latest information.)

Note: Lyon Airport offers dedicated shuttle services to and from the ski resort.

Accommodation

Tignes Ski Resort's official website for accommodation bookings:

http://www.tignes.co.uk/catered.htm

Booking website on TripAdvisor:

http://www.tripadvisor.cn

Tip

Tignes Ski Resort official website:

http://www.tignes.co.uk  http://www.tignes.net


5
Tiffindell Ski Resort, South Africa

Snow season ends: August

The country's only ski resort—and it stays open all the way until August! Tiffindell Ski Resort sits at an impressive altitude of 9,222 feet and is equipped with brand-new snowmaking machines. Though the resort covers just 57 acres and boasts only one mile of ski runs, here’s the kicker: you’re skiing in Africa! Now that alone sounds pretty epic, doesn’t it?

Traffic
    

Air China flight CA867: Beijing–Johannesburg, departing at 22:10 and arriving at 6:30, with a 3-hour and 15-minute layover; South African Airways flight SA8052: Johannesburg–Maseru, departing at 9:45 and arriving at 10:40. Round-trip ticket price is RMB 7,577, including taxes.

(Flight schedules and fares are for reference only; please check with the relevant airline for the latest information.)

Note: Maseru–Tiffindell: By car (4 hours 30 minutes)

Accommodation

Accommodation Types and Prices on the Tiffindell Ski Resort Website:

http://www.tiffindell.co.za/accommodation

Accommodation booking phone: +27 45 974 9004

Book accommodation on South Africa Guide:

http://www.sa-venues.com/easterncape/hotels/tiffindell.php 

Tip

Tiffindell Official Website:

http://www.tiffindell.co.za


6
Treble Cone, New Zealand

Snow Season Ends: June 23 – October 2

New Zealand's largest ski area on the South Island is renowned for its highest elevation, abundant powder snow, and expansive terrain. Treble Cone has earned numerous accolades for its diverse and varied landscapes, and it also serves as a popular off-season training ground for Norway’s and Austria’s national ski teams. However, beginners planning to visit should take note: while this 1,359-acre resort is celebrated for its plentiful powder, challenging black runs, and rugged, technical terrain, only about 10% of its trails are suitable for first-time skiers. Still, Treble Cone consistently delivers light, fluffy powder—so even if you’re a beginner, at least your falls will be cushioned by the soft, dreamy snow, minimizing the risk of injury.

Traffic
    

Qantas Flight QF130: Shanghai–Sydney, 19:55–8:30, with a 1-hour stopover;

QF121: Sydney – Queenstown, 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM, round-trip fare: RMB 9,984 (tax included).

(Flight schedules and fares are for reference only; please check with the relevant airline for the latest information.)

Note: Queenstown is 90.5 km from the Three Peaks Ski Resort, about a 1 hour and 30-minute drive.

Accommodation

Three Cone Mountain Official Website: Accommodation Booking

http://www.treblecone.com/trip-planner/skiing-wanaka/accommodation-search/

Priceline online booking website:

https://www.priceline.com

Tip

Sanzhui Mountain Official Website:

http://www.treblecone.com


7
Portillo, Chile

Snow season ends: October 3

Nestled in the Andes Mountains, this ultra-secluded resort boasts just one hotel—the luxurious Portillo Lodge, which gained fame during the 1966 World Championships (the first event ever hosted at a South American resort). However, this also means the area lacks vibrant nightlife. With 1,200 acres of sprawling grounds and its famously steep slopes, Portillo Resort has captivated professional athletes—particularly the U.S. ski team—despite its remote, low-key vibe.

Traffic
    

Air China flight CA983, Beijing to Santiago, departs at 21:00 and arrives at 18:00 local time. The round-trip fare is approximately 6,620 yuan.

Lufthansa Airlines Germany / Other Flights – San Diego. For details, please contact Portillo Tours & Travel at (56-2) 2630606.

(Flight schedules and fares are for reference only; please check with the relevant airline for the latest information.)

Note: San Diego is 164 kilometers from Portillo Ski Resort, a drive that takes about 2 hours.

Accommodation

As mentioned earlier, Portillo Ski Resort doesn’t have a town—just a single 123-room hotel where ski enthusiasts from around the world stay together in one grand hotel. This unique experience is something you simply won’t find at other ski resorts! The hotel offers a variety of room types, though notably, none of the rooms come equipped with a TV. Instead, the hotel encourages guests to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant activities hosted on-site. Still, beyond the lack of TVs, all essential amenities are readily available in the rooms. And let’s not forget—the hotel also serves up authentic Chilean culinary delights, making it the perfect treat after a day of exhilarating skiing. What a truly unforgettable way to end the day!

Tip

Portillo Ski Resort official website:

www.skiportillo.com

Rental Services: Small RVs – $25–$30 per day; $110–$120 per week. Eligibility: Must be 25 years or older and hold a local or international driver’s license.


8
Perisher, Australia

Snow season ends: October 5

Australia's largest ski resort features 3,076 acres of skiing terrain, four interconnected villages, seven towering peaks, 47 lifts—including an impressive eight-seater gondola—and five terrain parks. As for the snow, it averages a generous 6-foot depth, and the resort is also equipped with powerful, state-of-the-art snowmaking machines.

Traffic
    

QF Australia Airlines: Shanghai–Sydney, 19:55–8:30, with a 3-hour stopover; QF1419: Sydney–Canberra, 11:30–12:25, round-trip fare of 6,793 yuan including taxes.

(Flight schedules and fares are for reference only; please check with the relevant airline for the latest information.)

Note: Canberra is 210 kilometers from Perisher Ski Resort, a drive that takes approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes.

Accommodation

Perisher Ski Resort Official Website: Accommodation Booking

https://www.perisher.com.au/perisher-valley-hotel

Perisher Estate Accommodation Booking:

http://www.perishermanor.com.au

Tip

Perisher Ski Resort official website:

https://www.perisher.com.au

Also, ski enthusiasts driving to the slopes—just a heads-up: it’s perfectly normal to spot kangaroos or other wildlife crossing the road. If you encounter one, don’t panic—simply watch calmly as they make their way across.


9
Las Leñas, Argentina

Snow season ends: mid-October

"Steep and deep"—that’s the hallmark of Las Leñas. It’s renowned for its untouched backcountry skiing and off-piste adventures. While it’s often hailed as an "extreme skiing destination," don’t let that reputation intimidate you. Las Leñas boasts 43,000 acres of skiable terrain and 29 officially operating lifts, catering to ski enthusiasts of all levels.

Traffic
    

Air China flight CA981: Beijing–New York, departing at 13:00 and arriving at 13:30, with a 2-hour and 40-minute layover. Argentine Airlines flight AR1301: New York–Buenos Aires, departing at 16:10 and arriving at 4:05 the next day, with an 8-hour and 20-minute layover. Argentine Airlines flight AR2484: Buenos Aires–San Rafael, departing at 12:25 and arriving at 2:13 the following day. Round-trip ticket price: RMB 2,190, including taxes.

(Flight schedules and fares are for reference only; please check with the relevant airline for the latest information.)

Note: San Rafael – Las Leñas: By car (2 hours 38 minutes), by bus (3 hours 30 minutes), or with private transfer service (reservations via phone at 0800 222 5363 / (5411) 4819-6060).

Accommodation

Las Leñas Official Website: Accommodation Booking

https://www.laslenas.com/eng/lodging/hotel_acuario.php

Apartment and hotel information, plus booking links:

http://www.laslenasski.com/main/page_apartments_apartments.html

Tip

Las Leñas Ski Resort Official Website:

https://www.laslenas.com/esp/

Ski resort information website:

http://www.laslenasski.com


10
Zermatt, Argentina

Snow Season Ends: June 1, 2015 – May 31, 2016

Zermatt, nestled right at the foot of the world-famous Matterhorn, is famously known as "Skiers' Paradise." As the summer training base for Switzerland's national ski team, Zermatt offers year-round skiing—yes, even in the height of summer, when you can still enjoy 21 kilometers of pristine slopes. Renowned as Europe's highest (at 12,500 feet) and largest ski resort (with a 15-meter-long slope), Zermatt ensures that its breathtaking natural beauty remains untouched. To preserve its pristine air, the village strictly prohibits gasoline- and coal-powered vehicles, relying instead on eco-friendly options like electric cars, horse-drawn carriages, and bicycles. This unique transportation system adds an extra touch of tranquility and vintage charm to Zermatt’s idyllic mountain retreat.

Traffic
    

Lufthansa Flight LH721: Beijing–Geneva, departing at 11:20 a.m., arriving at 2:35 p.m. local time; fares start from 6,800 yuan.

Swiss International Air Lines flight LX189: Shanghai–Geneva, departing at 9:15 a.m. and arriving at 3:30 p.m. local time, with fares starting from 7,400 yuan.

(Flight schedules and fares are for reference only; please check with the relevant airline for details.)

Note: Geneva–Zermatt: By train (260 km, 260 minutes); by car (240 km, 185 minutes).

Accommodation

Online accommodation booking website:

http://www.taescherhof.ch

Zermatt Ski Resort Official Website: Accommodation Booking

http://www.zermatt.ch/en/content/view/full/4716/#/vacancy

Tip

Zermatt Ski Resort's official website:

http://www.zermatt.ch  

Phone: +41 279 668 100

Gornergrat Open-Top Train Booking Phone:

0041(0)27-9214111

Statement: Some content was translated from:

https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/the-best-places-to-ski-in-the-summer-japan-switzerland-chile-and-argentina

This website is not responsible for the accuracy of the translations; please refer to the official, final information for details about ski resorts.

The listed flight routes are for reference only; please refer to the airline's current information.

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