5 Top Global Spots to Ski or Snowboard All Summer Long
For some dedicated mountaineers, an endless winter does exist – being able to ski or snowboard during the winter months just isn’t enough. Drier climates and rising global temperatures have limited the amount of annual snowfall. For this reason, more and more resorts in the Northern Hemisphere are closing earlier and earlier each year. Luckily there are a few places where you can enjoy the snow year round. Here are five places worldwide where winter never ends.
Zermatt | Switzerland
This July will mark the one hundred and fifty year anniversary of the first assent of the famed Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps. If you want a great view of the Matterhorn while being able to ski or snowboard this summer you should visit Zermatt. Zermatt is also the highest and largest summer skiing area in all of Europe. With twenty-five runs, eight chair lifts, and a terrain park this summer setup is better than some mountains peak seasons.
Gassan | Japan
Resort
Gassan | Japan
The archipelago chain of Japan plays host to some of the best snow in the world. This small island nation also boats over five hundred resorts that range from large upscale resorts to small mom and pop style setups with a few lifts. Of these five hundred resorts one in particular stood out as being a late season haven for skiers and snowboarders. Tucked away in the town of Nishikawa is a resort called Gassan. Gassan doesn’t actually open until the middle of April and usually closes around late July. Gassan isn’t a very big resort but what it lacks in lifts it more than makes up for with its amount of annual snowfall.
Snowcat on Stubai during the summer | © Toodreem/Flickrcommons
Stubai Glacier | Austria
Stubai Glacier | Austria
Like the Swiss Alps, the Austrian Alps are known for their massive mountain resorts. The Stubai Glacier also known as the ‘Kingdom of Snow‘ is Austria’s largest glacier. Stubai is not far from Innsbruck airport, which has allowed it to become a more popular destination in recent years. Stubai operates nearly year round and closes for only about two months of the year.
Summer at the Camp of Champions | © Campofchampions/FlickrcommonsWhistler-Blackcomb | Canada
Resort
Whistler-Blackcomb | Canada
Whistler is just a stones throw from Vancouver, meaning it is a very accessible mountain. Skiers and Snowboarders come from all over the globe to grace Whistler’s prestigious peaks. This glacier also boasts the longest season in all of Canada and is open through July. This resort is also home to Camp of Champions, which is the leading summer ski and snowboard camp in Canada. The Camp of Champions has one of the largest summer terrain parks in the world and is where many winter athletes practice.
Whistler Resort, Blackcomb, Canada
Mt Hood Towers over the summer flowers | © Misserion/FlickrcommonsTimberline Lodge & Ski Area | Oregon
Resort, Lodge
By Jeff Askin
Jeff Askin is a recent graduate from the University of Colorado at Boulder where he graduated with a degree in Communications and a certificate in Business. He is from Southern California and his diverse passions include the ocean, arts and traveling. You are most likely to find him on the beach in a foreign country looking for the best waves or checking out a new installation at an art gallery. He also loves pulling pranks and is an amateur bullfighter. You can find him on facebook and instagram.
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