As the summer temperatures get higher and higher, thoughts of outdoor activities may first come to mind sunny beaches, outdoor barbecues, or a cool swim in the lake. But what if I told you that summer doesn’t necessarily mean putting away our boards for us skiers? That’s right! While much of the northern hemisphere is bathed in heat, there are plenty of cooler places in the world, even in August.
You can still ski down snow-covered slopes and feel the thrill of the skiing experience. Skiing in August isn’t just an idea, it’s a reality if you know where to ski in the summer. We’ll be delving into some of the best places to ski in the summer, from the peaks of the Southern Hemisphere to the glaciers of Europe and North America. So get your ski gear ready and let’s explore where you can ski in August!
Table of content
- Cardrona Alpine Resort, New Zealand
- Mt Hutt, New Zealand
- Coronet Peak, New Zealand
- Perisher Ski Resort, Australia
- Thredbo, Australia
- Timberline Lodge, Mt Hood Oregon, USA
- Saas-Fee, Switzerland
- Hintertux Glacier, Austria
Places To Ski In August
While one hemisphere is experiencing summer, the other hemisphere is in the middle of winter. Southern Hemisphere countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and parts of South America are prime locations to experience traditional winter conditions in the summer. Meanwhile, certain high-altitude glaciers in Europe and even North America maintain skiable terrain year-round.
Below are some of these premium ski destinations that you might consider adding to your August adventure list.
Cardrona Alpine Resort, New Zealand
Summer Open Month: 14 June – 5 October 2025
Cardrona Alpine is the largest ski resort in New Zealand. Located on New Zealand’s South Island, closer to Wānaka and an hour’s drive from Queenstown Airport. As a world-renowned ski resort during summer, with world-class terrain parks and U-grooves. The trails are wide and flat, with skiing for families and beginners, and areas designed for children. Treble Cone is also accessible next door and has the longest run on the South Island. More suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers.
You can opt for a multi-day pass, which costs NZ$120 a day for 6 days and up, and provides access to Cardrona and Treble Cone.
The closest lodging is in Cardrona Valley, but there are fewer options, or you can stay a little farther away in the small town of Arrowtown.
Attractions Besides Skiing
Lake Hāwea: With clear water, you can see the reflection of the mountain peaks.
Lake Wānaka: New Zealand’s fourth largest lake with crystal clear water.
Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge: New Zealand’s engineering marvel is famous for being the world’s first commercial bungee jumping site. It straddles the Kawarau River and offers thrill-seekers the opportunity to jump 43 meters above the water.
Mt Hutt, New Zealand
Summer Open Month: 13 June – 12 October 2025
Also located in New Zealand’s South Island, it has extensive terrain and reliable snow due to its high altitude. From gentle beginner slopes to challenging steeps and natural halfpipes. It’s also great for beginners and families to visit. Prices here are also more cost-effective for more days, at NZ$175 for a day and $120 a day for 6 days or more.
Mt Hutt accommodation is concentrated in the small town of Methven.
Attractions Besides Skiing
Rakaia Gorge Walkway: Enjoy breathtaking views of the blue Rakaia River as it passes through a spectacular gorge.
Washpen Falls: The caves and waterfalls on the trail can be explored and panoramic views of the Canterbury Plains can be enjoyed.
Coronet Peak, New Zealand
Summer Open Month: 14 June – 28 Sept 2025
Coronet Peak was one of the first ski resorts in New Zealand and is the closest to Queenstown at only 16 kilometers, making it even more accessible. It also offers night skiing, on Wednesday, Friday, and some Saturday nights from 4 pm to 9 pm. Allowing you to see New Zealand at night from a great height. This is a great place for those who like to carve smooth turns. Prices are the same as Mt Hutt.
Queenstown has more accommodation options while staying in nearby Arrowtown enables you to commute in less time.
Attractions Besides Skiing
Skyline Queenstown: Being so close to Queenstown, you can go sightseeing. The complex is situated high above Queenstown and can be reached by cable car, offering panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
Shotover Jet Queenstown: Take a 360-degree spin through the stunning Shotover River Canyons on a jet boat.
Perisher Ski Resort, Australia
Summer Open Month: 7 June – 5 October 2025
This is Australia‘s most popular ski resort and is located in New South Wales, just a 2-hour and 30-minute drive from Canberra. It’s a huge resort that combines four interconnected village areas (Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes, and Guthega) into one vast ski area. This means you have a huge amount of terrain to explore, both terrain parks and runs for all ski levels. A single-day ticket for August is AU$240 and gives you access to four areas.
You can stay at Perisher Valley and Smiggin Holes, which have more accommodation options and easy access to the slopes.
Attractions Besides Skiing
Kosciuszko National Park: The home of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak. It is a popular destination for winter skiing, summer hiking, mountain biking and exploring the natural landscape.
National Museum of Australia: There is also the opportunity to visit Canberra. The museum has a wide range of exhibitions, collections and interactive displays that showcase Australia’s rich and diverse history, culture and land.
Thredbo, Australia
Summer Open Month: 7 June–12 September 2025
Thredbo is located in New South Wales, almost 3 hours’ drive from Canberra. With some of Australia’s steepest overall terrain and longest ski runs for the adventurous, Thredbo Alpine Coaster is the first year-round alpine coaster that can be ridden through tunnels, bridges, and circles. Can’t miss out on the activities on offer here too. Each day is different, from yoga to science classes, night tours to cocktail events for skiers of all ages.
Tickets here cost AUD 175 a day on weekdays in August and range from $180-214 on weekends. Discounts are offered when purchasing multi-day tickets for 7 days or more.
For accommodation, you can stay in the resort or choose from other hotels at the base of the mountain.
Attractions Besides Skiing
National Arboretum Canberra: Also located in Canberra, featuring a unique and lively collection of 94 rare, endangered and iconic tree forests.
Black Mountain Nature Reserve: Canberra’s famous landmark offers bushwalks and full views of the city from the top, which is also home to Telstra Tower.
Timberline Lodge, Mt Hood Oregon, USA
Summer Open Month: All year round
Timberline Lodge on Oregon’s Mt. Hood offers great opportunities for summer skiing. Located 1 hour and 30 minutes from Portland, a dedicated summer ski area on the Palmer Glacier. Timberline is known for being one of the few places in North America where you can ski into August or even year-round. It serves as a training ground for professional athletes but is also open to the public. You’ll usually find groomed trails and terrain parks accessible via the Palmer Express gondola. Please hit the slopes in the morning, as the area closes by 3 pm. Tickets can be purchased on-site and are usually $110 a day.
You can stay at the hotel made famous by Timberline Lodge or opt for Mt Hood Village.
Attractions Besides Skiing
Washington Park: This ski location allows you to visit Portland. Sprawling city parks, including the Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, International Rose Test Garden, World Forestry Center, and numerous trails and viewpoints.
Grant Street Pier: A unique waterfront destination featuring a public dock with views of the Columbia River and the city’s waterfront.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: A spectacular gorge that stretches for more than 80 miles along the Columbia River and forms the border between Oregon and Washington.
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Summer Open Month: 12 July-31 October 2025
The Allalin Glacier, located above Saas Fee, offers skiing in summer and winter. Bern is 2 hours and 30 minutes away by car. This 150-kilometer ski area is surrounded by 18 4000-meter peaks. Ideal for intermediate skiers, it is especially popular with freestyle skiers and ski teams. In summer, besides skiing, hiking and biking in the Saas Valley are also possible. The cost of skiing here is 72 Fr a day and an annual pass is the best value at 583 Fr.
You can stay in the resort of Saas-Fee or nearby Saas-Almagell.
Attractions Besides Skiing
Gornergrat Railway: Europe’s highest open-air cog railroad from Zermatt to the summit of Gornergrat, with magnificent views of several mountain peaks.
Einstein House: Located in the capital Bern, the former home of Albert Einstein, who lived there from 1903 to 1905, it is now a museum.
BearPark: A natural habitat for bears where visitors can observe bears in a more humane environment.
Hintertux Glacier, Austria
Summer Open Month: All year round
Hintertux Glacier located in Austria, is one of the few glaciers open for skiing 365 days a year. An hour and 10 minutes from Innsbruck. Hintertux Glacier has 206 kilometers of ski slopes, which are accessible via six lift lines, including the Gletscher Bus 3, which is capable of transporting 3,000 skiers per hour. Hunter Tookes offers a wide selection of trails for skiers of all levels, but it is best known for its steep, challenging terrain. Prices here vary depending on the time of entry, which is €53.50 for 8 am entry.
The accommodation area along Sommerbergalm to Tux has a wealth of options.
Attractions Besides Skiing
Thanks to its location on the border, it is possible to travel to Vienna or Venice for sightseeing.
Vienna (Austria): Austria’s capital and largest city. You can visit the Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg Palace.
Venice (Italy): Travel to Venice to take a ride on their gondolas and check out the canals for a truly unique city experience.
Things To Pack For Ski Trip
Okay, so you’ve chosen your dream summer ski destination. You can check this list to make sure you haven’t left anything behind.
- Suitable clothing and footwear: You’ll need quick-drying baselayers, warm mid-layers (e.g. woolen clothing), and waterproof jackets and pants. If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, boots for snowshoeing will be useful. In Europe, resort trails are unobstructed, so comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots will do.
- Sun protection: At high altitudes, the sun’s rays are so strong that snow reflects them, essentially doubling your exposure. Pack high SPF sunscreen for exposed skin, a pair of quality sunglasses, and even a neck gaiter or bandana to protect your face and neck.
- Goggles: Choose lenses for bright, sunny conditions; dark or polarized lenses are usually best for glacier skiing.
- Gloves: Bring a pair of highly insulated professional gloves.
- Snow gear and helmets: If you’re traveling by plane, renting skis and helmets locally will be a more convenient option.
- Water bottle: It is important to stay hydrated at all times at high altitudes.
- Small backpack: For your clothes, snacks, and water.
- First aid kit: A small kit with essentials such as painkillers, blister plasters, and any personal medication.
Safety Tips For Skiing
Safety is always paramount, so if you’re still at the stage of just starting to ski, don’t ignore these safety tips.
- Know your limits: Stick to trails that are appropriate for your skill level. Don’t push yourself outside your comfort zone, especially on unfamiliar terrain or softer snow.
- Beware of crevasses: Glacier skiing has an inherent risk of crevasses. Stick to marked trails and never venture off-pists unless you are with a certified mountain guide. This is vital to your safety.
- Monitor snow conditions: When skiing in the summer, snow in the afternoon can mean that it becomes slushy and heavy, making it harder to control your skis. Pay attention to how the snow feels and consider calling it a day when it becomes too soft.
- Check the weather forecast: Mountain weather is notoriously fickle. Be sure to check the forecast before you go and be prepared for sudden changes such as fog, wind, or even unexpected snowfall.
- Ski with a friend: It’s always safer to ski with at least one other person, especially if you’re in unfamiliar territory.
- Follow signs and ropes: Ski patrols put up signs and ropes for a reason. Follow them to avoid hazards and closed areas.
- Be aware of others: Glacier skiing sometimes attracts both recreational skiers and professional training groups. Be aware of others on the slopes, especially those moving at high speeds.
- Be prepared: Carry a charged cell phone. Know how to contact ski patrol or emergency services at your chosen resort.
FAQ
What places does it snow in August?
August is winter in the Southern Hemisphere, so it snows in these places: the South Island of New Zealand, the snowy mountains of New South Wales and Victoria in Australia, and the Andes Mountains in Chile.
Where can you ski in summer in Europe?
There are many places to ski in Europe, this includes:
Switzerland: Zermatt (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) and Saas-Fee (Aralin Glacier). These two are the most famous and reliable. Zermatt is connected to Cervinia in Italy, creating a huge international ski area even in the summer.
Austria: Hintertux Glacier (open all year round), Stubai Glacier, and Kitzsteinhorn Glacier.
France: Les Deux Alpes and Grande Motte Glacier in Tignes.
Italy: Passo Stelvio. Due to challenging road traffic in the winter, this high-altitude pass in Italy is actually only open for skiing in the summer.
Where is the warmest place to ski?
Places like Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood or the European Glacier Resorts (Saas-Fee, Zermatt, Hintertux) can be quite pleasant or even warm when the sun is fully out in the base area or on the slopes.
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