Most of us only know ski towns from the winter and maybe spring. What should you do if you end up in a ski town during summer?
So you’ve found yourself the perfect ski town. The snow is deep, turns are fresh and it seems like winter will never end! Yet as the snow melts, you don’t feel yourself missing it…? We’ve all heard or said it at least once, “ I came for the winter but stayed for the summer. A well-known cliché employed by ski bums everywhere. In recent years top-tiered ski destinations have ramped up their summer activities list. Making the most popular ski hills a year-long worthy destination. Many adding in bike parks, ziplines, and whitewater packages to attract summer travelers of all kinds. If you find yourself in this scenario for the first time, here’s a list of things you can do to keep yourself occupied and fit until the snow starts falling again.
Alpine Coasters:
Alpine Coaster – This summer toboggan run is in Oberammergau, Germany with a whopping 400m height difference! Grab a friend, a ticket, and hang on for a wild ride!
Imst Sommerrodelbahn – This summer toboggan run is one of the highest ranked in Europe and can be found in Imst, Austria. Check out what all the fuss is about (and the 360 degree views at the top of this coaster)!
Revelstoke Pipe Coaster – This family friendly exhilarating ride twists and turns down 1.4km of scenic ski runs, glades and tunnels. The cart is controlled by a handheld brake which lets you be in charge of your own speed. With top speeds up to 42 kilometers per hour this is the perfect summer activity for thrill seekers of any age.
Hiking – With no snow, the trails are open for you to explore. Our favourite ski hills are situated along some of the most breathtaking mountain ranges. Some of which aren’t easily accessible during the winter. So why not take this chance to put the leg work in and take in the scenery. Here’s a list of our top 3 hikes!
Looking for a multi-day hiking journey? Why not check out the Haute Route! This hiking trail gets you from France (Chamonix) to Switzerland (Zermatt)! It is a 125-mile adventure that has two hiking routes: one higher altitude path, and one lower that stays below 3000 ft.
Lake Agnes Tea House – Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
Paint Brush to Cascade – Jackhole, Wyoming USA
Cascade Falls Trail – Lake Tahoe, California USA
Mountain Biking – An adrenaline junkies summer fix. Between cross country, park, and downhill, you can customize your adventure level. Many ski hills have adapted their terrain to provide a bike park during the summers. Including chair lift bike loading. This gives you all the fun of going down without any of the uphill pedaling.
There are so many amazing bike parks out all around the world! Here are a few popular ones that you may want to check out if you are visiting or native to North America:
- Fernie Alpine Resort – Fernie, British Columbia Canada
- Deer Valley – Park City, Utah USA
- Whistler Mountain Bike Park – Whistler British Columbia Canada
Stand Up Paddle boarding – If you haven’t heard of stand up paddling boarding yet, we don’t know where you’ve been hiding. This summer sport has taken a massive rise in popularity over the years with many stores now offering tours or rentals. For something a bit more extreme check out Vail Colorado’s whitewater park in the heart of its base village
Whether you are a thrill seeker, nature lover or craving some relaxation time, there are a lot of fun and exciting ways to enjoy the mountains in the summer.
Via Ferrata – For the thrill seekers out there, try out a Via Ferrata or ‘Iron Path’ in English. Have you ever seen those metal ladders, rungs or permanently fixed safety wire on a cliff face? It’s definitely not something for those afraid of heights but if you’re looking for something different to your usual mountain activity, then look no further. Via Ferrata is a lot more adventurous than your standard hiking trail, but not quite as technical as regular climbing. It’s an exhilarating experience, combining dramatic rock faces and incredible views. If you’re new to the sport, find out all you need to know about the Via Ferrata here.
High ropes & Treetop Adventures and Other Activities – This one is for your inner Tarzan. The ultimate balance test or opportunity to overcome your fear of heights whilst making your way from tree to tree. This forest adventure is a lot of fun for all ages! Morzine offer a treetop adventure course for anyone ages from 2 to 102 years of age! Other fun activities you can find in the summer may also include waterslides (Tignes), windsurfing (Zell am See) and many many other activities.