It's summer time, pop a wheelie | Photo: Mammoth Mountain | Cover: Beartooth Basin
It’s summer time, pop a wheelie | Photo: Mammoth Mountain | Cover: Beartooth Basin

Say what you want about the winter of 2017/2018 but don’t try to act like some areas didn’t get all-time, and in some cases record-breaking snow. We’re talking northern Rockies, the alps, and even Japan this year for any of those winter junkies who can’t shake the summer-time blues. So break out the board shorts and bikinis, let’s go skiing!

Note: These are our picks from the Northern Hemisphere. 

5) Mammoth Mountain, CA

Burning in the summer sun | Photo: Mammoth Mountain

Projected Closing Date: TBD

Miracle March delivered and thanks to the a series of atmospheric rivers, skiing will extend into mid-summer this year at Mammoth Mountain. Expect Mammoth to be open through at least Memorial Day and likely into June, which will also be the best months for skiing. Not to mention there’s still a very good chance for a few snowfalls on the peak between now and closing.

4) Zermatt/Cervinia, CH/ITA

A different kind of beach | Photo: Zermatt Matterhorn

Projected Summer Season: Zermatt has the potential to stay open 365 days a year (*weather/conditions permitting)

Each year the Zermatt/Cervinia resort access is a favorite for Europeans looking to make summer turns on a glacier. The best part of this combo is the plethora of activities from skiing to mountain biking, climbing, and backpacking.

3) Gassan Snow Resort, JAP

Summer ski touring is the best | Photo: Gassan Snow Resort

Projected Summer Season: Early April – Late July (*without lift damages)

This ski area gets so much snow in the winter (in 2010 they had a base of 26 feet when they opened in April), they have to wait till summer to open. Unfortunately, this summer operations are delayed due to the volcanic quakes that damaged some of the lifts during the winter. But don’t let the lack of lift access get you down. The ski touring is currently going off!

2) Beartooth Basin, MT

‘We love you Big Blue’ | Photo: Beartooth Basin

Projected Summer Season: 5/27-7/2 

Montana had a record year and Beartooth Basin was smack dab in the middle of the storm. Skiers should expect a remarkably deep snowpack when they finally open the road this spring. And when it does open, you better be there for the party.

1) Tignes, FRA

Projected Closing Date: 9/1/18

Locals can’t remember a better season than this past winter in Tignes and as long as it doesn’t get absurdly warm, absurdly fast– expect the glacier skiing to be as good as it gets this summer.

Unofficial Networks Newsletter

Get the latest snow and mountain lifestyle news and entertainment delivered to your inbox.

Hidden
Newsletters
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.