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Skiing is of course traditionally seen as a ‘winter sport’, a categorisation reinforced somewhat by its inclusion in the Winter Olympics. However, this could be seen as an almost libellous accusation given the growing popularity of summer skiing. There are two options for
a ski summer: the first is to go somewhere in the southern hemisphere that snows while we’re sunning ourselves. The second is to go to a glacier ski resort. This is particularly advantageous for those among us who are rather dedicated to the European experience, especially if one already knows the language.
Glacier skiing is nature’s way of letting ardent ski bunnies continue their ski holidays all through the year. It provides the added advantage of being perhaps that little bit warmer and means that dedicated ski-goers need no longer pine for the winter. One piece of advice though: be prepared to hit the glacier early in the morning, as many glacier slopes close by lunchtime as they are often slushy by then. However, that leaves you free to take part in all sorts of other activities in the afternoon.
If you’re looking for a ski
summer holiday in France, the main resorts to look out for are Tignes, Alpe d’Huez and La Plagne. Tignes boasts the outstanding Grande Motte Glacier and is one of Europe’s highest resorts at 2,100m above sea level and is famous for consistently good snow conditions for skiing and is also famously excellent for snowboarding.
Alpe d’Huez is a fantastic choice for beginners due to its outstanding ski school providing teaching in a variety of languages and La Plagne is great for family ski holidays, with many dedicated areas for children to play in while you get on with the important task of sliding about on the slopes.
If you just can’t get enough of skiing and spend the whole year waiting for your next winter ski holiday, regretting the summer beaches as soon as you set food on the sand, perhaps this year is time you gave summer skiing a try.
Simon Dewhurst - 14 May 2008
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