Ski resorts are no longer just winter destinations. According to new research by Inghams Ski, many travellers are increasingly looking to enjoy the mountains just as much in the summer months as the peak ski season.
While it might be hard to imagine a ski resort in summer, many destinations transform into outdoor adventure hubs during the warmer months. Visitors swap skis for walking boots, wellness retreats and music festivals, while enjoying alpine lakes, panoramic views and dramatic mountain-side dining.
1. Fort William, Scotland:
Fort William, home to the Nevis Range Mountain Resort, is the ski destination seeing the largest increase in summer interest.
In the warmer months, Nevis Range offers many trails for mountain biking, gondola rides up to Aonach Mòr Mountain, and, for film and television fans, is perfect for spotting some of their favourite scenes. Everything from James Bond to Harry Potter and Trainspotting has been filmed in the area.
During the summer months, temperatures in Fort William average around 14°C, with highs of 17°C, making it warm enough for outdoor exploration without feeling uncomfortable.
2. Jackson Hole, United States:
Ranking in second place is the iconic Jackson Hole ski resort in Wyoming, United States.
With dramatic mountain landscapes as the backdrop, alongside its wild west charm, the ski resort claims the longest continuous vertical rise of any ski area in America, rising 4,139 feet from the valley floor to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. Average summer temperatures here are around 15°C, with highs of 25°C.
Jackson Hole boasts a wealth of summer activities in the resort, making it an ideal location for travellers. Some of the top activities include paragliding, guided rock climbing, bungee trampolining, fly fishing, and yoga classes hosted at the top of the Bridger gondola.
3. Glencoe, Scotland:
Glencoe, another Scottish ski area, situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty on Rannoch Moor, the resort, 74 miles north of the cultural hub Glasgow, sees average summer temperatures of around 15°C, with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C.
Though not as large as some Alpine resorts, Glencoe offers eight lifts and 20 ski runs across its mountain terrain and some of the most striking landscapes in the UK. During the summer months, mountain biking, tubing, and hiking are among the most popular activities for travellers, making it the perfect choice for outdoor lovers.
4. Lake Louise, Canada:
Lake Louise in Canada is one of the country’s most picturesque mountain destinations, situated in Alberta’s Banff National Park.
Covering a staggering 4,200 acres, Lake Louise’s resort offers plenty of diversity during summer, with the iconic glisten of Lake Louise’s turquoise waters below arguably one of the top draws for visitors booking the ski resort during the summer period.
During the summer months, visitors can experience everything from spotting wild bears in their natural habitats while on gondola rides to whitewater rafting and hiking. With average daily temperatures of around 12°C, travellers can explore in comfortable, cool conditions.
5. Voss, Norway:
Rounding out the top five trending summer ski resorts is Voss, one of Norway’s most beloved ski locations. Known for its striking landscapes and authentic Nordic charm, travellers can expect average summer temperatures of around 11°C, with highs of 16°C.
While Voss may record the lowest temperatures during the summer among the top five ranking resorts, it is easy to see why travel demand is 19.34% higher during these months. As western Norway’s largest ski resort, it offers 40 kilometers of trails divided into 24 thrilling routes, as well as offering evening skiing, with 11 kilometres of illuminated slopes.
Outside of skiing, Voss is known as Norway’s adventure capital, with travellers able to experience a wide range of activities during summer, including paragliding, rafting, swimming in Valbergstjørni, and mountain biking.
