For most people, skiing and summer belong in completely different worlds. One means snowy mountains, cold mornings and cosy evenings by the fire. The other brings hiking boots, sunshine and alpine meadows.
In Zermatt, however, you can enjoy both at the same time. Welcome to Summer Skiing in Zermatt!
High above the village, on the Theodul Glacier beneath the Klein Matterhorn, Europe’s highest summer ski area offers the unique opportunity to ski and snowboard throughout the summer months. While hikers explore mountain trails below and terraces fill with visitors enjoying the sunshine, skiers and snowboarders are carving turns on glacier snow at nearly 4,000 metres above sea level. The glacier ski area reaches an altitude of 3,883 metres and offers up to 21 kilometres of prepared pistes during the summer season.
Whether you’re looking to keep your ski legs active, prepare for the coming winter season, introduce your family to skiing, or simply tick summer skiing off your bucket list, Zermatt offers an unforgettable experience.
What makes Summer Skiing in Zermatt So Special?
There are very few places in the world where you can ski in July, August or September, and even fewer where you can enjoy such spectacular scenery.
The journey begins with the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise lifts, taking you high above the village towards the Klein Matterhorn. As you climb, the views become increasingly dramatic, with glaciers, peaks and the iconic Matterhorn dominating the skyline.
Once on the glacier, you’ll find surprisingly good skiing conditions, particularly during the morning. Summer skiing follows a slightly different rhythm to winter skiing. Early starts are rewarded with firm snow and quieter slopes, while the warmer temperatures later in the day soften the snow and signal the end of the ski session. For this reason, the summer ski area generally operates during the morning hours, allowing guests to enjoy other mountain activities during the afternoon.
The combination of high altitude, glacier snow and careful piste preparation creates excellent conditions for recreational skiers, snowboarders and race training alike.
Perfect for Skiers of All Levels
One of the biggest misconceptions about summer skiing is that it is only for professional athletes.
While many national ski teams and elite racers use Zermatt’s glacier to train during the off-season, summer skiing is also ideal for recreational skiers and snowboarders. Athletes from more than 20 nations regularly train on the glacier, but the area is equally suitable for holidaymakers looking to improve their technique.
At European Snowsport, we work with:
- Complete beginners
- Returning skiers looking to rebuild confidence
- Intermediate skiers wanting to improve technique
- Advanced skiers refining performance skills
- Snowboarders of all abilities
- Families looking for a unique summer experience
Because the slopes are generally quieter than during the winter season, summer can actually be one of the best times to focus on technical improvement.
Improve Your Skiing With European Snowsport
Summer skiing provides the perfect environment for learning.
In summer, lessons can focus entirely on your individual goals. Whether you want to improve carving, develop confidence on steeper terrain, refine your short turns or simply get comfortable on skis again before winter, our instructors can help.
Our experienced, patient and friendly ski and snowboard instructors work throughout the summer and autumn seasons, providing personalised lessons tailored to your ability and objectives.
Private lessons are available for individuals, families and groups, and the lesson price remains the same regardless of how many people are participating within your group.
Many guests use summer lessons as preparation for a winter ski holiday, allowing them to start the season feeling confident and ready to enjoy every day on the mountain.
Equipment and Lift Passes Made Easy
One of the great advantages of summer skiing is how simple the logistics are.
If you need rental equipment, there is generally no need to reserve skis or snowboards far in advance. Equipment can usually be collected either the afternoon before your ski day or on the morning itself.
European Snowsport often recommends that guests renting equipment meet their instructor directly at the Klein Matterhorn lift station on the morning of their lesson. Alternatively, instructors can arrange to meet guests at their hotel if preferred.
Your instructor can also assist with purchasing the correct lift pass on your first morning, making the entire process straightforward and stress-free.
For guests looking for premium ski clothing during the warmer months, rental options are also available through our clothing partners, allowing you to travel lighter while still enjoying high-quality technical ski wear.
More Than Just Skiing
One of the best things about summer skiing is that it leaves plenty of time for other activities.
Because the best snow conditions are usually found in the morning, many visitors combine skiing with hiking, sightseeing, mountain biking or relaxing in the village during the afternoon.
Zermatt itself offers an incredible range of summer experiences. You can spend the morning skiing on a glacier and the afternoon exploring mountain trails, enjoying lunch with Matterhorn views or discovering the village’s restaurants, cafés and shops.
The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing and glacier viewing areas provide additional opportunities to explore this remarkable high-mountain environment. Visitors can even stand near the Swiss-Italian border at almost 3,500 metres above sea level while enjoying panoramic Alpine views.
Our instructors are also a fantastic source of local knowledge. Many know the resort inside and out and are always happy to recommend hiking routes, restaurants, activities and hidden gems to help you make the most of your stay.
A Unique Alpine Experience
There is something magical about skiing in summer.
Perhaps it is the contrast between sunshine in the village and snow beneath your skis. Perhaps it is the sight of the Matterhorn rising above the glacier. Or perhaps it is simply the novelty of enjoying winter sports while everyone else is thinking about summer holidays.
Whatever the reason, summer skiing in Zermatt is an experience that every skier and snowboarder should try at least once.
Whether you are looking for a few hours on snow, a technical training session, a family adventure or several days of skiing on one of Europe’s most famous glaciers, European Snowsport can help you make the most of your time in Zermatt.
Our team provides private ski and snowboard lessons throughout the summer and autumn seasons, helping guests of all ages and abilities enjoy this extraordinary mountain experience.
If you’d like help arranging lessons, equipment, lift passes or planning your stay in Zermatt, get in touch with the European Snowsport team. We’d be delighted to help you experience the unique thrill of skiing in the Alps long after winter has ended.
Many of our instructors live in Zermatt year-round and know the resort just as well in summer as they do in winter. If you’d like advice on activities, accommodation, lift passes or how to make the most of your stay, please get in touch with our team. We can help you plan your summer holiday and arrange the activities that best suit your group.
Contact European Snowsport: Contact Us
