For most Americans, the notion of summer skiing is only but a dream. But that’s not entirely true for the whole world.
For those itching to extend their time on the mountain, Europe has a surprising solution for you. For the past four summers, my husband and I have packed up our skis and headed to Hintertux Glacier in the Tyrol region of Austria.
As one of Europe’s few (and Austria’s only) year-round ski resort, Hintertux Glacier is open to skiers 365 days a year. Thanks to its elevation of 10,660 feet, the temperature remains consistently cold enough to sustain skiable snow even in the hottest months of the year.
I spend a morning bundled up in my ski jacket, and by the afternoon, I’m poolside, looking back up at the mountain I started my day on. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect.
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Where Is Hintertux Glacier and How To Get There
Tucked at the very end of Tux Valley (Tuxertal), Hintertux Glacier is surrounded by the Zillertal and Tux Alps in Austria.
It takes about a 90-minute car ride from the Austrian city of Innsbruck, where the closest major airport is located.
Alternatively, you can do a 2.5-hour drive from either the Munich airport in Germany or Austria’s Salzburg airport, and then take a train to the main town of Mayrhofen. However, this can take four to six hours and require additional local bus transfers to reach the glacier.
While train travel in Europe is very useful, I instead suggest renting a car for this particular excursion to truly maximize your time.
What To Expect at Hintertux Glacier in the Summer
Skiers and snowboarders visiting Hintertux Glacier from June through mid-July can expect anywhere between 3 and 12 miles of groomed terrain. Of the resort’s 20 lifts, one can rely on about 10 to be open during the summer season.
For those visiting from late July through August, the exact openings will be dependent on the weather. In August, you’ll tend to find more opportunities for ski touring to reach the best snow, as chairlifts are limited by daily conditions.
Regardless of when you visit in the summer, you’re going to want to be out there as soon as the Gletscherbus gondola opens.
The Gletscherbus consists of three connecting legs. You’ll ride three separate gondolas to reach the main ski area. During the summer season, morning skiing is absolutely vital for the best snow. The lifts typically begin closing around 3 p.m., but after 11 a.m., the snow tends to start melting and can feel sloppy underneath your skis.
Also, the warmer weather means a higher chance of seeing some furry friends as you ski. My favorite part of summer skiing at Hintertux Glacier is seeing little Alpine marmots scurrying around the slopes.
How To Plan Your Summer Ski Trip
You’re going to need the right gear.
Bring your all-mountain skis over your carving or powder skis. I always prefer to travel with my own skis, but you can easily rent equipment at the base of the glacier or in nearby valley towns.
Further, pack for a variety of temperatures. You’re going to be a bit chilly at the top of the glacier, but the midpoints get warm, and the bottom of the valley can even be quite hot.
I suggest packing a ski jacket and pants with vents to keep yourself cool, and be sure to pack warm-weather clothes for after-skiing.
One of my favorite things to do is ski all morning and then camp out at my hotel pool and enjoy a beverage as I look up at the glacier above. It's a weather dichotomy you can’t often find.
Where To Stay and Après
When booking your lodging, you’re going to want to get as far back in Tux Valley as possible. This minimizes your drive or bus ride to the gondola in the morning.
That said, there is both a spacious parking lot and a covered underground parking area, and I’ve never encountered issues parking, even when driving a large truck. You can choose to stay at hotels at the base of the resort or any of the other small villages scattered around.
The most ‘happening” town in the area is Mayrhofen. Here you’ll find the most hotels, restaurants, and bars for après. Hotel Rose is an option I love. Alternatively, we like Aparthotel Dorfplatzl in Tux, Austria. Both hotels are family-owned and operated, provide a great breakfast, and truly make you feel welcome.
Wherever you choose to stay, plan on having breakfast at your hotel. Typically, there aren’t many breakfast options outside of your hotel. Although you could grab a light bite at the top of the glacier.
Almost all of these accommodations have an associated restaurant, and each of the villages tends to have an authentic bar in town that’s perfect for capping off your ski trip with some classic Austrian après.
The Shortcut
Hintertux is Austria's only year-round ski resort, open 365 days a year at 10,660 feet.
Get out there early. After 11 a.m., the glacier starts melting and conditions get sloppy fast.
Stay as far back in Tux Valley as possible to cut your morning commute to the gondola.
Mayrhofen has the most hotels and après options; Tux is quieter and closer to the lifts.
Pack for both cold and hot conditions. It gets very warm in the valley below.
