Find somewhere to ski all year round in Europe

Need to scratch the skiing itch during the off-season? Explore your options to hit the slopes all year round on glaciers and at indoor facilities in Europe.

While there are many places across the globe that welcome skiers to pursue their favourite winter pastime throughout the winter, Europe offers some amazing places to hit the slopes in the off-season so you can ski all year. These choices come in two varieties: glacier skiing and indoor ski facilities.

France is a great first stop with two top options for glacial skiing at Tignes between Briancon and Grenoble. The former has elevations between approximately 3,000 and 3,500 metres with three skill levels across varied terrain. Chair lifts, drag lifts, and underground tunnels provide access to this scenic ski area. The latter offers skiing options on slopes that approach 3, 600 metres and has a well-known and popular terrain park. There are also great indoor options available for new and experienced skiers alike in France such as the one at Amneville les Thermes.

Austria has many options including the Stubai glacier, the largest in the country. Near Innsbruck, it offers a great variety in the slopes and elevations between 2,300 to 3,200 metres. Near Kaprun, Austria, the Kitzsteinhorn glacier offers a terrain park and many runs, which are mostly for intermediate level skiers. The Hintertux glacier, named for the nearest village, offers challenging slopes, and claims to have the country’s steepest runs intended for experienced riders. The Tiefenbach and Rettenback glaciers both grace Solden, Austria with two areas for great skiing all year round.

Switzerland offers great choices when it comes to off-season glacial skiing, such as the Zermatt and Mittelallalin glaciers. The first is rated mainly for beginners and intermediates and features great snow on slopes that are not particularly steep with an elevation of over 3,000 metres. Slightly higher at heights up to 3,600 metres, the second here has many scenic routes both on and off pistes and offers easy access through an underground funicular.

Not to be outdone by the natural wonders that enable off-season skiing, there are amazing indoor options throughout Europe that allow enthusiasts to ski all year as well. These facilities often offer creative layouts and affordable, quick snow sport options. The Netherlands offers great indoor skiing choices for the off-season in Spaarnwoude and Landgraaf.

Lithuania has multiple great layouts in Druskininkai. Germany boasts multiple facilities that cater to skiers of varied skill levels in Bottrop, Wittenburg, and Neuss. Not to be left out of the fun, the UK offers some amazing indoor ski hills and parks in Hempstead, Tamworth, and Milton Keynes.

No matter where you go, the European market and landscape is dotted with areas that make it possible to ski all year round in all sorts of conditions and terrains for riders of all levels.