Summer Ski Alternatives: Creative Ways to Get Your ‘Snow’ Fix
Let’s be honest – summer is great and all. Sunshine, BBQs, long evenings… fine. But if you’re a die-hard snow junkie, that first warm breeze in May doesn’t exactly bring joy. It brings confusion. A kind of mild existential dread. Because when the temperature starts creeping towards 30°C and your skis are gathering dust in the garage, you’re left wondering: now what?
Sure, the Alps aren’t closed for business – far from it. With Alps2Alps running transfers year-round, there’s always a scenic alpine adventure holiday to be had, even in July. But if it’s the feeling of gliding, sliding, and sending yourself downhill at unreasonable speeds that you’re craving, summer can feel like the off-season in spirit, if not in practice. So what’s a powder-hungry soul to do when there’s no powder to be found?
The good news? There are ways to scratch that itch. You might need to get a little creative, possibly a bit reckless, and almost certainly ready to bruise your ego (and elbows). But summer ski alternatives do exist – and some of them are way more fun than they have any right to be.
1. Roller Skiing: Classic Cross-Country Vibes, Minus the Snow
This one’s probably the most sensible of the bunch – roller skiing is a legit sport, not just a cry for help. Popular with cross-country skiers looking to train during the warmer months, it’s basically skiing… but on wheels. You’ll glide along tarmac or smooth trails using poles, balance, and sheer willpower.
It doesn’t exactly recreate the whoosh of carving down a mountainside, but it’s a fantastic full-body workout and an excellent excuse to don lycra and look important in public parks. Just beware of potholes, dogs on extendable leads, and the fact that roller skis don’t come with brakes. Stopping is less of a strategy and more of an experiment.
2. Stair Skiing: For Those Who Miss the Thrill (and Risk)
Disclaimer: this is absolutely not a recommendation. But if you type “stair skiing” into YouTube, you’ll quickly discover that thousands of people have looked at a long staircase and thought, “That’ll do.”
All you need is a pair of old skis you don’t mind destroying, a helmet you probably should wear, and a total disregard for common sense. The idea is simple: find a staircase, point yourself downhill, and go for it. Is it dangerous? Very. Is it stupid? Undoubtedly. But for those who miss the sheer chaos of launching down a black run without knowing if your knees will survive, it might just hit the spot.
Tip: choose grass or sand at the bottom, not concrete. Trust us.
3. DIY Ski Jumps: Backyard Engineering Meets Olympic Dreams
Building a makeshift ski jump in your back garden might sound excessive, but once the summer boredom really kicks in, it starts to make a worrying amount of sense.
You’ll need a sloped roof, a bit of courage, and probably some very understanding neighbours. Add in some plywood, a ramp, and a ‘landing zone’ (read: paddling pool, crash mat, or oversized inflatable unicorn), and you’re halfway to your very own freestyle training centre.
You won’t be getting any FIS points, but if you’re looking to practice your aerials – or just want an excuse to launch yourself into the air with style – this one’s for you. Just maybe don’t tell your insurance provider.
4. Sand Dune Skiing: Swap Powder for the Sahara
If you’re lucky enough to live near the coast (or you fancy a road trip), dune skiing is a brilliant way to rebel against nature’s anti-snow agenda.
Head to the nearest stretch of dunes, strap on your skis or snowboard, and throw yourself downhill. The technique’s a little different – there’s no ice to edge into and sand isn’t quite as cooperative as snow – but as a summer ski alternative, it’s surprisingly exhilarating. Plus, falling over is way less painful. No frozen coccyx here.
Pro tip: wax those skis first. Sand isn’t exactly glide-friendly.
5. Ski Fitness Training: Less Glamorous, Still Satisfying
If none of the above appeals (understandable), you can always take the high road and use summer to get seriously ski-fit and improve your skills. It might not be as thrilling as jumping off your shed into a ball pit, but come winter, your legs and lungs will thank you.
Think plyometrics, squats, balance training, core work – anything that mimics the movement patterns of skiing. Mountain biking and trail running are also fantastic ways to build endurance and leg strength to keep fit over the summer months. And hey, if you can’t actually ski, you might as well train like you can.
Keep the Spirit Alive
Just because the snow’s melted doesn’t mean the season’s spirit has to vanish with it. The Alps are still buzzing with energy all summer long – hiking, biking, paragliding, climbing, and more – and our summer transfer service can get you there whenever you feel the need to escape the city and chase some altitude.
But for those moments when you just need to ski – really ski – don’t be afraid to think outside the snow globe. Whether it’s wheels, wood, sand, or stairs, there’s always a way to channel your inner ski demon.
Just maybe keep the first aid kit handy.
