Hello, outdoor enthusiasts! For those of you who have tried summer skiing, could you please tell me which European resorts are open in July and August? I’ve heard of Zermatt in Switzerland, but are there any other reliable options, perhaps in Kaprun, Austria, or France, where some glaciers still have snow in the summer? I’d love to change up my summer routine completely and head to the cool mountains instead of a hot beach.

I don't want to show up and find ice or slush instead of trails. Also, the issue with rentals is a concern. Is it possible to find open shops with decent winter gear in the summer, or do they all switch to summer gear? How did you handle this when you were there?

Last summer, I discovered Kaprun, Austria. The temperature contrast was extreme - freezing temperatures and snow in the morning, but by the afternoon, it was already 77°F down by the lake. On my first day, I forgot to put on sunscreen, so my face was red for three more days. As for gear, a lot of people go there, so you often have to wait in line. Not every store offers skis or snowboards. So I highly recommend https://getski.com/ . A friend who recommended this resort told me that he once waited 45 minutes in a store only to be told that they didn’t have any skis available at that time. It’s like a marketplace for renting ski gear- much more convenient than going from store to store in person. I ordered both skis and a jacket there while I was still at home, and everything fit my measurements perfectly. Do you already have experience with skiing?