10 Summer skiing spots

The European ski season may be over, but there's still stacks of skiing to be had over summer and, in the southern hemisphere, the season's just getting started. Here's ten of the best, across the globe:

Europe

Les Deux Alpes, France: Mid-June till late-August
The resort's 400 acres of skiable terrain and efficient lift system make Les Deux Alpes one of Europe's best summer skiing spots. Get first-lifts up at 7am for the best snow conditions and enjoy the varied terrain, which is suitable for all levels of skier. Freestylers flock here for the superb snow-park and there's plenty going on at resort level too.

Zermatt, Switzerland: Year round
Beneath the mighty Matterhorn, Zermatt's Theodul glacier welcomes snow addicts and national ski teams each summer, with eight lifts and 25km of cruisy pistes. Lifts close at 2pm, so getting out at 7am for first lifts is a good idea - expect icy slopes first thing but spring snow by mid-morning.

Tignes, France: Mid-June till early-September
Easily accessible via the Perce-Neige funicular and, with a choice of 16 lifts, the Grande Mott Glacier offers 20km of runs, a vertical drop of over 750 m and an all-action snow park where music and BBQs are the order of most days. The ski area is open between 7.15am-1pm.

South America

Las Leñas, Argentina: June to mid-October
A 90-minute flight from Buenos Aires or three hour drive from Santiago, Chile, Las Lenas offers spectacular summer skiing. Fifty-degree chutes, open bowls, outstanding off-piste and champagne powder are on offer, served by one of the best lift-systems in South America. Upmarket hotels and the highest-elevation casino in the world complete the experience.

Valle Nevado, Chile: July till October
Less than 40 miles from Santiago, Valle Nevado boasts 7,000 acres of skiable terrain, making it the largest ski area in South America. Sunny weather, superb snow retention and a terrific terrain park add to the excitement of this adventure sport.

USA

Ski Portillo, Chile: Mid-June till early October
A favourite with the US Ski Team, Ski Portillio is just two hours' drive from Santiago and is easily accessible by coach. With maximum capacity set at just 450 people, expect empty pistes and non-existent lift-queues. Spectacular steeps, open alpine terrain and legendary powder await, alongside stunning views of Aconcagua Mountain and the glacial lake, Laguna del Inca.

Timberline Lodge & Ski Area, Mt. Hood, Oregon: Year round
At an elevation of 4,268 feet, Timberline is the only US resort where you can ski all year round. An hours' drive from Portland, it's the summer training ground for national ski teams but its varied terrain is accessible to all levels. Expect the longest runs in the South and unique, lodge-style accommodation.

Canada

Whistler Blackcomb, British Colombia: June and July 
The Horstman Glacier opens till 3.30 each day and, despite the 45 minute journey to reach the slopes, the Olympic-sized half-pipes, superb down-hills and lunchtime bear-watching opportunities make it more than worthwhile. Summer training camps are the way to go - with everything on offer, from terrain park training to mogul master-classes, sneak in a week this summer to get your technique up to scratch, ready for winter back in the Alps.

Australasia

Mt Ruapehu. New Zealand: June till early-November
New Zealand's North Island is home to the country's biggest and busiest ski area. Made up of the dual ski zones of Whakapapa and Turoa, Whakapapa is the best place for beginners, whereas Turoa boasts the country's longest vertical descent and highest lift.

Thredbo, Australia: June till October
Set on the slopes of Mt. Kosciuszko - Australia's tallest peak - Thredbo benefits from the biggest snowmaking operation in the southern hemisphere and offers Australia's best skiing. A six hour drive from Sydney, or 2.5 from Canberra, expect superb intermediate terrain and long runs, served by a network of 14 lifts.