July 1st, 2009 - Posted by: Powder Monkey

Summer Skiers Favour the Two-Piece Suit

Even while the UK is sweltering in a heat wave there’s still snow in Europe. In fact, the summer ski season is just kicking off. So if you are already suffering snow withdrawal, you might want to check out one of these resorts.

Tignes made some noise when the lifts opened on 20th June with its annual bikini slalom. Participants, apparently undeterred by fresh temperatures of 9°C, happily stripped off for the race held on the Grande Motte glacier at 3000m of altitude. While there’s generally still some debate about whether it’s cooler to be seen on the slopes in a one piece suit or two, summer skiers appear to favour the two piece.

All good fun, but a fall wearing nothing but a bikini could result in a nasty friction burn, so you’ll be relieved to hear that swimwear is not compulsory attire for summer skiing. Elsewhere in Europe summer skiers are enjoying the snow in more traditional ski attire.

In France Val d’Isere, Tignes’ neighbour, and Deux Alpes, in the the Southern Alps, are also open for business. Conditions are reportedly excellent for the time of year with snow depths of approximately 180cm on the glaciers in each of the three French resorts.

Summer skiing is also possible in Austria, at Hintertux and Kaprun, in Switzerland, at Zermatt and Saas Fee and in Italy, at Cervinia.

Like last year, I’ll be getting my summer snow fix in Tignes in a couple of weeks during the Natives Summer Weekender.

Tags: Deux Alpes, Heat Wave, Summer Skiing, Tignes, Val d'Isere
Posted in News from the Alps, Skiing in France | No Comments »