Glacier snowboarding? It sounds scary, we all know, however within the context of ski resorts, sliding down glaciers isn’t simply regular and secure; it’s quite a lot of enjoyable. Should you’ve ever wished to ski year-round with out leaving the northern hemisphere, these hulking, icy plenty is likely to be concerned.Listed here are the fundamentals.Need to sustain with the most effective tales and pictures in snowboarding? Subscribe to the brand new Powder To The Folks e-newsletter for weekly updates.
What Is Glacier Snowboarding?
Glaciers are massive, long-enduring blocks of snow, ice, water, and sediment that transfer underneath their very own weight, slowly flowing like a river. They’re able to withstanding the summer time warmth (though with much less frequency as a result of local weather change), making them good locations to ski throughout the hotter months. Whereas glaciers are common amongst freestyle and alpine racing athletes hoping to coach year-round, most of the people can get in on the enjoyable, too.Many skiers will encounter glaciers at ski resorts that supply summer time snowboarding with out realizing it. On this context, they’re groomed and sometimes slushy, making for an approachable ski floor. Hazards are marked, so ski resort guests don’t want to fret about donning a harness or counting on different backcountry journey strategies except in any other case specified.Within the backcountry, although, skiers must be extra conscious of the dangers related to glaciers, like crevasses. Unexpectedly plunging into considered one of these glacial cracks, which typically aren’t seen from above, can lead to severe damage or loss of life. So, except you’re skilled in glacier journey or with an authorized information, all the time obey related signage and stay inside the boundaries of the ski resort.
Picture: Joanne Wastchak/Getty Photos
The place Can You Glacier Ski?
Quite a few ski resorts world wide supply summer time glacier snowboarding. Whereas the majority of those locations are in Europe, one well-known Oregonian ski resort is a part of the glacial crowd, with a technical caveat. Listed here are a number of glacier ski resorts value trying out:
Zermatt, Switzerland: The Theodul Glacier is the centerpiece of Zermatt’s summer time snowboarding choices. Right here, excessive above the city on heat summer time days, skiers can make the most of quite a few ski runs and a terrain park that serves as a gathering level for prime freestylers.Les 2 Alpes, France: The glacier Les 2 Alpes makes use of for its summer time snowboarding piste spans practically 300 acres with a multi-lane terrain and different slopes cater to those that need to get their carve on.Hintertux Glacier, Austria: On the Hintertux Glacier, skiers can hit the slopes year-round, making this spot a sure-bet. Simply do not go to anticipating powder turns in August, you may want to go to the southern hemisphere for that. Tignes, France: At Tignes in the summertime, skiers can experience the Grand Motte glacier, which reaches simply above 11,000 toes and facilitates snowsports nearly each month. The glacier is accessed with the Perce Neige, a funicular that begins in Val Claret.Timberline Lodge, Oregon: Timberline Lodge is a ski resort based mostly on the flanks of Mt. Hood, Oregon, that continues to be open into the summer time, because of a build-up of snow and ice first recognized because the Palmer Glacier in 1924. Now referred to as the Palmer Snowfield, this formation has since stopped flowing and misplaced its glacier classification. Nonetheless, the snowfield stays skiable even when seasonal temperatures improve, permitting Timberline Lodge to constantly supply North America’s longest lift-accessed ski season.
Associated: The 7 Greatest Ski Resorts for Glacier Snowboarding
Picture: Zhanna Danilova/Getty Photos
Glacier Snowboarding Ideas
Most skiers know learn how to put together for winter situations, however within the postseason, a special algorithm apply. Down, Gore-Tex, and different cold-weather items of substances are often pointless. Bear in mind, you’re making ready for heat temperatures and mushy snow—that may contain rocking a t-shirt.
Begin early (or late): At summer time ski resorts, most days start with agency snow. Should you’re an aspiring World Cup racer, that is nice—you need the bulletproof stuff. Followers of laying down a imply carve is likely to be enthused, too. However extra informal skiers, or these occupied with venturing in the direction of the terrain park, might want much less icy snow. Should you’re eager on slush, don’t rush to the mountain. As an alternative, wait till mid-morning to reach. Simply know that by the point the afternoon comes round, the snow will start to change into very gradual and moist. Put on thinner layers: Skinny, shell-style ski pants are all the time a secure wager in the summertime. They supply safety from the snow within the case of fall and forestall your legs from getting moist. However you doubtless received’t want a jacket on prime. Contemplate reaching for a sunproof long-sleeve shirt. A vest or sweatshirt can present extra insulation, relying on the air temperature. Deliver sunscreen and water: There’s all the time the chance of sunburns within the mountains, however the solar may be downright brutal throughout the summer time months on excessive alpine glaciers. So, carry loads of sunscreen and apply it liberally. Nothing sours a summer time ski trip like burnt, peeling pores and skin. Add a large jug of water to the packing listing, too. The altitude and the warmth can quickly dehydrate you.
Associated: Important Gear for Glacier Journey Snowboarding
