It’s that time again: time to drop everything, grab your skis and head to a glacier in Italy. (We know: it comes earlier and earlier every year.) Herewith, three epic locales to get your glacial ski on. These things won’t be around forever.
At this mountain near the Austrian alps, your journey begins with a lift to two miles above sea level and
ends as you descend the expansive Glacier Grawand. Just watch out: the place is named after Ötzi, a
4,000-year-old mummy who was discovered in the glacier. We hear he lived for fresh powder.
Season: Through November 20
A good rule of the slopes: if it’s good enough for Olympians, it’s good enough for you. International
athletes come here to take on this glacier during the summer months, and with good reason: it’s got nearly
13 miles of runs. It’s also home to one of the highest paved roads in Europe, if you want to live
dangerously on four wheels rather than two skis.
Season: Through November
Technically, you might have to ascend this Alpine mountain on the Swiss side of the border. Your reward,
however, is the Plateau Rosa Glacier, two miles of ice and snow in the shadow of the Matterhorn. Also: a
sauna and Turkish bath at the bottom. It’s just like the ride at Disneyland, only you won’t have to wait
six hours. And by the end you’ll be nude.
Season: Through September 6
