Bright sunshine illuminating immaculate ski slopes and cloudless skies welcomed the first skiers of the 2017 summer season to Passo Stelvio.
Right after hosting one of the most spectacular stages of the 100th Giro d’Italia at Passo Stelvio, another fantastic show has begun: summer skiing. Now the only Italian glacier where you can still ski in summer, the Stelvio opened its doors today to welcome the first skiers who had been chomping at the bit for days watching the pristine white glacier on weather webcams and TV broadcasts.
Snow conditions are fantastic from the summit all the way down to the pass, with perfectly snow-covered slopes despite a difficult winter season marked by scarce precipitation—a winter that usually leaves several meters of snow here did not deliver huge accumulations this year.
A slightly less white landscape than usual (off the glacier itself) will certainly not deter the many skiers eager to click back into their skis, nor the numerous athletes who choose the slopes of Passo Stelvio to stay in shape and train over the summer.
With the lifts now officially open, it will be over the June 2 holiday weekend that the summer ski resort welcomes its biggest crowd of enthusiasts; everything is ready for the opening celebration, and weather permitting, a great show is guaranteed!
Slopes open all summer long
As mentioned, Passo Stelvio is the last Italian ski resort still open throughout the summer. With the Presena Glacier closed during the mid-summer months for years now (open until June 4), Val Senales having ended summer skiing in favor of an early autumn opening in September, and Cervinia relying on the glacier across the border in Switzerland, Stelvio is the last stronghold of Italian summer skiing.
At Passo Stelvio, you can ski in June, July, August, September, and October. Peak snow conditions are undoubtedly found in June—and often during the first part of July if scorching heatwaves stay away—followed by great late-season skiing from mid-September through October as fresh snow returns.
Where to stay at Passo Stelvio
Unlike winter ski resorts, there is no town or village here at 2,700 meters; however, skiers heading up for summer skiing can count on several hotels—let’s take a closer look at them.
Climbing toward the 2,700-meter pass, just one hairpin turn before the top, sits Albergo Folgore; once at the top of the pass, you will find Albergo Ristorante Genziana, and right across the road stands the slightly larger Albergo Perego. Also located right on the pass is Albergo Pirovano, famous for the Pirovano Ski School that has been introducing skiers to summer skiing for decades. At the pass you will also find Albergo Thoni 3000, located just below the cable car base station and right next to the slopes descending to the pass.
For those who want to immerse themselves completely in the summer skiing experience and literally step out onto the snow, you can stay at Albergo Livrio. Its unique feature is that it sits directly on the glacier itself; the building was originally constructed by the Alpini mountain troops during World War I and later maintained as a mountain refuge for mountaineers venturing onto the glacier.
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