Summer Turns...

So the winter season is well and truly finished here in the northern hemisphere.
Most of us have given our skis the ceremonial end of season service ready for a summer of damp and draughty garage skiing.
But what about those of us who still crave for more?
Well there a few options ranging from the more obvious through to the slightly bizarre;

1.  Southern Hemisphere skiing- Well first of all there's the obvious choice of getting down to the Southern hemisphere and skiing in New Zealand, Australia, or even South America. However, it's a long way to the other side of the world, and if the bank balance is still struggling after a winter full of excess then it's a definite no go. However if you have the means you are surely not to be disappointed with scenery like this (even if the skiing isn’t always amazing!)

View from Treble Cone ski area near Wanaka, New Zealand.

2. Glacier skiing in Europe- there’s always the many glaciers right on our doorstep here in Europe. Alright the skiing is drastically limited compared to the many kilometers available during winter. But on the other hand it’s a short flight away and not only can you enjoy turns on the glaciers but you can also enjoy some of the many activities on offer over the summer.

Paddle boarding on the lake in Tignes le Lac, France

    3. Water skiing- if you are by the ocean you could always switch snow for water. Similar to skiing you are standing on two skis but that’s pretty much where the similarities end.  On the plus side it’s just a short retreat back to the sun lounger and chilled drink if you’re that way inclined!

 

Water Skiing

4. Grass ski racing- you might think this is quite far out of the box and you would probably be right! But this is most commonly used as a form of training for alpine skiing (on snow). But as you can see this is also a sport in its own rights with competitions running during the summer. Instead of skis that slide on snow there’s a track or wheels which help you to move downhill plus gravity of course. But is this a feasible way of earning summer turns? If you can get hold a pair of these skis or even manufacture a pair of your own it could be the cheapest and most accessible way to earn your turns, but do expect a few funny looks from the local dog walkers!

Grass ski racing in Austria

5. Dune skiing- could this be the ultimate solution? A German Henrik May has pioneered this sport in Namibia and even offers guided tours through the ever-changing desert environment with his ski company Ski Namibia. Henrik reckons "It's similar to deep snow skiing but you don't sink as much".  This is an innovative way to get your summer turns and there could be no better setting than the cool dunes of Namibia with the Atlantic Ocean hovering in the background. Of course a trip to Southern Africa isn’t cheap but this could be the trip of a lifetime taking all things into consideration and is definitely a good trump card to hold over your ski pals.

German Henrik May skiing sand dunes in Nambia

So the only question is: where will you get you're summer turns?...