Glacier opening events 2026: Highlights for the start of the ski season

September 19th: Schnalstal Glacier (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 42 km
• Altitude: 3,212 m
• Live: Weather report from Vernago

© TVB Tiroler Oberland

The ski season on the Kaunertal Glacier will begin on 26 September 2026.

On 26th September 2026, the ski season begins on the Kaunertal Glacier. For the third year running, the ski resort, which stretches up to an altitude of 3,113 m across 63 kilometres of slopes, is breaking new ground. After all, whilst the famous Kaunertal Opening (KTO) was the premier event on the Tyrolean glacier for 38 years, the autumn opening was moved to spring in 2024. This season, the “Spring Classics Kaunertal 2026” will therefore take place from 3rd April to 9th May.

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October 2nd: Sölden (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 144 km
• Altitude: 3,340 m
• Live: Weather report from Sölden

© Ötztal Tourismus/Mathäus Gartner

From the end of October, a total of 144 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 3,340 metres await on the glacier in the Sölden ski area.

The skiing world will be in a frenzy when the new ski season opens in the Sölden ski area on 2nd October 2026, before the Alpine Skiing World Cup gets underway again at the same venue later that month. As well as the spectacular races featuring the skiing elite on the Rettenbachferner Glacier, visitors can look forward to a packed programme of parties away from the 144 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 3,340 m. For almost three decades, DJs and live acts have made this Tyrolean ski resort the ultimate glacier opening hotspot during the opening weekend. And for winter sports enthusiasts who simply want to carve some turns in the snow.

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October 2nd: Hintertux Glacier (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 60 km
• Altitude: 3,250 m
• Live: Weather report from Hintertux

Hintertux Park Opening 2026

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Snowboarders and freestyle skiers have something to look forward to the Betterpark on the Hintertux Glacier (60 km of slopes), Austria’s only year-round glacier, opens as early as the beginning of October at an altitude of 3,250 m. This makes the park one of the highest-altitude fun parks in Austria. From 2nd October 2026, plenty of daredevils will be celebrating the 22nd Snowpark Opening and can compete against other freestylers at Werni’s Transfer Games or Rock A Rail at the valley station. And young winter sports enthusiasts can also show off their snow skills at the Kids Shred, whilst the Opening Party Nights at the Hohenhaus Tenne will be in full swing in the evenings.

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• Kilometres of slopes: 66 km
• Altitude: 3,212 m
• Live: Weather report from Neustift

This year, the ski season on the Stubai Glacier (66 kilometres of slopes) will once again not begin in September as usual, but just under a month later. On 9th October 2026, the mountain railways will take skiers and snowboarders from the Eisgrat valley station up to the 3,212 m high mountain for the first time this season, where the piste teams have groomed the first runs on the glacier.

October 10th: Kitzsteinhorn/Maiskogel – Kaprun (Austria)

Winter sports enthusiasts can also hit the slopes at the Kitzsteinhorn as early as November. And then one of the best glacier openings awaits. Because in the Zell am See-Kaprun ski region, the motto is: ‘Enjoy pure snow’! The cable cars will begin operating on 10th October 2026. Between 7th and 8th November, the “Kitzsteinhorn Ski & Board Test” will also offer the chance to try out the season’s brand-new skis and snowboards from various well-known manufacturers during free test runs. And, of course, maintaining tradition, there’ll be plenty of après-ski fun on the glacier alongside skiing on the 62 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 3,029 m.

On 25th October 2025, the glacier in the Engelberg-Titlis ski resort will once again be accessible via two lifts: the Glacier Lift and the Ice Flyer. This marks the start of the ski season high above the world-famous monastery village in Central Switzerland. Winter sports enthusiasts who want to hit the slopes at an altitude of up to 3,020 m as early as autumn can do so in Engelberg earlier than in almost any other Swiss ski resort.

From autumn to spring, the Sulden ski resort offers pure fun on the slopes. The season kicks off on 1st November 2026, when the lifts on the Ortler (3,905 m) begin operating. From that day onwards, the slopes on the South Tyrolean glacier are traditionally open until well into May. At altitudes of up to 3,250 m, winter sports enthusiasts will find consistently ideal snow conditions across 41 kilometres of slopes.

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Just like in the neighbouring Valais ski resort of Zermatt, the ski season in Saas-Fee also begins on 1st November 2026. This is mainly because many of the 100 kilometres of slopes, which are generally quite challenging, are situated on the Allalin Glacier, some of them at altitudes well over 3,000 m. Thanks to their glacial location and state-of-the-art snow-making facilities, the slopes in the Saas Valley can be skied from November until well after Easter. This is particularly appealing because, especially in late spring – from mid-March onwards – there are often heavy snowfalls here, whilst the sunshine is also particularly intense.

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November 7th: Glacier 3000 – Les Diablerets (Switzerland)

• Kilometres of slopes: 31 km
• Altitude: 3,016 m

Before his coronation, Gstaad’s local ski resort was known as the favourite ski destination of King Charles III of England. And even today, the royals are drawn from London to this luxurious ski region in the heart of the Swiss Alps during the winter. Just like the many thousands of other winter sports enthusiasts who visit every year to explore 31 kilometres of slopes in the Glacier 3000 – Les Diablerets ski resort, situated on a glacier at an altitude of up to 3,016 m. And this is possible from the start of November, when the ski season begins there on 7th November 2026.

In mid-November, on 14th November 2026, the ski season also begins in Switzerland’s largest ski resort. It is in the south of the Valais Alps, where a cable car takes visitors to the summit of the 3,300-metre-high Mont-Fort. From there, winter sports enthusiasts can not only enjoy a spectacular 360-degree panorama, but also experience the “Tyrolienne du Mont Fort”, one of the highest zip lines in the world. Not to mention the incredible 412 kilometres of slopes above the glamorous high-society ski resort of Verbier, with districts such as La Tzoumaz – Mayens de Riddes, some of which even run across a glacier.

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No other ski resort in the world offers skiers and snowboarders as many kilometres of slopes to explore as the Les 3 Vallées ski region. After all, it boasts an unrivalled total of 600 km of runs, all accessible on a single ski pass. No wonder, then, that skiers’ dreams come true here on the slopes of the three valleys. These slopes lead down from the glaciated Vanoise massif, with the Grande Casse (3,852 m) as its highest peak, all the way to Moûtiers. Val Thorens is also part of the world’s largest interconnected ski area. Incidentally, the ski season in Europe’s highest ski resort, at 2,300 metres, begins on 21st November 2026.

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Dolce Vita, or living the sweet life in the warm winter sun at an altitude of 3,000 m, that’s what you can experience in the Italian glacier ski resort of Pontedilegno – Tonale. It’s no coincidence that the 100 kilometres of slopes are located in Val di Sole, the ‘Valley of the Sun’, which boasts a record-breaking number of hours of sunshine and guaranteed snow right through to April. Consequently, the ski season here in Trentino, amidst the 3,000-metre peaks of the Brenta Dolomites, begins as early as late autumn, on 21st November 2026.

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November 28th: Tignes/Val d’Isère (France)

• Kilometres of slopes: 300 km
• Altitude: 3,456 m
• Live: Weather report from Tignes

© Sergey Naryshkin/shutterstock.de

Tignes is one of the best-known ski resorts in the French Alps, where the ski season on the glacier at an altitude of over 3,000 m begins earlier every winter than in other ski resorts.

The new winter at the Brévent – Flégère (Chamonix) ski resort officially begins on 28th November 2026. Winter sports enthusiasts can look forward to 56 kilometres of varied slopes, which extend up to an altitude of 3,275 m, where snow is guaranteed. In addition to the sporting opportunities on offer, the runs are particularly impressive thanks to their spectacular panoramic views of the majestic Mont Blanc massif, home to the highest peak in the Alps (4,806 m).

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The Swiss ski resort of Flims-Laax-Falera delights winter sports enthusiasts with 188 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 3,018 m. And thanks to first-class snow parks and the world’s largest halfpipe, which serves as the venue for the legendary “LAAX Open”, as well as several runs on a glacier, the region is also regarded as a renowned freestyle mecca. In addition, the three ski resorts in the valley also offer winter walking trails for outdoor enthusiasts and a diverse range of Swiss cuisine. The new ski season in this sustainable winter sports paradise will officially open on 28th November 2026.

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Crans-Montana is one of the ten highest ski resorts in Switzerland and delights winter sports enthusiasts with 140 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 2,927 m, as well as breathtaking views of the Matterhorn (4,478 m) and Mont Blanc (4,806 m). The new winter officially begins here on 28 November 2026 and attracts skiers and snowboarders alike with, among other things, the 12 km-long glacier run from Plaine Morte. The varied alpine experience is rounded off by numerous freeride opportunities and exclusive heliskiing.

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A total of 63 kilometres of slopes await right on the flanks of the striking mountain (3,343 m) that gives its name to the Arabba-Marmolada glacier ski area. But that’s by no means all. After all, winter sports enthusiasts can also join the world-famous “Sellaronda” ski circuit at many points here, which winds its way through the entire region. Skiers and snowboarders will be able to enjoy this from 28th November 2026, when the ski resort officially kicks off the new ski season. On that day, the modern cable cars will once again run up to the mountain station at Punta Rocca, at an altitude of 3,269 metres. There, alongside a stunning panoramic view of the Dolomites, visitors will find one of the country’s highest and most challenging glacier runs: the 12-kilometre-long “La Bellunese”.

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November 28th: Monterosa Ski – 3 Valli (Italy/Switzerland)

• Kilometres of slopes: 132 km
• Altitude: 3,275 m
• Live: Weather report from Champoluc

December 12th: La Plagne (Paradiski) (France)

• Kilometres of slopes: 225 km
• Altitude: 3,080 m
• Live: Weather report from La Plagne

The French ski region of Paradiski, which combines the areas of La Plagne, Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry to form a vast network of 425 kilometres of slopes, officially kicks off the new winter on 12th December 2026. From then on, the world’s third-largest ski resort will impress skiers and snowboarders not only with spectacular cable cars, such as the ‘Vanoise Express’ with its double-decker gondolas, but also with a varied range of runs to suit every riding style. And thanks to the Aiguille Rouge glacier, which rises to 3,250 metres, excellent snow conditions on wide slopes and challenging freeride routes are virtually guaranteed from autumn right through to spring.

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Please note that the opening dates listed here are subject to change and always depend on local snow conditions.

FAQ on glacier openings

Which glaciers in the Alps will be the first to open?

The Schnalstal Glacier is the first glacier ski resort in the Alps to open for the season on 19th September 2026. On 26 September 2026, the Pitztal Glacier and the Kaunertal Glacier will follow as the next destinations with skiable slopes. At altitudes of over 3,100 m, winter sports enthusiasts will find guaranteed snow conditions there as early as the start of autumn.

When will SnowTrex’s PowderWeek 2026 take place?

SnowTrex’s PowderWeek will take place during the 2026 season from 12th to 19th December in the Les 2 Alpes ski resort. As well as 200 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 3,523 m, ski enthusiasts and snowboarders can look forward to a programme of events featuring evening activities, snow sports tournaments and the first runs on freshly groomed slopes.

When will the glacier ski resorts in Italy open for the 2026 season?

In Italy, the Sulden am Ortler ski resort will be the first glacier ski resort to kick off winter on 1st November 2026. This will be followed on 21st November 2026 by the Pontedilegno-Tonale ski area, with 100 kilometres of slopes at an altitude of 3,000 m. Finally, on 28th November 2026, the slopes in Arabba-Marmolada and at Monterosa Ski will also open to winter sports enthusiasts.