These top events are coming up in the 2025/2026 ski season

At the start of the 2025/2026 ski season, numerous top skiing events will once again take place in the ski resorts in autumn and throughout the winter. From the multitude of glacier openings and concerts, competitions and exuberant après-ski parties, SnowTrex has now compiled a colourful selection of the biggest highlights for all snow enthusiasts. So you can already choose your personal top event for the coming ski season and start planning your next ski trip!

© lightsandsquares/shutterstock.de

The coming winter season will once again feature top events in the Alps, such as the Alpine Ski World Cup weekend with the Hahnenkamm Downhill in Kitzbühel.

An overview of the top events of the 2025/2026 ski season

25 and 26 October: World Cup kick-off in Sölden

On 25 and 26 October 2025, it will be that time again for ski pros from all over the world. That’s when the Alpine Ski World Cup, one of the best ski events of 2025, will kick off in Sölden on the Rettenbachferner glacier. Around 20,000 spectators are expected to watch the skiing aces hurtle down the ultra-steep World Cup slope. But the slopes in the ski resort will not only be open to the pros, but also to amateur skiers!

© Ötztal Tourismus/Johann Groder

On the Rettenbach Glacier in Sölden in the Ötztal Valley, the Alpine Ski World Cup traditionally kicks off at the end of October.

19 and 22 to 23 November: Ski opening and Alpine Ski World Cup in Gurgl

When the lifts start operating in the Obergurgl ski resort on 19 November 2025 and the perfectly groomed slopes open for the ski season, this will be celebrated in style before another highlight takes place a week later. On 22 and 23 November, the Slalom World Cup weekend will also take place here with winter sports stars, including some skiing legends! And, of course, there will be a fantastic supporting programme before and during the Gurgl Carat. On Friday, there will be a party with ‘Diamond Beats’ and the first official distribution of start numbers. On Saturday, the men’s race will take place on the Kirchenkar World Cup slope, while fans can celebrate a fan zone party at the Top Mountain Crosspoint in Hochgurgl. The Alpine Ski World Cup weekend will conclude on Sunday with the women’s slalom.

© Ötztal Tourismus/Johann Groder

The world’s best slalom skiers gather in Gurgl for the World Cup weekend.

29 November: Top of the Mountain Concert in Ischgl

Three times per season, Ischgl invites the world stars of the music scene to rock the stage in the village and then in spring on the Idalp against a breathtaking backdrop. Because at the ‘Top of the Mountain’ concerts, Tyrol’s après-ski stronghold regularly goes wild. It goes without saying that the programme for the coming winter season will once again be top-class. Which stars will be warming up winter sports enthusiasts at some of the best international ski events at Easter and at the end of the season is still to be confirmed. However, it is certain that Rita Ora will be performing at the Silvrettabahn valley station to kick off the season on 29 November 2025.

5–7 December: Stanton Ski Open in St. Anton

Many winter sports fans can hardly wait to get back on their skis in Vorarlberg as part of one of the most enjoyable skiing events in the Alps. They won’t have to wait much longer, as the St. Anton ski resort will reopen its doors from 5 to 7 December 2025. Throughout the opening weekend of the ‘Stanton Ski Open’, winter sports enthusiasts will have the opportunity to test the latest ski and snowboard models from renowned manufacturers, who are expected to be represented again with their stands at the Galzigbahn valley station.

© TVB St. Anton am Arlberg/Patrick Bätz

On 5 December, skiers in Vorarlberg have reason to celebrate as the ski season in St. Anton kicks off once again.

11–14 December: Rave on Snow in Saalbach-Hinterglemm

At this festival, (almost) no one sleeps for three days. The 30th ‘Rave on Snow’ in Saalbach-Hinterglemm is not only one of the biggest ski festivals in 2025, but also one of the biggest events of the entire winter, with parties on 12 floors and over 70 DJs and other live acts! In the Salzburg region, the club scene will be celebrating Christmas from 11 to 14 December 2025, i.e. during Advent, as it has done for three decades now:

13–20 December: PowderWeek in Les 2 Alpes

The season kicks off again in Les 2 Alpes with SnowTrex’s PowderWeek! From 13 to 20 December 2025, you can make your first turns on the still empty slopes. After eventful days of skiing at altitudes of up to 3,600 metres on the glacier, winter sports enthusiasts can look forward to an extensive programme of events including barbecues, fun competitions and parties with DJs who will get the party started with après-ski hits.

© TravelTrex

With PowderWeek comes the breathtaking mountain panorama of Les 2 Alpes.

28–29 December: Four Hills Tournament Kick-Off in Oberstdorf

In Oberstdorf, the old year is traditionally seen out with the opening competition of the legendary Four Hills Tournament. The same will be true in 2025, when on 28 and 29 December 2025 the crème de la crème of ski jumping meets on the Schattenberg Ski Jump, cheered on by around 30,000 spectators.

1 January: New Year’s Ski Jumping in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The second stop of the tournament is Garmisch-Partenkirchen. On the Große Olympiaschanze, the traditional New Year’s Ski Jumping takes place on 1 January 2026, when the world’s ski jumping elite once again compete for World Cup points. At one of the first major winter sports events of the new year, the professionals are cheered on each year not only by around 25,000 spectators in the stadium but also by millions of TV viewers watching from home.

© Milan1983/shutterstock.de

The new winter sports year kicks off with the New Year’s Ski Jumping on the Große Olympiaschanze in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

10 January: Swiss Snow Walk & Run in Arosa

For those who are not only skilled skiers but also avid runners or Nordic walkers, the “Swiss Snow Walk & Run” in Arosa on 10 January 2026 is not to be missed. Whether it’s the Short Distance (6 km), Long Distance (12 km), Weisshorn Snow Trail (16.8 km) or Half Marathon (21.1 km) – a race through the stunning Swiss winter landscape is guaranteed. But beware: the entire running course is covered in snow, making it highly challenging. This event is therefore best suited for well-trained runners.

10–17 January: Belalp Hexe in Blatten

From 10 January 2026, things turn a little magical – or rather, witchy – in the Swiss town of Blatten. That’s when the legendary “Hexenabfahrt” on the Belalp begins, sending countless skiers down the slopes in witch costumes. But it’s not just about the outfits – speed is what really counts in the Aletsch Arena. The fastest competitor wins, costume or not. The quickest “witches” complete the 12-kilometre course from Hohstock (3,118 m) to Blatten (1,322 m) in just under 10 minutes.

16–18 January: Lauberhorn Races in Wengen

At 2,472 m high, the Lauberhorn in the Bernese Alps became world-famous in the shadow of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau thanks to the legendary Lauberhorn Races in Wengen. Every year, the best athletes in the Alpine Ski World Cup compete here in downhill and slalom. The downhill course is a staggering 4.5 kilometres long, making it officially the longest in the world. From 16 to 18 January 2026, ski fans can once again cheer on the stars of the scene at one of the sport’s most iconic race events.

19–25 January: Hahnenkamm Races in Kitzbühel

When ski racers hurtle down the legendary Streif slope at the Hahnenkamm races in Kitzbühel, the tens of thousands of spectators lining the course can’t help but hold their breath. From 19 to 25 January 2026, it will be that time again – and that’s not all. For the most important World Cup weekend of the year, the organisers in the posh ski resort traditionally also put on numerous parties and other events.

21–26 January: International Inferno Race in Mürren

The Inferno Race in Mürren, Switzerland, will take place from 21 to 26 January 2026 for the 81st time and is considered the world’s largest amateur ski race. With only 1,850 participants allowed, the starting list is usually fully booked by September. The course is just under 14.9 km long, with previous record holders completing it in less than 15 minutes. Those who prefer to take their time will need around 45 minutes – and can enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery along the way.

24–25 January: Välley Rälley in the Zillertal

This spring, the Välley Rälley returns to the Zillertal. Snowboarders – whether kids, amateurs or professionals – can showcase their skills at four events, including on 24 and 25 January 2026 in the Zillertal Arena, home to some of the region’s best snow parks. At each stop of the tour, an open slopestyle, big air or rail competition is held. Riders collect points throughout the tour, and after the final stop, the overall winners are crowned Prince, Queen and King of Välley.

27–28 January: The Nightrace in Schladming

On 27 and 28 January 2026, the Alpine Ski World Cup returns to the Planai Stadium for the 29th edition of “The Nightrace.” Under the eyes of 45,000 spectators, the athletes race under floodlights in two runs down the steep, often icy slalom slope, plunging into Schladming’s famous “witches’ cauldron” before the event seamlessly transitions into one of the Alps’ biggest ski parties.

© nicepix4u/shutterstock.de

At the Nightrace on the Planai in Schladming, the world’s best slalom skiers traditionally compete each year.

15–21 March: Rock the Pistes in Portes du Soleil

From 15 to 21 March 2026, the cross-border ski area of Portes du Soleil will host the 15th edition of the “Rock the Pistes” festival. Top bands from the international pop and rock scene will perform in the open air against the stunning Alpine backdrop of Switzerland and France. Admission is included with the ski pass. This winter season, the organisers are once again expecting over 28,000 guests, who can look forward to dozens of concerts on the slopes and throughout the ski resort with après-ski hits:

26–29 March: Cover Festival in Davos

The 10th Cover Festival, taking place from 26 to 29 March 2026 in Davos, is a weekend full of stars and offers winter sports enthusiasts a perfect opportunity to round off the season with plenty of music, sunshine, and – hopefully – snow, all for free. As always, the festival’s “world stars” are portrayed by well-known tribute bands, with the resemblance to the originals in looks, expressions, and vocals often astonishing. Whether it’s the real or the “fake” Robbie Williams on stage, top-class entertainment is guaranteed either way.

7–11 April: Zermatt Unplugged in Zermatt

Amid the Swiss mountain scenery, music lovers among winter sports enthusiasts can once again enjoy pure, unfiltered sounds from 7 to 11 April 2026. At the Unplugged concerts in Zermatt, the ski resort atmosphere of the Matterhorn–Zermatt region meets the sounds of popular artists. Completely without sound mixing or other effects – purely acoustic – past performers have included stars such as James Blunt, Matt Simons, Alle Farben and James Morrison, playing in the large tent in the village centre. The line-up for 2026 will be announced in December 2025.

10–11 April: Allalin Races in Saas-Fee

On 10 and 11 April 2026, ski professionals in Saas-Fee once again race down the slopes at speeds of around 140 km/h. The race starts on the Allalin, at an altitude of around 4,000 metres. From there, competitors descend over the glacier of the same name for 9 km into the Swiss luxury ski resort, located 2,227 m lower. This makes the entire course one of the highest and longest downhill runs in the world.

10–12 April: Lederhosen Wedel Weekend in the Zillertal

The season finale in the Zillertal is both crazy and traditional. From 10 to 12 April, anyone who dares to take to the slopes in a dirndl or lederhosen to make their final turns of the season will receive a discounted ski pass. This traditional dress celebration is accompanied by live music and plenty of partying. The fun continues mainly at the aftershow party in the Krocha Alm, where, alongside alcoholic drinks, top live acts and an unbeatable après-ski atmosphere are on offer.

13–18 April: Electric Mountain Festival in Sölden

End-of-season party mode in the heart of the Ötztal Alps: From 13 to 18 April 2026, the “Electric Mountain Festival” in Sölden returns for its 12th edition, once again featuring a host of top DJs from the EDM scene. The first three days are packed with side events to get the crowd warmed up, before Friday and Saturday see over 18,000 partygoers transform the Giggijoch area in the glacier ski resort into a snow-covered dance floor. Best of all, entry to the concerts is included in the day ski pass.

© Ötztal Tourismus/Nicolai Semrau

The “Electric Mountain Festival” in Sölden has by now become a fixed highlight of the Alpine spring ski event calendar.

18 April: Weisser Rausch in St. Anton

On 18 April 2026, 555 participants – including skiers, snowboarders, and telemark skiers – set off in St. Anton. From an altitude of 2,650 m, the course stretches over 9 challenging kilometres down to the valley station. The “Weisser Rausch” is one of the disciplines in the Arlberg Adler Triathlon. Alongside professionals chasing the clock, colourfully dressed amateurs also take part, focusing on fun and the motto “taking part is everything” at one of the final events of the ski season calendar.

© TVB St. Anton am Arlberg/Patrick Säly

In the St. Anton ski area, 555 daring skiers set out each year to tackle the “Weisser Rausch,” one of the most challenging amateur ski races in the Alps.

FAQ on Ski Events

When and where does the 2025/2026 Alpine Ski World Cup begin?

The 2025/2026 Alpine Ski World Cup begins on 25 and 26 October in Sölden, Austria. The ski pros will compete in exciting races on the Rettenbachferner glacier, while spectators can ski themselves on the open slopes.

What is PowderWeek in Les 2 Alpes and when will it take place in 2025?

PowderWeek in Les 2 Alpes, organised by SnowTrex, will take place from 13 to 20 December 2025. In one of the largest ski resorts in the French Alps, winter sports enthusiasts can expect not only fantastic slopes, but also an extensive programme of events including barbecues, competitions and après-ski parties.

What major ski races will take place in January 2025?

Several top ski races will take place in January 2025, including the Lauberhorn Race in Wengen (16 to 18 January), the Hahnenkamm Races in Kitzbühel (21 to 25 January) and the Night Race in Schladming (27 and 28 January), one of the world’s most spectacular floodlit races.

When will the Top of the Mountain Opening Concert 2025 take place in Ischgl?

The Top of the Mountain Opening Concert in Ischgl is one of the most famous après-ski events in the Alps. The first concert of the season will take place on 29 November 2025 with a performance by Rita Ora at the Silvrettabahn valley station.

What skiing events will take place at the end of the season in April 2026?

Several major skiing events take place at the end of the season, including the Zermatt Unplugged Festival (7 to 11 April), the Lederhosen Wedel Weekend in the Zillertal (10 to 12 April) and the Electric Mountain Festival in Sölden (13 to 18 April).