Ski openings worldwide in 2025: When do the ski resorts open?

Winter 2025/26 is just around the corner, and with it the global season openings of ski resorts. This makes passionate skiers and snowboarders all the more excited that they won’t have to wait too much longer for the long-awaited first slopes of the new winter sports year. While many glacier ski resorts often open their doors to winter sports enthusiasts long before Advent, SnowTrex is now taking a look at numerous other popular ski resorts around the world and showing when the ski season starts there.

© SkiWelt WilderKaiser - Brixental / Mathäus Gartner.

In the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser, one of Austria’s most popular ski resorts, the 2025 winter season will begin on 6 December.

An overview of ski openings around the world

26 September: Sölden (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 144 km
• Altitude: 3,340 m

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Sölden has something for all winter sports enthusiasts from mid-November onwards. In the heart of the Ötztal Alps, surrounded by around 250 three-thousand-metre peaks, you can get the new skiing season off to a perfect start on 144 kilometres of slopes and watch the world’s best skiers compete in the opening event of the Alpine Ski World Cup at the end of October. Just under a month earlier, on 26 September, the glacier ski area will open for the season.

© Ötztal Tourismus/Mathäus Gartner

Pure skiing fun – that’s what it’s all about at the start of the season in the Sölden ski resort.

27 September: Pitztal Glacier (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 66 km
• Altitude: 3,440 m

Winter sports enthusiasts who want to enjoy the mountain panorama from one of the highest vantage points in Europe – Café 3,440 at an altitude of 3,440 m – and experience one of the first ski openings in 2025 can also do so from the end of September. That’s when the new ski season begins on the Pitztal Glacier.

© Pawel Kazmierczak/shutterstock.de

Café 3.440 is also part of the Pitztaler Glacier ski area and, at an altitude of 3,440 metres, is one of the highest vantage points in Europe.

3 October: Kaunertal Glacier (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 63 km
• Altitude: 3,113 m

From the beginning of October, you can once again enjoy skiing at altitudes of up to 3,100 metres on the Kaunertal Glacier. Tyrol’s youngest glacier offers around 32 kilometres of slopes and, of course, views of several three-thousand-metre peaks.

© Michal Czech/Shutterstock

The Kaunertal Glacier is Tyrol’s youngest glacier.

10 October: Stubai Glacier (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 66 km
• Altitude: 3,212 m

Austria’s largest glacier ski area is traditionally known for its guaranteed snow and therefore opens for winter skiing as early as mid-October. It is also one of the most child-friendly ski areas in the country. A real highlight in the Stubai Valley is the 10 km long ‘Wilde Grub’n’ downhill run, which leads through an untouched side valley back to the Gamsgarten valley station.

10 October: Mölltal Glacier (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 36 km
• Altitude: 3,112 m

The Mölltal Glacier is also open throughout the summer for hikers and other active holidaymakers, before the new winter season kicks off in October. Snow, sun and a fantastic panorama at an altitude of up to 3,122 m make for a wonderful skiing experience in Carinthia.

11 October: Kitzsteinhorn (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 62 km
• Altitude: 3,029 m

The ski resort on the Kitzsteinhorn, at 3,029 m the highest mountain in the Salzburg region, opens in mid-October. From the mountain station, on a clear day you can see the glacier and the surrounding mountains, such as the Großglockner and the Großvenediger.

© nikolpetr/shutterstock.de

At the Kitzsteinhorn, you can already reach heights of up to 3,029 metres at the beginning of November.

18 October: Kåbdalis (Sweden)

• Kilometres of slopes: 9 km
• Altitude: 570 m

Skiing in Sweden – From the end of October, this is possible in Kåbdalis, for example. Located in Swedish Lapland, this compact ski resort offers winter sports enthusiasts around 9 km of ski slopes.

25 October: Engelberg-Titlis (Switzerland)

• Kilometres of slopes: 82 km
• Altitude: 3,020 m

In Switzerland, it’s already time to hit the slopes at the end of October. The Engelberg-Titlis ski resort offers 82 km of slopes on the glacier and at altitudes of up to 3,020 m for snow lovers.

© Engelberg-Titlis Tourismus AG

The mostly steep and difficult slopes in the Engelberg-Titlis ski area are particularly suitable for advanced winter sports enthusiasts.

25 October: Arosa-Lenzerheide (Switzerland)

• Kilometres of slopes: 225 km
• Altitude: 2,865 m

Winter sports enthusiasts will also find the best slope conditions in the Arosa-Lenzerheide ski area. The start of the skiing season on the magnificent slopes in the canton of Graubünden is also planned for the last weekend in October 2025. Then skiing fun at an altitude of up to 2,865 m is guaranteed once again.

© Arosa Bergbahnen AG

With fantastic snow conditions, skiers will once again be able to enjoy magical turns on the slopes of the Arosa-Lenzerheide ski resort in 2024.

1 November: Arapahoe Basin (USA)

• Kilometres of slopes: 52 km
• Altitude: 3,790 m

There are always a few ski openings outside Europe too. However, skiers and snowboarders should only start the ski season in November at Arapahoe Basin in Colorado if they are experienced. The area covers 52 kilometres of slopes and is very steep and rough in many places.

7 November: Kitzbühel (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 188 km
• Altitude: 2,000 m

One of the best ski openings takes place every year around the legendary Streif, because with the Kitzbühel mountain railways, the KitzSki ski area offers direct access from the Hollersbach valley station to the Resterkogel mountain station, among other things, from the beginning of November. The ski safaris from Hollersbach to the World Cup run and the ride on the three-cable gondola lift, which hovers at an altitude of 400 m, are particularly popular.

© gevision/shutterstock.de

On the slopes in Kitzbühel, fun is already guaranteed in autumn when the weather is good.

7 November: Lake Louise (Canada)

• Kilometres of slopes: 139 km
• Altitude: 2,637 m

Why not start the ski season in Canada? The ski season opens in the first week of November in the World Cup resort of Lake Louise. The famous champagne powder of the Canadian Rockies is perfect for enjoying wonderful turns in deep snow.

8 November: Keystone (USA)

• Kilometres of slopes: 135 km
• Altitude: 3,652 m

From 8 November, it will be ‘addicted to snow’ again at the Keystone ski resort in the US state of Colorado. A whopping 135 kilometres of slopes will then be available to winter sports enthusiasts – at an impressive altitude of up to 3,652 m!

14 November: Sulden am Ortler (Italy)

• Kilometres of slopes: 44 km
• Altitude: 3,250 m

‘Benvenuti!’ in Sulden am Ortler – the fun on the slopes starts again in mid-November. The breathtaking mountain landscape at Ortler attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world every year. No wonder: at an altitude of up to 3,250 m, the ski area is absolutely snow-sure.

© GoShiva/shutterstock.de

The Sulden ski resort in Ortler offers plenty of sunshine and breathtaking views of the mountain peaks.

19 November: Obergurgl-Hochgurgl (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 144 km
• Altitude: 3,340 m

In mid-November, the Ötztal valley kicks off the season with a popular ski opening event in Austria. The Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski resort is often referred to as the ‘Diamond of the Alps’, and rightly so. The view from the Panorama Bar at 3,080 m above sea level is a dream, especially in glorious weather, and therefore almost ‘priceless’.

© Ötztal Tourismus/Roman Huber

The Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski resort in the Ötztal valley is a true snow paradise for winter sports enthusiasts throughout the entire winter season.

22 November: Val Thorens (France)

• Kilometres of slopes: 150 km
• Altitude: 3,230 m

At the end of November, Europe’s highest ski resort says: Hit the slopes! In Val Thorens (2,300 m), the fun on the slopes begins almost at the foot of your bed, as the resort is located in the middle of the ski area. The associated ski area association ‘Les 3 Vallées’, the largest contiguous ski area in the world (600 kilometres of slopes), also opens at this time.

© Delpixel/shutterstock.de

From bed to slopes and back again – no problem in the Val Thorens ski resort.

22 November: Orelle (France)

• Kilometres of slopes: 150 km
• Altitude: 3,230 m

On the weekend of 22 and 23 November, one ski opening after another will take place in the Alps. In Orelle, too, the fun on the slopes will really get going just under a month before Christmas Eve!

22 November: Laax (Switzerland)

• Kilometres of slopes: 188 km
• Altitude: 3,018 m

At the end of November, the Laax ski resort reopens its doors to snow enthusiasts. Winter sports enthusiasts should definitely pack their sunscreen, as the slopes here enjoy around 1,800 hours of sunshine per year. This is one of the reasons why freeriders in particular love this Swiss snow paradise.

© LAAX

Laax is one of the largest ski resorts in Switzerland and is very popular with carving enthusiasts and freestylers alike.

22 November: Aspen (USA)

• Kilometres of slopes: 103 km
• Altitude: 3,418 m

In the Aspen ski region in the USA, the Aspen Mountain and Snowmass ski areas open in the penultimate week of November. The other two ski areas (Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands) in this snow-sure location in Colorado also open around this time.

28 November: Obertauern (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 100 km
• Altitude: 2,313 m

It never gets boring in Obertauern! That’s why, from 28 November, it’s time once again for the ski season opening, après-ski, night skiing and lots of fresh snow. Because that’s what this family ski resort is known for. As well as snow, there are also lots of sunny days. There are an average of 86 sunny days here during the season.

© Tourismusverband Obertauern

Skiers can look forward to over 80 days of sunshine per season in the Obertauern ski area!

28 November: Tignes – Val d’Isère (France)

• Kilometres of slopes: 300 km
• Altitude: 3,456 m

In Tignes – Val d’Isère, skiers’ dreams will come true again from the end of November. That’s when the ‘La Grande Motte’ glacier will open for the 2025/26 ski season. The five-star ski resort, which connects the towns of Tignes and Val d’Isère, will then offer an incredible 300 kilometres of slopes. Variety for skiers and snowboarders is therefore guaranteed!

© Sergey Naryshkin/shutterstock.de

The centre of the Tignes ski resort is located at 2,100 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest winter sports resorts in Europe.

28 November: Adelboden/Lenk (Switzerland)

• Kilometres of slopes: 216 km
• Altitude: 2,362 m

When it comes to ski openings, one of Switzerland’s best-known and most popular ski resorts cannot be left out. At the end of November, Adelboden-Lenk will also kick off the new winter season. With around 195 kilometres of ski slopes, this World Cup resort is one of the largest winter sports areas in the Bernese Oberland.

29 November: Les 2 Alpes (France)

• Kilometres of slopes: 200 km
• Altitude: 3,523 m

The opening of the ski season in the Les 2 Alpes ski resort is scheduled for 29 November. This is an absolute highlight in the French Alps, which SnowTrex has also been celebrating for years with its popular PowderWeek, the highlight of the start of the ski season. This year, from 13 December, visitors can enjoy a week of pure skiing fun at an altitude of up to 3,560 m and on up to 200 km of perfectly groomed slopes. But that’s not all, because the supporting programme is also packed with an opening & Bad Taste party, snow volleyball & Ultimate Frisbee tournaments, après-ski parties and a closing evening with traditional raclette.

© TravelTrex

In addition to sunshine and pure skiing fun, SnowTrex’s PowderWeek at the start of the season in Les 2 Alpes also offers a great supporting programme.

29 November: Ischgl (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 239 km
• Altitude: 2,872 m

On the day of the legendary ‘Top of the Mountain Opening Concert’, the Ischgl ski resort opens its doors with one of the loudest ski opening events. The world-famous ski resort promises pure fun on the slopes right from the start of winter. And endurance is also required off the slopes: because a day of skiing in Ischgl is nothing without a good dose of après-ski in the evening.

© TVB Paznaun-Ischgl

It’s time to hit the slopes in Ischgl as early as November.

30 November: Zugspitze (Germany)

• Kilometres of slopes: 60 km
• Altitude: 2,720 m

On the last day of November 2025, it will be that time of year again in Germany: the slopes will open in the country’s most famous ski resort on the Zugspitze (2,962 m). And whether you are a beginner or an advanced skier, everyone will find something to suit them on Germany’s highest mountain.

© Andrew Buckin/shutterstock.de

The Zugspitze is not only Germany’s highest mountain, it is also home to the highest ski resort in the country.

5 December: Schladming-Dachstein (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 123 km
• Altitude: 2,015 m

Every year, the stars of the music scene flock to the Planai Stadium in Schladming for the biggest ski opening parties. This will be no different in 2025, when real world stars will be on stage on the evenings of 6 and 7 December! Before the two already completely sold-out performances by the Backstreet Boys, winter sports enthusiasts can of course explore many of the 123 kilometres of slopes in the Schladming-Dachstein ski area (4-mountain ski area) during the day.

6 December: Wilder Kaiser-Brixental (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 275 km
• Altitude: 1,869 m

Over 270 kilometres of perfectly groomed slopes, three fun parks, floodlit toboggan runs and Austria’s largest night skiing area. All this and much more awaits winter sports enthusiasts in the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental when the 2025/26 ski season begins on St. Nicholas Day, 6 December, with one of the top ski openings in the Alps! The ski area not only shines with its slopes, but also with its location. After all, it can be reached from Munich in just one hour.

6 December: Chamonix (France)

• Kilometres of slopes: 172 km
• Altitude: 3,275 m

Shortly before the second Sunday in Advent, it’s time to get your skis on and hit the slopes in the Chamonix ski resort! Winter sports enthusiasts love the region not only because of its 172 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 3,275 metres, but also because they can enjoy a unique panorama of Mont Blanc on the slopes in perfect weather conditions.

It is important to note that the information regarding individual opening dates is subject to change. This is due to local snow conditions, which ski resorts must adapt to and, if necessary, postpone the respective season opening!

FAQ about ski openings

When does the 2025/26 ski season start in the first ski resorts?

The 2025/26 ski season starts at the end of September in Austria on the glacier in Sölden and the Pitztal Glacier. From 26 and 28 September, winter sports enthusiasts will be able to ski the first kilometres of slopes there. Further ski openings will follow at the beginning of October, including on the Kaunertal Glacier.

Which ski openings are particularly suitable for families with children?

The Stubai Glacier ski resort, which opens its season on 10 October 2025, is considered particularly child-friendly. In addition to guaranteed snow, it offers a 10-kilometre-long run that is ideal for families. The SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, which opens on 6 December 2025, is also a real mega ski resort with over 270 kilometres of slopes, but it also has many beginner slopes, ski schools and children’s areas.

When does PowderWeek take place?

SnowTrex’s PowderWeek has been taking place around the start of the season in Les 2 Alpes, France, for years. This year, the ski resort there will open on 29 November at an altitude of up to 3,560 metres and with 200 kilometres of slopes. Two weeks later, on 13 December 2025, PowderWeek will kick off here, offering pure fun on the slopes until 20 December, as well as a great supporting programme with a bad taste party, snow volleyball tournament and a closing evening with traditional raclette.

Where can advanced skiers start the ski season early?

Advanced skiers should consider the Arapahoe Basin Engelberg-Titlis ski resort in Switzerland. This ski resort opens on 25 October 2025 and offers 82 kilometres of slopes, which are particularly challenging due to their steep descents around the Titlis glacier.

Which ski openings are ideal for freeriders?

Freeriders will love the Laax ski resort in Switzerland, which opens on 22 November 2025. With around 1,800 hours of sunshine a year, Laax is a paradise for freeriders who want to enjoy the best snow conditions and plenty of sunshine.