Ski openings worldwide in 2026: When do the ski resorts open?

Winter 2026/27 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 has had a look at numerous other popular ski resorts around the world and lists below when the ski season starts in the respective places.

© SkiWelt WilderKaiser - Brixental / Mathäus Gartner.

In the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser, one of Austria’s most popular ski resorts, the 2026 winter will begin on December 5th.

An overview of ski openings around the world

September 27th: Pitztal Glacier (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 66 km
• Altitude: 3,440 m
• Live: Weather report from St. Leonhard

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 2026 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 Pitztal Glacier ski area and, at an altitude of 3,440 metres, is one of the highest vantage points in Europe.

October 2nd: Sölden (Austria)

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

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 October 2nd, 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.

→ Book unforgettable skiing experiences in Austria with SnowTrex now

October 3rd: Kitzsteinhorn (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 62 km
• Altitude: 3,029 m
• Live: Weather report from Kaprun

The ski resort on the Kitzsteinhorn, at 3,029 m the highest mountain in the Salzburg region, opens at the beginning of 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 October.

October 3rd: Kaunertal Glacier (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 63 km
• Altitude: 3,113 m
• Live: Weather report from Fendels

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.

October 3rd: Mölltal Glacier (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 36 km
• Altitude: 3,112 m
• Live: Weather report from Flattach

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.

October 9th: Stubai Glacier (Austria)

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

Austria’s largest glacier ski area is traditionally known for its guaranteed snow and therefore opens for winter skiing as early in the beginning of 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.

October 10th: Engelberg-Titlis (Switzerland)

• Kilometres of slopes: 82 km
• Altitude: 3,020 m
• Live: Weather report from Engelberg

In Switzerland, it’s already time to hit the slopes in the middle 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.

→ Book unforgettable skiing experiences in Switzerland with SnowTrex now

October 17th: Kåbdalis (Sweden)

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

Skiing in Sweden: From the middle 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.

October 24th: 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 October 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.

October 30th: Keystone (USA)

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

From October 30th, 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!

November 1st: Solda (Italy)

• Kilometres of slopes: 44 km
• Altitude: 3,250 m
• Live: Weather report from Solda

‘Benvenuti!’ in Solda: the fun on the slopes starts again at the beginning of 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 Solda ski resort in Ortler offers plenty of sunshine and breathtaking views of the mountain peaks.

→ Book unforgettable skiing experiences in Italy with SnowTrex now

November 6th: Kitzbühel (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 188 km
• Altitude: 2,000 m
• Live: Weather report from Kitzbühel

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.

→ Book unforgettable skiing experiences in Austria with SnowTrex now

November 7th: Arosa-Lenzerheide (Switzerland)

• Kilometres of slopes: 225 km
• Altitude: 2,865 m
• Live: Weather report from Arosa

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 first week in November 2026. 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 2026.

November 7th: 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.

November 18th: Obergurgl-Hochgurgl (Austria)

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

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, especially with ideal weather conditions, is an absolute dream, essentially ‘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.

November 20th: Obertauern (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 100 km
• Altitude: 2,313 m
• Live: Weather report from Obertauern

It never gets boring in Obertauern! That’s why, from November 20th, 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 many sunny days. There was 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!

November 21st: Val Thorens (France)

• Kilometres of slopes: 150 km
• Altitude: 3,230 m
• Live: Weather report from Val Thorens

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 beneath 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 your bed to the slopes and back again, a piece of cake in the Val Thorens ski resort.

→ Book unforgettable skiing experiences in France with SnowTrex now

November 22nd: Orelle (France)

• Kilometres of slopes: 150 km
• Altitude: 3,230 m
• Live: Weather report from Orelle

On the weekend of November 22nd, 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!

November 26th: Ischgl (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 239 km
• Altitude: 2,872 m
• Live: Weather report from Ischgl

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 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.

November 27th: 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.

November 28th: Les 2 Alpes (France)

• Kilometres of slopes: 200 km
• Altitude: 3,523 m
• Live: Weather report from Les 2 Alpes

The opening of the ski season in the Les 2 Alpes ski resort is scheduled for November 28th. 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 December 12th, 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.

November 28th: 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. With around 195 kilometres of ski slopes, this World Cup resort is one of the largest winter sports areas in the Bernese Oberland.

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

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

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 2026/27 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.

→ Book unforgettable skiing experiences in France with SnowTrex now

November 28th: Laax (Switzerland)

• Kilometres of slopes: 188 km
• Altitude: 3,018 m
• Live: Weather report from Laax

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.

→ Book unforgettable skiing experiences in Switzerland with SnowTrex now

November 28th: Chamonix (France)

• Kilometres of slopes: 172 km
• Altitude: 3,275 m
• Live: Weather report from Chamonix

Shortly before the end of November, 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.

November 28th: Zugspitze (Germany)

• Kilometres of slopes: 60 km
• Altitude: 2,720 m
• Live: Weather report from Grainau

On one of the last days of November 2026, 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.

December 5th: Wilder Kaiser-Brixental (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 275 km
• Altitude: 1,869 m
• Live: Weather report from Söll

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 2026/27 ski season begins on December 5th, 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.

→ Book unforgettable skiing experiences in Austria with SnowTrex now

December 11th: Schladming-Dachstein (Austria)

• Kilometres of slopes: 123 km
• Altitude: 2,015 m
• Live: Weather report from Schladming

Every year, the stars of the music scene flock to the Planai Stadium in Schladming for the biggest ski season opening parties. It will be no different in 2026, when a true German superstar takes to the stage on the evening of December 11th! Before Helene Fischer’s performance, which is already completely sold out, winter sports enthusiasts can, of course, spend the day exploring many of the 123 kilometres of slopes in the Schladming-Dachstein ski area (4-Mountain Ski Area).

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!

From the beginning of December: open choice!

Just in time for Advent and the holiday season, all other ski resorts will follow suit and open their doors to winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world. So nothing stands in the way of a successful season! And for those who are impatient and want to combine fun on the slopes with an event, we have put together a selection of glacier openings in autumn.

FAQ’s about ski openings

When does the 2026/27 ski season start in the first ski resorts?

The 2026/27 ski season begins as early as the end of September in Austria on the Pitztal Glacier. From September 26th of 2026, winter sports enthusiasts will be able to ski the first few kilometres of slopes there. Further ski season openings will then follow as early as the beginning of October, including on the glaciers in Sölden, on the Kitzsteinhorn, and in the Kaunertal and Mölltal valleys.

Which ski season openings are particularly suitable for families with children?

The Stubai Glacier ski resort, which opens for the season on 9 October 2026, is considered particularly child-friendly. As well as guaranteed snow, it offers a 10-kilometre-long run that is ideal for families. The SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, which is set to open on December 5th of 2026, is also a truly massive ski resort with over 270 kilometres of slopes, yet it also features plenty of beginners’ slopes, ski schools and children’s play areas.

When does PowderWeek take place?

SnowTrex’s PowderWeek has been held for years around the start of the season in Les 2 Alpes, France. This year, the ski resort there – situated at an altitude of up to 3,560 metres and boasting 200 kilometres of slopes – opens on November 28th. Two weeks later, on December 12th of 2026, PowderWeek will kick off here, offering not only pure fun on the slopes but also a fantastic programme of events running until December 19th, including a ‘Bad Taste’ party, a snow volleyball tournament and a closing night featuring traditional raclette.

Where can advanced skiers get an early start to the ski season?

Advanced skiers should consider the Engelberg-Titlis ski resort in Switzerland. This resort opens on October 10th of 2026 and offers 82 kilometres of slopes, which are particularly challenging due to their steep descents around the Titlis Glacier.

Which ski resort openings are ideal for freeriders?

Freeriders will love the Laax ski resort in Switzerland, which opens on November 28th of 2026. With around 1,800 hours of sunshine a year, Laax is a paradise for freeriders who want to enjoy plenty of sunshine as well as excellent snow conditions.