Wet, cold and grey – autumn is rather unpopular with many people. But winter sports enthusiasts are delighted, because those who feel the itch to hit the slopes can head for the mountains even at this time of year. After all, numerous high-altitude ski resorts in Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland open their doors as early as September, October and November – snow conditions permitting. But the question remains: where can winter sports enthusiasts go skiing in autumn? SnowTrex knows the answer and is here to show you.
Ski resorts for skiing in autumn – an overview
| Ski resort | Country | Highest point | Start of season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitztal Glacier & Rifflsee | Austria | 3,440 m | 28 September |
| Stubai Glacier | Austria | 3,212 m | 11 October |
| Kitzsteinhorn/Maiskogel - Kaprun | Austria | 3,029 m | 12 October |
| Kaunertal Glacier - Fendels | Austria | 3,113 m | 12 October |
| Mölltaler Gletscher | Austria | 3,122m | 26 October |
| KitzSki | Austria | 2,000 m | 9 November |
| Solda all'Ortles | Italy | 3,250 m | 9 November |
| Sölden | Austria | 3,340 m | 14 November |
| Obergurgl/Hochgurgl | Austria | 3,082 m | 14 November |
| Engelberg-Titlis | Switzerland | 3,020 m | 16 November |
| Val Thorens-Orelle | France | 3,230 m | 23 November |
| Ischgl/Samnaun - Silvretta Arena | Austria | 2,872 m | 28 November |
| Flims-Laax-Falera | Switzerland | 3,018 m | 29 November |
Pitztaler Glacier & Rifflsee (Austria)
Highest point: up to 3,440 m
Kilometres of pistes: 40
Start of season: 28 September
A ski holiday in autumn is particularly suitable for winter sports fans and families with a smaller travel budget, as the prices for lift passes and accommodation in ski resorts are significantly lower in the off-season. In addition, the ski areas are less frequented in the off-season. This is the ideal time for the beginners among snow lovers to gain their first winter sports experience on empty pistes. On the other hand, advanced skiers and snowboarders can optimize their carving technique in wide turns without getting in each other’s way. Short waiting times at the lifts enable excellent skiing days during the autumn ski holidays. Of course, the opening of a ski area always depends on the snow conditions. This is why the lifts and pistes in glacier ski areas are usually open the longest, sometimes even 365 days a year.
Glacier ski areas are the most snow-sure.
The skiing area at the Hintertux Glacier in Austria is probably the #1 year-round skiing area. Here, some lifts never stand still and thus make a dreamlike skiing holiday in autumn possible. The Betterpark Hintertux snowpark also makes the hearts of freestylers beat faster. The Betterpark Hintertux is the first snowpark in Austria to open its doors every autumn and hosts the first snowpark opening in Europe. Numerous freestylers from all over the world train here every autumn for the upcoming competition season. Other ski areas that are ideal for a skiing holiday in autumn include the Sölden ski area, the Mölltal Glacier ski area in Carinthia and the Stubai Glacier ski area, which usually opens its lifts in September. In the Kaunertal Glacier-Fendels ski area, winter sports fans can also usually enjoy a variety of downhill runs from the end of September.
Snow lovers who are thinking about a skiing holiday in autumn should also include Europe’s highest ski area, Zermatt, in their considerations. This glacier ski area is also open 365 days a year and offers a wide range of skiable slopes in autumn as well. Skiing with a view of the striking summit of the Matterhorn – a fantastic skiing experience that is not just possible in winter. The lifts in the Saas-Fee ski area are also usually open in June and are therefore excellent for an autumn ski holiday.
Snow lovers can also enjoy the charm of the French Alps during their autumn ski holiday. The Tignes-Val d’Isère glacier ski area around the Grande Motte (3,428 m) is generally open from September to May.
The glacier ski area in “Bella Italia”, the Schnalstal Glacier, also usually opens its doors in September and attracts teams of international professionals who train on the challenging Grawand slope in early autumn. Furthermore, a skiing holiday in the Italian glacier ski area of Stelvio Pass is possible in autumn. The ski area is only open in summer and autumn and thanks to the high snow security, it is perfectly suited for an autumn ski holiday.
