As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, the cooler weather brings with a sense of nostalgia and longing. For ski enthusiasts across Europe, a sense of eager anticipation, of the first snowfall and the thrill of the slopes, is the only natural reaction here. For those who can’t wait to hit the slopes, knowing which resorts open earliest can be crucial. Some, it turns out, have been open all year round.
Beyond the obvious thrill of carving fresh tracks before the masses arrive, autumn skiing offers distinct practical advantages. Accommodation rates typically sit 30-40% below peak season prices, lift queues remain blissfully short, and mountain restaurants feel relaxed rather than rammed.
The weather often surprises too – September and October frequently deliver crisp, sunny days with stable conditions, whilst lower altitude valleys retain their green meadows and hiking trails, allowing non-skiing companions plenty to enjoy. For families, many resorts offer excellent value ski school packages during this quieter period, with instructors able to give more individual attention. It’s skiing without the stress, expense, or elbow-to-elbow crowds of December and January.
With that in mind, and with several now welcoming skiers, here are our favourite European resorts that open for the autumn ski season.
Stubai Glacier, Austria
Opening Date: Late September
Stubai Glacier, near Innsbruck, is another early opener, typically welcoming skiers early in the calendar, often by the end of September. With over 26 lifts and 64 kilometres of pistes, it is the largest glacier ski resort in Austria. The resort’s high altitude and extensive snowmaking capabilities ensure excellent conditions from the get-go.
Stubai’s family-friendly reputation extends into early season, with gentle learning areas and modern lifts ideal for introducing children to skiing. Unlike isolated glacier resorts, Stubai benefits from proximity to charming Tyrolean villages like Neustift, where authentic alpine culture thrives year-round.
Valley accommodation ranges from traditional guesthouses to luxury wellness hotels, including the Jagdhof, one of the best spa hotels in Austria, where a 3,000-square-metre spa provides perfect recovery after a day on the slopes. Autumn means fewer crowds and minimal lift queues, whilst Innsbruck’s historic centre sits just 25 kilometres away.
Highlights:
- BIG Family Ski-Camp: Ideal for families with young children.
- Snowpark Stubai Zoo: A top destination for freestyle skiing.
- Scenic Beauty: Breathtaking alpine landscapes.
Hintertux Glacier, Austria
Opening Date: Year-round
Hintertux Glacier is a haven for those who simply can’t wait for winter. This Austrian gem is open 365 days a year, making it the go-to destination for early-season skiing. Located in the Zillertal Valley, Hintertux offers over 60 kilometres of pistes and a vertical drop of 1,750 metres. The glacier’s high altitude ensures reliable snow conditions, even in the early months of autumn.
What sets Hintertux apart is its exceptional snow reliability and modern infrastructure. The glacier’s high altitude creates natural snow accumulation year-round, whilst investment in grooming technology ensures pristine piste conditions even during quieter autumn months. The resort’s position, sheltered by surrounding peaks, maintains stable temperatures ideal for skiing. September and October bring fewer crowds than peak winter, meaning shorter lift queues and more space on the slopes, making it perfect for those wanting to refine their technique before the main season.
Highlights:
- Snowpark Hintertux: Perfect for freestyle enthusiasts.
- Panoramic Views: Stunning vistas of the surrounding Alps.
- Family-Friendly: Excellent facilities for children and beginners.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Opening Date: Year-round
Zermatt, home to the iconic Matterhorn, is another resort that offers skiing throughout the year. The Theodul Glacier provides excellent conditions for early-season skiing, with lifts operating even in the summer months. By late September, the resort ramps up its winter operations, making it one of the earliest to fully open for the season.
Zermatt’s car-free village and cog railway access make it remarkably easy to reach, even during early season. Autumn here offers a unique spectacle as golden larch trees contrast with fresh snowfall at higher elevations. The resort’s mountain restaurants remain open, allowing long lunches on sun-drenched terraces overlooking the Italian Alps. The Klein Matterhorn cable car reaches 3,883 metres, offering year-round skiing and panoramic views of over 38 four-thousand-metre peaks.
Highlights:
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: The highest cable car station in Europe.
- Extensive Terrain: Over 360 kilometres of pistes.
- Luxury Experience: High-end accommodation and dining options.
Read: 9 of the best European ski resorts for non-skiers
Tignes, France
Opening Date: Mid-October
Tignes, part of the Espace Killy ski area, is renowned for its early opening. The Grande Motte Glacier allows skiing from mid-October, offering a substantial 20 kilometres of pistes. Tignes is a favourite among both professional athletes and recreational skiers looking to get an early start to the season.
Especially attractive to professional ski teams for autumn training, Tignes giving recreational skiers the chance to share slopes with Olympic hopefuls and World Cup competitors. Early season brings excellent accommodation value, with hotels offering attractive rates before Christmas. The Grande Motte’s north-facing slopes preserve snow quality well into the afternoon, crucial during sunny autumn days. Beyond skiing, the resort maintains mountain biking trails and hiking paths throughout autumn, whilst the village sports centre and pool stay open year-round.
Highlights:
- Varied Terrain: Suitable for all skill levels.
- Lively Apres-Ski: Vibrant nightlife and après-ski scene.
- Sports Facilities: Excellent infrastructure for various winter sports.
Sölden, Austria
Opening Date: Late September
Sölden is famous for its early start to the ski season, often opening in late September. The resort boasts two glaciers, Rettenbach and Tiefenbach, which provide reliable snow conditions. Sölden is also known for hosting the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, making it a hotspot for early-season skiing.
The resort hosts the annual FIS Alpine Ski World Cup opening races on the Rettenbach Glacier, typically in late October, transforming the resort into a festival atmosphere with thousands of spectators. The two glacier areas offer different experiences: Rettenbach provides wide, confidence-building runs, whilst Tiefenbach delivers steeper terrain for advanced skiers. The Schwarze Schneid viewing platform at 3,340 metres offers dramatic panoramas of over 250 peaks across Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. Even in autumn, Sölden’s village maintains its vibrant energy with numerous bars and restaurants.
Highlights:
- World Cup Venue: Experience the thrill of skiing on professional race tracks.
- Modern Facilities: State-of-the-art lifts and amenities.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: A lively resort with plenty of entertainment options.
Val Senales, Italy
Opening Date: Mid-September
Val Senales, also known as Schnalstal, is one of Italy’s earliest-opening ski resorts. Located in South Tyrol, this resort offers skiing on the Hochjochferner Glacier. With its early opening in mid-September, Val Senales provides a great opportunity for skiers to get a head start on the season.
The valley’s South Tyrolean character shines through mountain restaurants serving exceptional local cuisine—speck, canederli dumplings, and apple strudel—at reasonable prices. The mid-station provides access to archaeological exhibits about Ötzi, the 5,300-year-old mummified hunter discovered nearby in 1991. September skiing attracts primarily serious skiers and local enthusiasts, creating an intimate atmosphere. The surreal contrast between winter conditions at 3,200 metres and green valley meadows below adds to the experience.
Highlights:
- Glacier Skiing: Reliable snow conditions on the glacier.
- Historical Significance: Close to the site where Ötzi the Iceman was discovered.
- Quiet and Scenic: A more tranquil alternative to busier resorts, with plenty of luxury accommodation.
Stelvio Pass, Italy
Opening Date: May to November
Stelvio Pass in South Tyrol is unique in that it operates primarily during the summer and autumn months, closing in November. However, it offers some of the earliest skiing opportunities in the year, making it a great choice for those looking to ski before the traditional winter season begins. Part of the Italian Alps, Passo Stelvio offers a range of pistes on its glacier.
Stelvio’s legendary pass road, with 48 hairpin bends, ranks among Europe’s most spectacular drives. The resort’s unusual calendar—closing in November as others open – creates a ‘last chance’ atmosphere in autumn. Sitting pretty within Stelvio National Park, Italy’s largest protected area, the landscape remains pristine with regular wildlife sightings including ibex and chamois. Accommodation options range from mountain refuges to comfortable hotels in nearby Bormio, a historic spa town with natural hot springs dating to Roman times.
Highlights:
- Summer Skiing: One of the few places in Europe where you can ski in the summer.
- High Altitude: Excellent snow conditions due to its elevation.
- Scenic Routes: Stunning alpine scenery and challenging runs.
Early-Season Skiing 101
- Insurance Smarts: Early-season skiing can come with unpredictable condition. Get a quote for ski insurance as soon as you can to ensure you’re covered for any eventualities.
- Check Snow Reports: Early-season conditions can vary, so stay updated on snow reports.
- Book in Advance: Early openings can attract crowds, so secure your accommodation and lift passes early.
- Layer Up: Although not as cold as in winter, weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers to stay comfortable.
The Bottom Line
For those eager to carve the first tracks of the season, these European resorts offer some of the earliest opportunities to hit the slopes. From the year-round offerings of Hintertux and Zermatt to the early autumn openings of Tignes, Stubai, Sölden, Val Senales, and Passo Stelvio, there’s no shortage of options for early-season skiing. So, dust off your skis, pack your bags, and get ready to embrace the winter wonderland that awaits!
