The hot summer has shut down summer glacier skiing in the Alps, but the nights are drawing in, (meteorological) Autumn is less than a fortnight away and lifts are expected to start spinning again as we countdown to the start of the main 26-27 season in less than a month, so it seems timely to look at where we can hot the slopes again very, very soon.
Saas‑Fee, Switzerland
Saas‑Fee started its 26-27 season in July, the first in the world to re-open ahead of next winter. Unfortunately it had to close temporarily earlier this month due to the extreme summer head, however its Allalin Glacier remains one of the Alps’ most reliable October options, typically offering early‑season training lanes for the world’s top ski teams as well as offering public skiing on high, north‑facing terrain. Its upper slopes reach 3,500m, helping preserve snow even in warm spells. October usually brings a mix of crisp, sunny days and occasional fresh snow top‑ups.
CREDIT Ski Portillo and Jonathan Selkowitz
Portillo, Chile
Portillo had been due to close on the last weekend of September this year but just announced its extending operations to mid-October after getting more than 8 metres of snowfall over the past month. Its high Andes setting provides cold nights and firm morning conditions, with lingering winter snow on Roca Jack and Plateau. Sunshine dominates most Octobers, but passing systems can still deliver late season refreshes on upper slopes.
Levi
Levi, Finland
Levi is usually Europe’s earliest non‑glacier opening, often starting operations in early October, this year on the 4th, thanks to an epic snow farming operation to create its own “glacier” to ski on. Its northern latitude usually ensures rapidly cooling temperatures, in early autumn allowing early piste preparation on front‑side runs. October skiing is typically limited to a few kilometres of runs but reliable, offering crisp Arctic conditions and a dependable start to Finland’s 7-month long winter season.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt’s Matterhorn Glacier Paradise provides Europe’s highest lift‑served terrain, with skiing normally available year-round, the only outdoor ski area still offering that. This year though even having europe’s highest lift-served slopes with the glacier’s altitude above 3,800m has not been enough to prevent a forced temporary closure due to the thaw caused by high altitude summer heat in the Alps. It plans to reopen asap however. October conditions vary with autumn storms, but often deliver firm morning pistes and the first signs of winter as temperatures trend downward.
Solden
Sölden, Austria
Sölden’s Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers form Austria’s largest autumn ski domain, with the centre aiming to open for its 26-27 season in late September all being well. Sölden typically opens both glacier sectors early in October, offering wide, high‑altitude pistes and dependable training conditions. October can bring a mix of sunshine and early snowfalls, setting the stage for hosting the opening races of the FIS Alpine Skiing 26-27 World Cup towards the end of the month.
Valle Nevado
Valle Nevado, Chile
Valle Nevado can remain open into early October in strong snow years, giving skiers access to high, expansive terrain above 3,000m. This year huge snowfalls in July and august have made a late season end increasingly likely. October typically brings bright, stable weather, with softened afternoon surfaces and firm mornings. While major storms are less common this late in the season, occasional Pacific fronts can still add fresh snow, extending the resort’s usable cover.
Ruka, Finland
Ruka also targets an October start, this year the 3rd, supported by cold Lapland temperatures in the far north’s autumn and its major snowfarming effort. October conditions are generally cold, dry and stable, providing a dependable launch to the season, usually with a few kilometres of runs and terrain park features open. The resort’s broad terrain expands quickly as winter weather strengthens.
Passo Stelvio October 2024
Passo Stelvio, Italy
Passo Stelvio is one of Italy’s classic autumn glacier destinations, typically operating until early November before closing for winter. Its high‑alpine glacier offers long, open pistes and consistent early‑season training conditions. Sadly this year its has been forced to suspend operations during the height of summer, like Saas-Fee and Zermatt, but it is aiming to reopen as soon as things cool. October often brings a blend of sunny spells and occasional storms, refreshing the surface and maintaining reliable cover on one of Europe’s highest road‑accessible glaciers.
Arapahoe Basin, USA
Thanks to its high altitude in the Colorado Rockies, Arapahoe Basin is famous for its early season openings, often by late October and frequently the first in North America. October often delivers a mix of natural snow and crisp, dry conditions. A‑Basin’s early start typically marks the unofficial launch of the North American ski season. Others aim to open before ite including nearby Keystone which this week announced it would open, “as soon as possible in October.”
Hintertux, Austria
Hintertux is Austria’s only glacier with near year round skiing, and October is traditionally one of its strongest months after reopening from its summer ski slopes shut down in September. The resort’s upper terrain above 3,000m normally provides reliable cover, with long groomed runs and extensive training lanes on its glacier, which also has a rare (for a glacier) snowmaking system. October often features stable weather windows punctuated by early season storms, refreshing the surface and delivering classic autumn glacier conditions.