The ski season really gets going in December, but quite a lot of ski resorts are already open, and fresh snowfalls in September and October have the ski runs in rather good shape.
With flights, accommodation and even lift pass costs low as travel providers try to attract customers at this time of year, and with new season gear waiting to test and the ski slopes empty, why wait?
Here are 10 top choices of already-open ski centres for November:
Arapahoe Basin, Colorado, USA
Among the 10 highest ski areas in the world, A Basin had the longest ski season of a non-glacier resort in 2016/17, open from October to July.
Engelberg
One of Switzerland’s easiest ski areas to reach with quick transfers from Zurich Airport and then modern fast lifts to whisk you up to the glacier 3000m up.
Cervinia, Italy
Right on the Swiss border so you can ski across to Zermatt, Cervinia has been open for weekends in October but is now open daily in November.
Hintertux, Austria
One of only two ski areas that’s open 365 days a year (weather permitting – the other is Zermatt), Hintertux has one of the biggest areas open in the Alps each autumn.
Geilo, Norway
Geilo opens a snow slope in September when the surrounding countryside is decidedly green and brown. It opens more terrain as the natural snowfall starts and snowmaking is possible.
Lake Louise, Canada
Hosting the first of the speed events in the World Cup season in this Olympic winter, Lake Louise opens early November for its six-month season.
Ruka, Finland
Opened in early October using snow stockpiled from last season, spread on the slopes by groomers. It should get natural snow and be cold enough for snowmaking in November.
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Operating a unique eight-month ski season from July to April, Saas-Fee has already clocked up more than three months of its 2017/18 season including several great powder days.
https://www.facebook.com/snowparksaasfee/videos/1556596507741031/
Sölden, Austria
Opened earlier than expected for the 2017/18 season in early September after some great late summer snow storms, and it has already staged the first World Cup alpine ski races of the season on its glacier at the end of October.
Tignes
France has only one ski area open throughout November, although others will join Tignes from the middle of the month.
