First Tracks: The Best Resorts For Early-Season Skiing

There’s something very special about getting on snow before Christmas and before (almost) everyone else. We always get excited as the ski season approaches, but most of us don’t think about actually booking a trip before Christmas.

When you think about it, though, why wait? Dozens of ski areas are already open by the start of November; you’ll most likely have the slopes pretty much to yourself, and prices are much lower as resorts try to entice more early visitors like you. Many will offer new-season gear testing, and you’ll get the smug joy of posting on your socials that you’re already on the snow while everyone else is mired in the damp, dark British autumn.

Featured early-season picks

Featured · AustriaAltenmarkt-ZauchenseeSnow-sure north-facing slopes from 27 November, with the Erlebnis-Therme Amadé to finish the day.Discover more ›Featured · AustriaIschglThe Silvretta Arena Ischgl/Samnaun opens 26 November with more terrain than almost anywhere, then Westlife play the Top of the Mountain Opening Concert on 28 November.Discover more ›Featured · AustriaLech Zürs am ArlbergSki Arlberg opens 2 December, with 300 km of ski runs, Michelin-starred dining and the RE:WIND Season Opening from 4 to 6 December.Discover more ›Featured · AustriaSöldenGlacier skiing from October and the full winter area from 12 November, with the World Cup Opening, ice Q and 007 ELEMENTS.Discover more ›

There are, of course, things to be aware of when you plan your trip. The big one is (as always) snow.

Travelling in the early season means a greater chance that there won’t be much, but the resorts that plan to open in October or early November are also prepared for that and only plan their season start dates backed by things that make the opening more certain: things like glaciers and/or snow farming (last winter’s snow stockpiled through summer, then spread back out on the slopes in cooler autumn air), or so-called “all-weather snowmaking machines”. Be aware, though, that at best, what’s going to be open initially is likely to be much more limited and, of course, higher up the mountain than in the main season.

Another issue is getting to your chosen resort. On the one hand, you can expect much quieter travel and far lower prices than in the main season, hopefully with a lower likelihood of weather disruption too. Against that, services, particularly if you plan to fly, will be more limited, with many airlines cutting services in what is the low season and the ski charters mostly not getting underway until mid-December.

Depending on how early you arrive in the resort, the same issue, that some restaurants and hotels may not yet have opened, will most likely mean that accommodation and après options are more limited and quiet, but on the other hand, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a bed and booking a table! Some resorts also throw an early-season festival to really get the party started in November or the start of December.

When do the resorts open for 2026/27?

Opening dates are as planned by each resort and depend on snow conditions, so check before you book.

Which resort suits you?

Here are 9 more of our pre-Christmas favourites to choose from:

What’s on during the early season?

If you like your first runs of the winter with a little something extra, these are the dates to plan around. All are as announced by the resorts and, as ever, snow permitting.

How do you plan an early-season ski trip?

A little homework goes a long way before Christmas. Here’s what we’d check before booking.

Early-season skiing FAQs

What is early-season skiing?

Early-season skiing means heading to the mountains between October and mid-December, before the main winter season and the Christmas rush. It usually means a glacier resort, a resort that farms snow over the summer or a high-altitude resort with strong snowmaking, so you get quieter slopes and lower prices in return for less terrain.

When does the 2026/27 ski season start in Europe?

It is already under way. Saas-Fee has been open since July, Ruka in Finland opened on 2 October, Sölden’s glacier is open in October and Cervinia aims to open around 24 October. Most big Alpine resorts follow in the second half of November: Obergurgl on 19 November, Val Thorens and Tignes on 21 November, the Silvretta Arena Ischgl/Samnaun on 26 November, then Crans-Montana, Les 2 Alpes and Livigno on 28 November. Ski Arlberg, including Lech Zürs, opens on 2 December.

What is snow farming?

Snow farming means stockpiling last winter’s snow through the summer under insulating covers, then spreading it back out on the slopes in cooler autumn air. It is how Ruka in Finnish Lapland opens in early October, saving up to 80% of the stored snow.

Which early-season ski resorts have the best events?

Sölden hosts the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Opening in October, Hochgurgl holds World Cup races on 21 and 22 November and Val Thorens opens with La Grande Première on 21 and 22 November. Westlife play Ischgl’s Top of the Mountain Opening Concert on 28 November, Lech Zürs holds its RE:WIND Season Opening from 4 to 6 December and Les 2 Alpes hosts the Rise Festival from 5 to 12 December.

Where can I combine early-season skiing with a spa?

Altenmarkt-Zauchensee has the Erlebnis-Therme Amadé, with saltwater pools, a wave pool and a large sauna world, while Ischgl has the Silvretta Therme Ischgl. Ischgl’s December Special Deal combines three nights, a ski pass and Silvretta Therme Ischgl access from €705 per person.

Which early-season resort is easiest to reach by public transport?

Crans-Montana is hard to beat: fly to Geneva, take the train from the airport and finish with a funicular ride up from the valley. In Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, the Guest Mobility Ticket gives every overnight visitor free public transport across SalzburgerLand.

Opening dates and events last checked October 2026.