Up to 20cm of fresh snow has fallen above 3,000m across the Alps, the first snow of meteorological autumn and an early signal that the 2026/27 ski season is on its way.
Which ski resorts are open in the Alps right now?
Currently just one ski area is open for turns: Italy’s Passo Stelvio, which reopened last weekend after a three-week closure and was among the areas reporting fresh snow this week.
When are more Alpine glaciers opening this season?
Around six other Alpine glaciers plan to open, or re-open, before the end of the month, snow permitting. Fresh snow has already dusted the Kitzsteinhorn above Kaprun in Salzburgerland, pictured top, which is on track to open for the 26-27 season in early October. Over on Zermatt’s glacier, fresh snow and sub-zero temperatures earlier this week have left conditions there in noticeably better shape.
Is the snow reaching beyond the glaciers?
Yes. Resorts across the wider Alps have reported fresh cover on high terrain too, not just the glaciers due to open imminently. This was La Plagne, in France’s Paradiski region, earlier this week.
Staff at Val d’Isère also caught mountain tops turning white this week.
What does this mean for the 2026/27 ski season?
It’s early days, but the timing fits the pattern skiers watch for ahead of a new season, and it’s a welcome sign after a long, hot summer that forced early closures at several glacier ski areas.
Fresh snow in the Alps: quick answers
Has it snowed in the Alps yet this year?
Yes. Up to 20cm of fresh snow fell above 3,000m across the Alps this week, the first snowfall of meteorological autumn.
Which Alpine ski resorts are open right now?
Only Italy’s Passo Stelvio, which reopened last weekend after a three-week closure.
When do more Alpine glaciers open for 2026/27?
Around six more are due to open, or re-open, before the end of September, including the Kitzsteinhorn above Kaprun, on track for an early October opening.
Is Zermatt’s glacier open for skiing?
Not yet for the new season, but fresh snow and sub-zero temperatures this week have left conditions there in noticeably better shape.