Opening & Closing Dates of Ski Resorts in The Alps
11th November 2023
Last modified on November 15th, 2023
Fresh snow is falling, some resorts have already opened & we’re getting in the mood for winter at PlanetSKI. With help from our friends at Maison Sport we detail when some of the most popular resorts are opening. UPDATED
The majority of ski resorts in Europe will open at the beginning of December and close towards the end of April.
It’s important to note that the dates provided here are preliminary and subject to change as resort opening dates are projected and may be updated.
Here are the resorts currently offering some skiing at the moment as early season snow falls.
Austria:
Kaunertal, Soelden, Hintertux, Pitztal, Stubai, Moltaller, Kitzbuhel & Kitzsteinhorn.
Italy:
Passo Stelvio, Solda & Cervinia.
Switzerland:
Saas-Fee, Diavloezza, Engadine, Arosa/Lenzerheide, Davos/Klosters & Zermatt.
There is currently no skiing on offer in France.
PlanetSKI has been following the falling snow and early openings closely:
Verbier, Switzerland. Image © Lucia Harrison.
Here is the Maison Sport report on when some of the other resorts open:
SKI RESORTS IN AUSTRIA
St. Anton | 01 Dec 2023-12 April 2024
Zell am See | 09 Dec 2023-TBC
Planai/Schladming |16 Dec 2023 – TBC
We will be updating this section on Austria, so do check back.
Ski Welt, Tirol, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
SKI RESORTS IN FRANCE
Alpe d’Huez | 02 Dec 2023-21 April 2024
Avoriaz | 15 Dec 2023-21 April 2024
Chamonix | 16 Dec 2023-5 May 2024
Courchevel | 02 Dec 2023-21 April 2024
Flaine | 16 Dec 2023-21 April 2024
La Plagne | 16 Dec 2023-28 April 2024
Les 2 Alpes | 02 Dec 2023-28 April 2024
Les Arcs | 16 Dec 2023-27 April 2024
Les Gets | 16 Dec 2023-7 April 2024
Les Menuires | 2 Dec 2023-21 April 2024
Megeve | 9 Dec 2023-14 April 2024
Meribel | 2 Dec 2023-21 April 2024
Morzine | 16 Dec 2023-7 April 2024
Tignes | 18 Nov 2023-5 May 2024
Val d’Isère | 2 Dec 2023-5 May 2024
Val Thorens | 18 Nov* 2023-5 May 2024 (*limited runs, main opening 25 Nov)
Val Thorens, France. Image © PlanetSKI
SKI RESORTS IN ITALY
Abetone | 16 Dec 2023-7 April 2024
Bormio | 25 Nov 2023-14 April 2024
Cervinia | 14 Oct 2023-5th May 2024
Champoluc | 1 Dec 2023-7 April 2024
Cortina D’Ampezzo | 25 Nov 2023-1 May 2024
Courmayeur | 25 Nov 2023-1 May 2024
Livigno | 18 Nov 2023-1 May 2024
Madonna di Campiglio | 18 Nov 2023-16 April 2024
Sauze d’Oulx | 7 Dec 2023-7 April 2024
Sestriere | 2 Dec 2023-7 April 2024
Skiing in Italy. Image © PlanetSKI
SKI RESORTS IN SWITZERLAND
Crans Montana | 2 Dec 2023-7 April 2024
Engelberg | 2 Dec 2023-14 April 2024
Gstaad | 16 Dec 2023-1 April 2024
Saas Fee | 3 Nov 2023-21 April 2024
St. Moritz | 26 Nov 2023-10 April 2024
Verbier | 2 Dec 2023-21 April 2024 (weekends only from 10th Nov)
Zermatt | All Year Round Skiing
Zermatt, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
Maison Sport has also taken a look at winter, month by month.
Ski Season in Europe: What to Expect Each Month
The European ski season traditionally spans from late November to mid to late April.
However, the ideal timing for your skiing adventure may vary depending on your preferences.
In December, you can expect a tranquil skiing environment with relatively less crowded slopes, which is especially advantageous for beginners and intermediates.
Skiing during the holiday season adds a festive touch to your experience, as resorts adorn their surroundings with sparkling lights and Christmas decorations.
January is renowned for its abundant snowfall and colder temperatures.
For seasoned skiers, this means the opportunity to explore more terrain, as all links between ski areas are typically open by this time.
This month is also relatively less crowded, making it an excellent choice for beginners who need ample space to practice their skiing skills.
February brings a lively atmosphere to the resorts, thanks to half-term family ski vacations.
Resorts are bustling with activities during this period, making it an enjoyable time for families.
March and April are characterized by longer daylight hours, milder temperatures, and quieter slopes.
These months are perfect for those seeking a more relaxed skiing experience under the clear blue skies.
The snow tends to be softer, which is advantageous for beginners looking to improve their skills.
About Maison Sport
Maison Sport was created by a team of industry professionals with over 25 years of ski teaching experience.
All ex-British ski team members & fully qualified ski instructors, the founding team at Maison Sport have successfully worked together over the past 8 years.
The vision for Maison Sport was conceived after the trio acquired a traditional ski school in France, where revenue has since increased around 10 times.
Witnessing an antiquated way of booking lessons, they spotted an opportunity to solve a problem for customers and ski instructors, by using a technology platform to connect the two parties together directly.
Maison Sport offers reduced costs to the customer of as much as 50% and provides a more ethical and profitable practice for the instructors, who keep up 93% of the cost of the lessons.
Much like many successful marketplaces, one of Maison Sport’s key selling points is its unique instructor reviews, only left by past customers, which enable new customers to make informed decisions about their ski or snowboard lessons.
Currently, the Maison Sport marketplace includes more than 364 resorts and over 1,300 trusted, qualified instructors across France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria.
In France, Maison Sport’s instructor pool is second only to the ESF, a company that was founded in 1937.
