Snow in the Alps as First Resorts Prepare to Open for Winter
5th September 2024
Last modified on September 10th, 2024
Resorts in Austria and Finland are planning to open at the end of September/beginning of October as snow falls. UPDATED
The snow has fallen at altitude in the Alps as Europe receives a cold blast from the Arctic.
It is only a dusting and will make no difference to the coming season, but it means one thing – winter is on its way.
The Austrian glacier resorts are usually the first to open and they have been sharing a few images.
Here’s the Moltaller glacier:
Kaunertal in Austria has seen some snow and it is scheduled to open on October 4th.
Pitztal in Austria is planning to open at the end of September.
“On September 28th it’s finally time,” said the resort on social media.
“Only one month left and then it’s finally starting again! Ski season at Pitztal Glacier begins.”
” Your mountain winter at the roof of the Tirol is waiting for you – are you ready?”
We started off our season in Pitztal last winter with a visit in November:
Here’s what it looked like last November:
Pitztal, The Tirol, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
Pitztal, The Tirol, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
Pitztal, The Tirol, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
Preparations are also underway in Finland, with Levi and Ruka resorts set to kick off the 2024-2025 season on October 4th.
As always they will be using stockpiled snow from last season to create a few kms of runs.
Currently in the Alps only three glacier areas – Hintertux Zermatt and Saas-Fee – are able to offer any skiing as the recent warm temperatures have taken their toll.
They have around 10kms of slopes open.
Passo Stelvio in Italy usually offers some summer skiing but is temporarily shut.
Norway’s Galdhøpiggen glacier is also waiting for cooler conditions before reopening.
Andermatt in Switzerland has taken protective covers off its glacier as temperatures are expected to fall.
The Gurschen Glacier has been covered in protective material for the past 20 summers.
“All fleece panels are removed by hand and folded by hand. A strenuous task, even if the view is of course magnificent,” said Andermatt.
“The glacier is now officially ready for the first snow.
“May it come on time and by mid-November at the latest, because on November 15, 2024 we will ring in the winter season on the Gemsstock.”
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Meanwhile a few dustings of snow have fallen across The Pond:
Here at PlanetSKI we’ll keep you posted as the season approaches and the current cold snap brings more snow…
