As Season Approaches Check Out the Resort Opening Dates
18th September 2024
Last modified on November 26th, 2024
With the recent snow in the Alps getting us looking forward to winter we list the opening dates of the main resorts popular with British skies and snowboarders. UPDATED
The majority of ski resorts in Europe open at the beginning of December and close towards the end of April.
We have complied this post with the help of Maison Sport that lists them in its blog post.
Over 20 are now offering some skiing and snowboarding, usually with just part of the ski area open.
Check out the latest snow conditions and which resorts are open in our updated news report:
Gurgl, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
The dates provided are preliminary and subject to change as resort opening dates are projected and may be updated.
This article was updated on 26th November with several ski areas in the Alps now open.
SKI RESORTS IN FRANCE
France. Image © PlanetSKI.
Tignes: Open – 4 May 2025
Val Thorens: Open -4 May 2025
Val d’Isere: 30 Nov 2024-26 April 2025
Alpe d’Huez: 30 Nov 2024-21 April 2025
Les 2 Alpes: 30 Nov 2024-4 May 2025
Courchevel: 6 Dec 2024-21 April 2025
Les Menuires: 7 Dec 2024-21 April 2025
Megeve: 7 Dec 2024 (partial opening)-6 April 2025
Meribel: 7 Dec 2024-21 April 2025
Avoriaz: 13 Dec 2024-21 April 2025
Morzine: 13 Dec 2024-21 April 2025
Flaine: 14 Dec 2024-21 April 2025
Samoens:14 Dec 2024-21 April 2025
La Plagne: 4 Dec 2024-18 April 2025
Les Arcs: 14 Dec 2024-26 April 2025
Les Gets: 21 Dec 2024-6 April 2025
Chamonix: 21 Dec 2024 – 4 May 2025
SKI RESORTS IN AUSTRIA
SkiWelt, Tirol, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
Zell am See: Open (Kitzsteinhorn) – 21 April 2025
Gurgl: Open
Stubai: Open
Piztal: Open
Kaunertal: Open
Soelden: Open – 4 May 2025
Ischgl: 28 Nov 2024-4 May 2025
St Anton: 04 Dec 2024-22 April 2025
Lech: 04 Dec 2024-22 April 2025
Mayrhofen: 6 Dec 2024-21 April 2025
Kitzbuehel: Open -6 April 2025
SKI RESORTS IN ITALY
Italy Flag. Image © PlanetSKI
Cervinia: Open – 4th May 2025
Livigno: 30 Nov 2024-1 May 2025
Bormio: 30 Nov 2024-6 April 2025
Courmayeur: 30 November 2024-6 April 2025
Champoluc: 6 Dec 2024-13 April 2025
Sulden: Open
Cortina: Open – 27 April 2025
Madonna: 29 Nov 2024-27 April 2025
Sauze d’Oulx: 6 Dec 2024-13 April 2025
SKI RESORTS IN SWITZERLAND
Zermatt, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
Grindelwald/Wengen: | 16 Nov 2024-27 April 2025
St Moritz: Open – May 2025
Zermatt: Open – 27 April 2025
Verbier: Open -21 April 2025
Andermatt-Sedrun: 14 Dec 2024 – 6 April 2025
Gstaad: 14 Dec 2024-16 March 2025
Engelberg: Open -4 May 2025
Saas-Fee: Open – 27 April 2025
Crans-Montana: 29 Nov 2024 (partial opening)-21 April 2025
Ski Season in Europe: What to Expect Each Month
The European ski season typically spans from late November to mid to late April.
However, the ideal timing for your skiing 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 characterised 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.
See here for our earlier PlanetSKI article about Maison Sport’s resort guides:
Image c/o Maison Sport
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 400 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 Ecole de Ski Francais, a company that was founded in 1937.
