Picture yourself carving down pristine pistes, no queues for lifts, no need to pre-book restaurants and a high chance for white days with fresh snowfalls. This is early season skiing in Europe. Not only will you dodge the Christmas crowds, but you’ll also score more budget-friendly deals on accommodations and lift passes.
Ski Schools and instructors have more spaces and flexibility too. Group ski lessons tend to run with smaller groups, meaning better tuition and focus on technique from the instructor, and private lessons can easily be accommodated for. What’s not to like!
When is the ‘early season’ in Europe?
The exact timing of the “early season” in Europe can vary from year to year and from one resort to another due to the unpredictability of weather patterns and snowfall. Generally, early season skiing in Europe typically begins in late November and extends into December. However, this can vary depending on factors such as the resort’s altitude, it’s location, and the previous year’s weather conditions.
Resorts at higher altitudes, such as Val Thorens tend to open earlier and have more reliable early season snow. Plus many glacier resorts offer skiing year-round like Zermatt! It’s essential to check with the specific resort you plan to visit and monitor snow reports and weather forecasts to get the most accurate information on their opening dates and early-season conditions.
Top early season ski destinations in Europe:
Let’s dive into seven incredible European resorts where you can kickstart your winter adventure ahead of the pack.
1. Val Thorens, France
Alongside Tignes, Val Thorens is the first ski resort to open up the ski season in France. One of Europe’s highest ski resorts, Val Thorens, is a guarantee of early snowfall and an extended ski season. With over 600kms of interconnected slopes, skiers of all levels will find their perfect run. Thanks to state-of-the-art snowmaking facilities, skiing is top-notch even in the early months.
But it’s not just about skiing; it’s the entire experience. The cozy chalet-style architecture, the après-ski vibe, and the delectable alpine cuisine all add layers of charm to your adventure.
Directions to Val Thorens:
🚘: Located approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Geneva
🚞: Take a train to Moutiers-Salins, then hop on a shuttle or bus to Val Thorens
✈️: The nearest airports are Geneva (approximately 183 km away) and Lyon (about 220 km away)
❄️ Season dates: 25th Nov – 5th May
2. Tignes, France
Set in the French Alps, Tignes boasts reliable snow conditions, thanks to its high elevation and robust snow-making infrastructure. On top of all that, you’ve got the legendary Grande Motte glacier, which means you can get on the slopes earlier than the rest.
Directions to Tignes:
🚘: From Geneva, it’s 2 ½ hours
🚞: Go to Bourg Saint Maurice station, from there take the bus
✈️: Arrive at Geneva airport, then shuttle
❄️Season dates: 25th Nov – 5th May
3. Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, Austria
If you’re eager to get on the slopes, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl in the Austrian Alps is a solid choice. This high-altitude resort consistently offers great skiing conditions, making it ideal for families and beginners. Besides the perfect slopes, the picturesque mountain views and village charm add a touch of magic to your winter vacation.
Directions to Obergurgl-Hochgurgl:
🚘: Roughly a 1.5-hour drive from Innsbruck
🚞: Take a train to Ötztal Bahnhof station, then a bus or taxi to Obergurgl-Hochgurgl
✈️: The nearest major airport is Innsbruck Airport (approximately 94 km away)
❄️Season dates: 16th Nov 2023 – 21st April 2024
4. Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Nestled in a sun-soaked valley surrounded by towering peaks, Saas-Fee is often dubbed “The Pearl of the Alps.” With robust snowmaking capabilities and high-altitude terrain, Saas-Fee offers a reliable early season ski experience. The glacier ski area provides stunning vistas and terrain suitable for all abilities.
Directions to Saas-Fee:
🚘: 2 ½ hours from Bern, or just over 2 hours from Lausanne
🚞: Go to Visp railway station, continue from there by post bus
✈️: Fly to Zurich, Geneva, Milan or Basel. From there, it’s only 3 hours by public transport
❄️ Season dates: 3 Nov 2023 – 21 April 2024
5. St Anton, Austria
Right in the heart of the Austrian Alps, St. St Anton boasts a reputation as one of the best early season ski resorts in Europe. With its high-altitude location, it consistently delivers early snowfall and reliable skiing conditions. This resort is a paradise for advanced skiers and snowboarders, offering a diverse range of challenging slopes and exciting off-piste opportunities. St. Anton is also celebrated for its cozy alpine village atmosphere, making it a perfect winter retreat for those seeking a blend of elegance and adrenaline-packed adventures.
Directions to St Anton:
🚘: Approximately a 1-hour drive from Innsbruck
🚞: Take a train to St. Anton am Arlberg station, which is well-connected to major cities like Innsbruck and Vienna
✈️: The nearest airport is Innsbruck Airport (approximately 100 km away), with Zurich Airport also accessible (about 200 km away)
❄️ Season dates: 01 Dec 2023-12 April 2024
6. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt, located in the Swiss Alps, is your go-to place for skiing and snowboarding that knows no season boundaries.
From December to April, Zermatt’s slopes are a haven for early season snow sports enthusiasts. Expect great snow conditions and the iconic Matterhorn as your backdrop.
What sets Zermatt apart? It’s a year-round skiing destination, all thanks to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, one of Europe’s highest glaciers. This means you can enjoy skiing not only during the typical season but throughout the entire year.
Directions to Zermatt:
🚘: Zermatt is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Geneva.
🚞: To reach Zermatt by train, take a train to Visp railway station, and continue from there by post bus.
✈️: The nearest major airports are Zurich, Geneva, Milan, and Basel. From any of these airports, it’s only about a 3-hour journey by public transport to reach Zermatt.
❄️ Season Dates: Year-round on the glacier!
So, there you have it – a lineup of Europe’s finest early-season ski resorts!
Go ahead, pack your gear, and start counting down the days until you’re hitting the early-season slopes! Need more advice? Speak to one of our Ski Specialists for recommendations, and help finding your perfect ski/snowboard lessons!
