European Ski Resort Opening Dates Revealed!
The time has finally come for snow enthusiasts! The hot summer nights are a distant memory, and winter is just around the corner. Most ski resorts in Europe have released their opening dates, and we’re here to share them with you. Bear in mind that mother nature rules, so these dates are subject to change depending on snowfall- but they are a good starting point!
Here are the confirmed opening dates for ski resorts in France, Austria, Italy and Switzerland.
Skiing in France
When it comes to skiing in Europe, France is always a favourite. With such a vast choice of resorts, there is something for everyone. You’re guaranteed excellent snow conditions, with many resorts at a high altitude (Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe), making for a long season! There are excellent restaurants dotted all around the slopes for the foodies, coffee-lovers and après partiers!
French Ski Resorts Opening in November:
For eager skiers, a few of the higher altitude French ski resorts open in November! Below are the opening dates / season dates for Tignes and Val Thorens.
| Resort | Opening | Closing |
| Tignes | 26 Nov | 07 May |
| Val Thorens | 26 Nov | 08 May |
French Ski Resorts Opening in December:
The majority of ski resorts in France including the popular slopes of Chamonix, Belle-Plagne, Les Arcs open on the 10th December. Due to a warmer start to the season, Val d’Isère will now be opening on Dec 4th. However, some of the lower resorts like Les Gets, Megeve, Morzine open their season and start lifts slightly later on 17th December.
| Resort | Opening | Closing |
| Alpe d’Huez | 03 Dec | 23 April |
| Avoriaz | 03 Dec | 23 April |
| Courchevel | 03 Dec | 23 April |
| Les 2 Alpes | 03 Dec | 30 April |
| Val d’Isère | 3 Dec | 08 May |
| Belle-Plagne | 10 Dec | 29 April |
| Chamonix | 10 Dec | 01 May |
| Flaine | 10 Dec | 16 April |
| La Tania | 10 Dec | 23 April |
| La Plagne | 10 Dec | 29 April |
| Les Arcs | 10 Dec | 29 April |
| Les Menuires | 10 Dec | 28 April |
| Meribel | 10 Dec | 28 April |
| Argentiere | 17 Dec | 10 April |
| Briançon | 17 Dec | 10 April |
| Les Gets | 17 Dec | 10 April |
| Megeve | 17 Dec | 16 April |
| Morzine | 17 Dec | 10 April |
Skiing in Austria:
Austria is home to over 400 ski resorts and 7000km of slopes! It’s no wonder why Austria is becoming more and more popular every year for skiers and snowboarders. Not only is the ski area extensive, but the overall charm of traditional villages and delicious food makes for a really unique experience.
Those who like to explore and visit numerous places, will be excited to hear that traveling between resorts is super easy, making this a fantastic destination for a multi-resort trip.
Austrian Ski Resorts Opening in November
Most of the Austrian slopes open in December, however if you can’t wait until then, Kitzbühel is estimated to open on the 19th November!
| Resort | Opening | Closing |
| Kitzbühel | 19 Nov | 10 April |
Austrian Ski Resorts Opening in December
Following suit, St Anton and Zell am See plan to open just one week later than Kitzbühel!
| Resort | Opening | Closing |
| St. Anton | 02 Dec | 23 April |
| Zell am See | 02 Dec | 10 April |
Skiing in Italy:
Quiet slopes, minimal lift lines, beautiful views AND Italian food…need we say more?
Italy is home to great ski areas, with the Dolomiti Superski area boasting 1,200km of skiable terrain and the Milky Way (consisting of six separate interlinking resorts) boasting over 400km of pistes.
If long lunches in the sunshine is your thing, the Italian cuisine and food culture will not disappoint. In Fact, Italian ski resorts are home to many Michelin Star restaurants. Sign us up!
Italian Ski Resorts Opening in November
Eager to ski in November? Madonna di Campiglio plans to open the earliest, on 19th November! Followed by Courmayeur and Livigno on the 26th November.
| Resort | Opening | Closing |
| Madonna di Campiglio | 19 Nov | 23 April |
| Courmayeur | 26 Nov | 10 April |
| Livigno | 26 Nov | 30 April |
Italian Ski Resorts Opening in December
The majority of the Italian Ski Resorts are set to open early December, with Champoluc opening on the 2nd of December, followed by the rest. Below are the opening dates / season dates for Italy.
| Resort | Opening | Closing |
| Champoluc | 02 Dec | 17 April |
| Abetone | 03 Dec | 16 April |
| Bormio | 03 Dec | 16 April |
| Cortina D’Ampezzo | 03 Dec | 30 April |
| Sauze d’Oulx | 3 Dec | 10 April |
| Sestriere | 3 Dec | 10 April |
Skiing in Switzerland:
Perhaps one of the most beautiful areas to ski in Europe, Switzerland is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, the most famous being The Matterhorn, which overlooks the ski areas. The majority of the surrounding ski resorts are at a high altitude, meaning you’ll be guaranteed brilliant snow!
The alpine villages of Switzerland are just as picturesque as its mountain surroundings. There is so much to see and do off-slope, it makes a wonderful destination for anyone who wants to do more than just ski!
We’ve not listed Zermatt down below, as the resort has year round-glacier skiing!
Swiss Ski Resorts Opening in October
If you’re keen for a very early ski trip in October, Engelberg, Saas Fee and Zermatt open earlier thanks to their high altitude. It’s a great chance to escape the crowds.
| Resort | Opening | Closing |
| Engelberg | 15 Oct | 14 May |
| Saas Fee | 29 Oct | 23 April |
Swiss Ski Resorts Opening in November
| Resort | Opening | Closing |
| St Moritz | 26 Nov | 10 April |
Swiss Ski Resorts Opening in December
The majority of ski resorts in Switzerland open in December, including the popular slopes of Verbier.
| Resort | Opening | Closing |
| Crans Montana | 02 Dec | 30 April |
| Verbier | 03 Dec | 23 April |
| Gstaad | 10 Dec | 2 April |
Book your lessons with SkiBro
Now that you’re aware of the planned opening dates, it’s time to book your lessons with SkiBro.
Need rentals? Get 30% off ski hire at SkiSet when you book with us.
Not sure where to begin? Chat with our ski experts today.