Planning early-season ski holidays can feel like a real gamble, especially when snow conditions are unpredictable. But picking resorts with glaciers or high-altitude slopes can help guarantee great runs from the moment winter begins. If you’re itching to hit the piste before Christmas, here’s where to find the most reliable snow in Europe.
France’s high-altitude favourites: Val Thorens and Tignes
If early snow is your priority, then head for the very heights of the French Alps. Val Thorens, sitting at 2300m, is Europe’s highest ski resort and offers one of the longest seasons (slopes typically open in November). Linked to the vast Three Valleys area, it provides access to 600km of pistes. Not far off, you’ll find Tignes, which is another snow-sure favourite at an altitude of 2100m. With glacier access via Grande Motte, Tignes is the ideal place to carve your first turns before the festive season even begins.
Glacier skiing in Austria: Hintertux and Obergurgl
Austria’s glacier resorts are a must-visit for early-season (or even any season) skiers. Hintertux is open year-round thanks to its glacier. And Obergurgl is often one of the first traditional resorts to open each year. The slopes are snow-sure, and the vibe is welcoming. And if you’re bringing beginners along or are getting back on the skis after some time away, you’ll appreciate the varied terrain in both places.
Swiss and Italian high-altitude resorts: Zermatt and Cervinia
Zermatt and Cervinia straddle the Swiss-Italian border and share access to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. So, it’s no wonder that skiing here starts high (elevations can reach up to 3883m). Whether you’re after long cruising runs or Instagram-worthy views of the iconic Matterhorn, this pair of resorts deliver consistent snow and impressive variety early in the season.
Snow and Northern Lights: Levi, Finland
For something completely different, consider Levi in Finnish Lapland. This resort kicks off the season in late October, with a mix of natural snowfall and advanced snowmaking. It’s perfect for families or anyone wanting to experience views of the Northern Lights in all their grandeur. The slopes cater to all levels, and the unique setting adds a certain magical touch to early winter getaways.
Get ahead of winter with early skiing
It’s never too early in the season to ski. If you want fresh tracks before winter fully sets in, these resorts offer some of Europe’s most dependable early-season skiing. From glaciers in Austria to the dramatic Matterhorn slopes and Lapland’s snowy wilderness, your ski holiday doesn’t have to wait for peak season.
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