Did you know there are already plenty of ski resorts open for skiing in November? The higher-altitude ski areas in the Alps have already been blessed with several snowfalls this autumn and as we get into November, the snow line should be dropping down as far as the valleys soon. In this article we'll give an overview of Alpine ski areas where you should be able to expect reliable snow cover for skiing in November.
Most skiers and snowboarders wait until Christmas holidays or even the February half-term to go skiing, with only the most diehard among us booking their ski holidays for October or November. But November already boasts a multitude of open ski areas, including Obertauern and Gurgl. The ski season opening is often heralded with big parties, such as the Top of the Mountain concert in Ischgl on November 30th or our very own Snowplaza Ski Opening in Gurgl from November 21-24.
The Hintertux Glacier in Tyrol is open for skiing 365 days a year, although the summer offering is quite limited compared with the slopes that open in winter. With pistes as high as 3250m above sea level, snow is pretty much guaranteed here all year long. As November wears on, more and more of the 60km of pistes will open up for the winter.
If you've never been skiing in Carinthia, in the south of Austria, make this your year! The Mölltal Glacier opens for skiing more than 300 days a year and boasts slopes up to 3122 m above sea level. In autumn you have access to around 17km of pistes, not too shabby considering most places aren't even open yet.
A trip to the Matterhorn is on the bucket list for most skiers. This iconic Swiss peak welcomes many skiers and snowboarders every year who come not just for the spectacular views, but also for the high-altitude skiing. 20km of pistes remain open in the summer, and in the winter Zermatt's ski area grows to more than 360km.
The slopes on the Pitztal Glacier have been open since September 15th, one of the earliest ski areas to open for the winter. The official opening took place in the second week of October and our colleague Jahna has already been lucky enough to ski at the Pitztal Glacier this year! She can confirm it looks like this will be another amazing winter.
Thanks to the glacier, Saas-Fee is always a good bet if you're planning an autumn ski holiday. In fact, you can ski here in the summer as well. By the end of November most of the ski area is open for business, with more than 100km of pistes to choose from in the high season.
The Stubai Glacier is one of Austria's most beloved high-altitude ski areas, popular with freestylers, families and ski bums alike. Park rats flock here all year round to practise their tricks in the Stubai Zoo snow park. If you're more of a cruiser type of person, there are plenty of wide pistes for carving and working on your technique.
Sölden-Hochsölden-Vent benefits from three mountains over 3000m and two glaciers, making it one of the most snow-sure ski areas for a ski holiday in September. By November not only the glacier ski areas, but also a good portion of the winter ski area opens up for skiing and snowboarding. And even if the snow fails you at the lower altitudes, the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers have around 34km of pistes.
The Kaunertaler Glacier is another favourite with freestylers. A variety of kickers of all shapes and sizes offer the chance to practise your skills no matter what your level. A pre-season highlight is the Freeski and Snowboard Testival. And for those who are itching to hit the slopes, there are around 30km to explore.
The Kitzsteinhorn/Maiskogel – Kaprun ski area reaches an altitude of 3029m above sea level and has already been open for several weeks. From November 8-11, the ski area will host the Wow Glacier Love Festival, with international artists and great vibes. Thanks to the new 3K K-onnection, this winter it will be easier than ever to reach the Maiskogel and Kaprun from Kitzsteinhorn.
The snow-sure ski resort of Gurgl, formerly Obergurgl and Hochgurgl, lies just a bit further than Sölden. Snowplaza and Gurgl have partnered for the 2019/20 ski season to bring you the Snowplaza Ski Season Opening at Gurgl. From November 21-24, 2019, join us for parties, activities and loads more in this beautiful Austrian ski resort! Packages start from just €240 - although if you hurry and book now you could win your entire holiday for free. Book now >
In Sulden am Ortler the ski season has been underway since last month, and the coming weeks will see the total number of pistes increase to about 40km. This pretty little ski area in the Italian Alps boasts a 9km-long piste that winds its way all the way down into the valley.
In Obertauern you can count on a solid day of skiing, plus a solid night of après-ski. Head to the Lürzer Alm or the Edelweißalm and you're sure to have a good time, even in the very early season. Obertauern's official opening date is scheduled for November 22, 2019.
Tignes has had to postpone its ski season opening on the Grande Motte glacier but it's finally opened for the season. Tignes itself lies at an altitude of around 2000m, and the Glacier de la Grande Motte reaches a towering 3456m above sea level. Slopes here are quite long and suitable even for advanced skiers.
The snow-sure ski area at Engelberg-Titlis reaches an altitude of 3020m above sea level and the slopes are ready for skiing in the Swiss ski area starting as early as October. Intermediate and advanced skiers will particularly enjoy the long valley run with a vertical drop of more than 2000m. During peak season, Engelberg offers around 80km of slopes in total.
The pistes on the Glacier 3000 offer guaranteed snow at more than 3000m above sea level and are already good to go in autumn. The official ski season starts in early November and lasts through May. Once the entire ski area opens for the season you'll have a chance to tackle a run measuring 8km long, with a vertical drop of 1700m.
The posh Swiss ski resort of Davos Klosters has a section called Parsenn-Gotschna that reaches 2833m above sea level, ensuring guaranteed snow during your ski holiday as early as mid-November. 111km of slopes that are especially well suited to beginners, as well as a healthy off-piste offering, make this the perfect ski area no matter what your level.
Open ski areas for skiing in November |
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|---|---|---|
| Ski area | Altitude | Ski season opening |
| Davos-Klosters | 2844 m | 08-11-19 |
| Gurgl (Obergurgl-Hochgurgl) | 3082 m | 14-11-19 |
| Jungfrau-Region | 2970 m | 16-11-19 |
| Obertauern | 2313 m | 20-11-19 |
| Les Trois Vallées/Val Thorens | 3230 m | 23-11-19 |
| Sextner Dolomiten | 2180 m | 23-11-19 |
| Silvretta Arena Ischgl – Samnaun | 2872 m | 28-11-19 |
| Ski Arlberg | 2450 m | 29-11-19 |
| Montafon | 2430 m | 29-11-19 |
| Ski Center Latemar | 2388 m | 29-11-19 |
| Saalbach Hinterglemm | 2096 m | 29-11-19 |
| Salzburger Sportwelt | 2180 m | 30-11-19 |
| Adelboden-Lenk | 2200 m | 30-11-19 |
| Arosa-Lenzerheide | 2865 m | 30-11-19 |
| Carezza Ski | 2337 m | 30-11-19 |
| Alpe d’Huez | 3300 m | 30-11-19 |
This list is based on projected opening dates according to the ski resorts. Actual opening times may vary depending on snow cover.
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
