Most people associate skiing with winter, but if you can’t wait that long then you may be interested to hear that there are several places in Europe that start receiving significant snowfall from September onwards.
Naturally, anyone who fancies a spot of alpine action at this time of year will find their options slightly limited, although this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as we’ll explain in this guide to autumn skiing.
One of the best things about hitting the slopes early in the season is that most ski resorts will be much quieter and emptier than they are during the peak months. This means you’ll have more powder to yourself, and will be able to take in the stunning alpine surroundings in peace and quiet.
What’s more, because only the really high altitude resorts are open in the winter, you’re likely to end up somewhere you wouldn’t otherwise have thought to visit, and could discover a real hidden gem of a resort.
For a run-through of just a few of the best autumn skiing locations, read on.
1. Zermatt, Switzerland
OK, so this one’s hardly a secret, but what many people don’t know is that this highly popular European ski resort actually opens much earlier than other thanks to its extremely high altitude.
Sitting at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt boasts Switzerland’s highest lift, reaching a dizzying 3,820 m. Because of this, it receives excellent snowfall, with an average of ten snow days in September and October – that’s more than in January! It’s also damn cold, with average low temperatures in October reach -6 degrees C.
Being a totally car-free village, with 70 lifts and 360 km of runs (the longest individual run is a whopping 25 km long), it’s easy to see why this resort has become Switzerland’s most popular skiing location. It tends to get pretty crowded between late December and late April, but come here in September or October and you’ll find it amazingly tranquil and serene.
2. Solden, Austria
Solden is the only resort in Austria that offers access to three mountains higher than 3,000 metres, so it’s the best place to go for guaranteed snowfall. The white stuff usually starts coming down in October, and average depths in November are around 80 cm, so there’s no danger of finding the slopes bare. The two glacier ski areas, at Rattenbach and Tiefenbach, allow for year-round skiing, making this a great place to come out of season.
With 128 km of off-piste, Solden is fantastic for experts, while beginners can also build up their confidence on the 17 blue runs in the area. Advanced skiers and novices alike can both benefit by coming here early in the year before the hordes descend on the place, as the extra space will allow for more freedom to experiment.
3. Saas Fee, Switzerland
Heading back to Switzerland, Saas Fee is another high-altitude resort, with slopes reaching 3,600 m. Often referred to as the pearl of the Alps, it’s one of the most picturesque resorts around, sitting in a huge curved valley topped by an enormous glacier.
The Swiss ski team comes here every summer to practice on the glacier, which acts as a giant natural refrigerator, ensuring temperatures remain low throughout the year, which of course makes for great skiing conditions.
Away from the slopes, the Mittelallilin restaurant holds the world record for being the highest revolving restaurant on the planet, sitting at an altitude of 3,500 m, while the nearby snow park is a great place for daredevils to practice their tricks.
