If you’re a keen skier, waiting for the season to begin can feel like agony. You’d do pretty much anything to be soaring down those mountains again. Why not consider an early season skiing in Europe which can be extremely rewarding and a fun way to avoid the crowds. There are a number of high altitude ski resorts that tend to get consistent snow coverage from as early as November. Here’s our guide to Europe’s best early season ski resorts where you can get out on the slopes before everyone else.
Tignes-Val d’Isère, France
Together the ski resorts of Tignes and Val d’Isère make up the Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area of over 300km and a winter season that typically lasts from late November until early May. The majority of runs are located between 2,300m and 2,900m and their two glaciers reach up to 3,456m, meaning that snow conditions are usually superb during the early season. The varied terrain is a little more challenging than at some of the neighbouring ski resorts. Two snow parks, great lift-served off-piste routes, and a bustling social scene make this area an advanced skier’s dream.
Stay At:
Hotel Village Montana is a luxury ski-in ski-out property in the heart of Tignes with an excellent outdoor pool.
Stay At:
Chalet Ducs de Savoie is in the heart of Val d’Isère, just a 350m stroll to the three main high-speed lifts.
Zermatt, Switzerland
The Matterhorn itself is a great reason to visit Zermatt. However, it’s early season skiing opportunities are also a big pull. With three large, inter-linked ski areas with good snow-making installations and an extensive glacier, it’s an early season favourite. Zermatt has access to the highest lift-served terrain in Europe at 3,820m. From the top of the Klein Matterhorn glacier you can experience one of the best long cruising pistes in Europe called the Ventina run. It takes you 14.5km down into Breuil-Cervinia. There are green, blue, red and black pistes aplenty here, as well as cross-country terrain. Even non-skiers will be perfectly occupied within this scenic alpine village with plenty of après-ski and hiking on offer.
Stay At:
Hotel Alex in Zermatt is one of our most popular ski hotels boasting a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Val Thorens, France
Where better to head for a spot of early season skiing than Europe’s highest resort: Val Thorens. Sitting at an impressive 2,300m, its north-facing slopes help to guarantee good quality snow right from the start of the season. Val Thorens ski resort is linked with Méribel and Courchevel to form the Three Valleys. With over 600km of pistes this makes up one of the largest ski areas in the world. The ski resort is suited to all levels of skier. There are gentle, rolling slopes for beginners, blue cruisers for intermediates and plenty of tough terrain for those looking to push themselves. Along with great snow, Val Thorens is a dynamic ski resort with lively après kicking off daily from mid-afternoon. There’s an abundance of mountain restaurants with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks for those seeking a more relaxed end to the day.
Stay At:
Sitting at an altitude of 2,300m, the Hotel Le Fitz Roy is the highest sitting five-star hotel in all of Val Thorens and provides guests with an excellent residence to complement their luxury ski holiday.
Ischgl, Austria
It won’t feel like an early season skiing trip if you arrive at Ischgl at the start of December. With deep snow covering its 210km of pistes, an annual free pop concert featuring the likes of Rihanna and Lionel Ritchie, and lively bars offering après-ski entertainment until the early hours; you’ll soon forget that most ski resorts won’t be opening for a few more weeks. Most of the slopes are above the treeline, and some are as high as 2,900m – factors which contribute to the area’s snow-sure reputation. This purpose-built ski resort on the Austrian-Swiss border has been popular since the first lift was built in 1963. It’s a particular favourite amongst German and Scandinavian skiers.
Stay At:
Hotel Jagerhof in Ischgl is run by the Jager family who provide a warm welcome to their traditional Tyrolian hotel.
Cervinia, Italy
If an early season ski trip to Italy takes your fancy, Cervinia is a great choice. Being at the snow-sure height of 2,050m, Cervinia usually opens in late October with guaranteed skiing across the Klein Matterhorn glacier shared with the Swiss side, Zermatt. By December, the area is often blanketed in snow making it one of the most reliable early season ski resorts in the Alps. With some of Europe’s highest slopes and easy access across the border to Zermatt, in Cervinia you can enjoy the best of both worlds. There is something for everyone – long, sweeping reds for intermediates, gentle pistes for beginners and insta-worthy Matterhorn views for all. Its picture-postcard charm, delicious Italian cuisine and unbeatable snow record make Cervinia a mighty competitor in the early season race.
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Hotel St. Hubertus is set in a beautiful pine forest in Cervinia, with breathtaking Matterhorn views.
Obertauern, Austria
Despite not having a glacier to fall back on, Obertauern’s consistent natural snowfall and world-class snowmaking facilities mean that there is plenty of terrain to explore by the time the resort opens in late November. Its geographical position in the Alps plays an important role in preserving the great snow conditions. While its altitude of 2,315m isn’t astounding, it’s situated on the Eastern side of the Alps where the temperatures are considerably lower meaning that the snow here stays for longer. With good access to nursery slopes, intermediate terrain and even some opportunities for night-time skiing, Obertauern offers a unique ski trip in Austria.
Stay At:
Hotel Steiner in Obertauern is an elegant hotel located next to the ski slopes with excellent wellness facilities.
Les Deux Alpes, France
Famous for its gigantic glacier, Les Deux Alpes offers some fantastic glacier skiing early in the season. Typically, the resort opens the glacier for 10 days at the end of October for those looking to get some pre-season ski practice.
In early December, the highest slopes in the resort are likely to have great ski conditions early in the season whilst snow-making machines take care of the lower down terrain. Its 229km of pistes, slopes for all levels of skier and a lively après-ski scene makes Les Deux Alpes an exciting early-season resort.
Stay At:
Chalet Chamois Volant is ideally placed in Les Deux Alpes, close to the foot of the ski slopes.
Zell am See, Austria
Another popular pick for glacier skiing, Zell am See is a great choice for an early winter getaway. On the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, the snow conditions are so reliable that it’s often used for ski instructor training before the peak season gets into full swing. Away from the glacier, beginners can work to find their ski legs on the blues of the Schmittenhöhe mountain, intermediates can enjoy swooshing down wide-open reds or challenge themselves on the legendary Black Mamba slope.
Leading up to Christmas, the town itself turns into a winter wonderland with Christmas décor weaved through the medieval old town. In your time out of the skis, make sure to explore the cobbled streets of boutique shops and cafés in this beautiful lakeside setting.
Stay At:
Hotel Stadt Wien is a friendly family-run hotel in Zell am See with a comfortable atmosphere.
So, if you’re looking to be home by Christmas but you still want to catch some action, don’t despair. There are plenty of opportunities for incredible early season skiing before winter is in full swing. To find out more about the best early season ski resorts, speak to one of our experts on 0207 471 7700.
