Skiing In Austria: November Options

Austria is home to numerous skiable glaciers, making it a prime destination for autumnal pre-season skiing. While the majority of ski resorts don't open until late November or December, there are a few that offer year-round skiing, such as Hintertux, Kaprun, and Soelden. These glacier ski areas provide the most reliable early-season snow conditions and are ideal for those seeking to hit the slopes in November. However, they may not be the best choice for everyone, as they are often used for race training, prone to closure in bad weather, and lack a typical village base. For those seeking a more traditional resort experience, waiting until late November or December is recommended, as this allows for a wider range of resorts with better snow conditions to choose from.

Some Austrian ski resorts open in November

While the ski season in Austria usually starts in December, there are a few ski resorts that open in November.

Hintertux

Hintertux is Austria's only year-round ski resort, with guaranteed snow 365 days a year. It offers perfectly groomed runs, great food, and stunning nature at altitudes of up to 3,250 m. The best way to get there is by train to Mayrhofen, and then a bus or taxi for the last 30 minutes of the journey.

Kaunertal Glacier

The Kaunertal Glacier is Tirol's youngest glacier, with plenty of room on prepared pistes and natural ski routes. It guarantees snow from late September to June due to its high-altitude location.

Kühtai

At 2,020m above sea level, Kühtai is one of Austria's highest ski resorts. The season here lasts from late November to April.

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl

Obergurgl-Hochgurst is surrounded by snow-covered 300-metre-high peaks, with dream-like mountain panoramas and first-class hotels. It guarantees snow from November until late April.

Ischgl

Ischgl is part of one of the biggest interconnected ski areas in Tirol. The season here starts in late November and ends in early May.

Stubaier Gletscher

The Stubaier Gletscher ski resort in Neustift has an opening date of 11 October 2024, snow permitting.

Kitzsteinhorn

Kitzsteinhorn offers wide glacial slopes with natural snow and varied routes for freestylers and freeriders. It is usually open from early autumn to late spring.

Dachstein

Dachstein mountain is open for skiers, snowboarders, and cross-country skiers all year round. All lifts are in operation from autumn to early summer.

Sölden

The Sölden ski resort in Ötztal usually opens in mid-November and stays open until May.

Pitztaler Gletscher-Rifflsee

The Pitztaler Gletscher-Rifflsee ski resort in Pitztal opens at the end of September and stays open until May.

Innsbruck - Nordkettenbahn

The Innsbruck - Nordkettenbahn ski resort in Innsbruck opens in late November and stays open until April.

Hochzeiger-Jerzens

The Hochzeiger-Jerzens ski resort in Imst, Pitztal, opens at the end of November and stays open until late April.

Christlum-Achenkirch

The Christlum-Achenkirch ski resort in Schwaz, Achensee, opens at the end of November and stays open until early April.

Schmittenhöhe-Zell am See

The Schmittenhöhe-Zell am See ski resort in Pinzgau, Zell am See-Kaprun, opens at the end of November and stays open until April.

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

The SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental ski resort in Kufstein, Wilder Kaiser, opens at the end of November and stays open until the end of March.

Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau

The Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski resort in Kufstein, Alpbachtal, opens at the end of November and stays open until April.

Kaltenbach-Hochzillertal/Hochfügen

The Kaltenbach-Hochzillertal/Hochfügen ski resort in Schwaz, Zillertal, opens at the end of November and stays open until April.

Schlick 2000-Fulpmes

The Schlick 2000-Fulpmes ski resort in Innsbruck, Stubai, opens at the end of November and stays open until April.

Hinterstoder-Höss

The Hinterstoder-Höss ski resort in Kirchdorf an der Krems, Pyhrn-Priel, Stodertal, opens at the end of November and stays open until early April.

Zillertal Arena-Wald-Königsleiten, Krimml

The Zillertal Arena ski resort in Schwaz, Zillertal, Zell-Gerlos, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Galtür-Silvapark

The Galtür-Silvapark ski resort in Landeck, Paznaun-Ischgl, opens in early December and stays open until mid-April.

Nauders am Reschenpass-Bergkastel

The Nauders am Reschenpass-Bergkastel ski resort in Landeck, Tiroler Oberland, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei

The Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei ski resort in Osttirol opens in early December and stays open until April.

Hochzeiger

The Hochzeiger ski resort in Pitztal opens in early December and stays open until April.

Mayrhofen-Penken/Ahorn/Rastkogel/Eggalm

The Mayrhofen ski resort in Schwaz, Zillertal, Mayrhofen-Hippach, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Nassfeld-Hermagor

The Nassfeld-Hermagor ski resort in Nassfeld-Pressegger See, Carinthia, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Dachstein West-Gosau/Russbach/Annaberg

The Dachstein West ski resort in Tennengau, Salzburg, opens in early December and stays open until early April.

Kasberg-Grünau im Almtal

The Kasberg-Grünau im Almtal ski resort in Almtal, Upper Austria, opens in early December and stays open until late March.

Hochkar-Göstling

The Hochkar-Göstling ski resort in Scheibbs, Lower Austria, opens in early December and stays open until early April.

Nauders

The Nauders ski resort in Landeck, Tiroler Oberland, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Zillertal

The Zillertal ski resort in Schwaz, Zillertal, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Ski Juwel Alpbachtal

The Ski Juwel Alpbachtal ski resort in Kufstein, Alpbachtal, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Bergeralm-Steinach am Brenner

The Bergeralm-Steinach am Brenner ski resort in Innsbruck, Wipptal, opens in late November and stays open until early April.

Hochkönig-Maria Alm/Dienten/Mühlbach

The Hochkönig ski resort in Hochkönig opens in early December and stays open until April.

Lermoos-Grubigstein

The Lermoos-Grubigstein ski resort in Tiroler Zugspitz Arena opens in early December and stays open until April.

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

The Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis ski resort in Landeck, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Mayrhofen

The Mayrhofen ski resort in Schwaz, Zillertal, Mayrhofen-Hippach, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Nassfeld

The Nassfeld ski resort in Hermagor, Carinthia, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Großarltal/Dorfgastein

The Großarltal/Dorfgastein ski resort in Pongau, Grossarltal, opens in early December and stays open until late April.

Dachstein West

The Dachstein West ski resort in Salzkammergut, Dachstein-Salzkammergut, opens in early December and stays open until early April.

Galtür

The Galtür ski resort in Landeck, Paznaun-Ischgl, opens in early December and stays open until mid-April.

Galsterberg-Pruggern

The Galsterberg-Pruggern ski resort in Schladming-Dachstein, Styria, opens in early December and stays open until late March.

Goldeck-Spittal an der Drau

The Goldeck ski resort in Spittal an der Drau, Millstätter See, Carinthia, opens in early December and stays open until late March.

Kasberg

The Kasberg ski resort in Grünau im Almtal, Upper Austria, opens in early December and stays open until late March.

Hochkar

The Hochkar ski resort in Göstling, Lower Austria, opens in early December and stays open until early April.

Nauders am Reschenpass

The Nauders am Reschenpass ski resort in Landeck, Tiroler Oberland, opens in early December and stays open until mid-April.

Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei

The Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei ski resort in Osttirol opens in early December and stays open until April.

Hochkönig

The Hochkönig ski resort in Maria Alm opens in early December and stays open until April.

Lermoos

The Lermoos ski resort in Tiroler Zugspitz Arena opens in early December and stays open until April.

Zillertal Arena

The Zillertal Arena ski resort in Schwaz, Zillertal, Zell-Gerlos, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Tauplitz-Bad Mitterndorf

The Tauplitz ski resort in Salzkammergut, Ausseerland, Styria, opens in late November and stays open until April.

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

The SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental ski resort in Kufstein, Wilder Kaiser, opens in late November and stays open until late March.

Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau

The Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski resort in Kufstein, Wildschönau, opens in late November and stays open until April.

Sillian-Thurntaler

The Sillian ski resort in Hochpustertal, Osttirol, East Tyrolean Hochpustertal, opens in late November and stays open until late March.

Bergeralm

The Bergeralm ski resort in Steinach am Brenner, Innsbruck, Wipptal, opens in late November and stays open until early April.

Kaltenbach-Hochzillertal/Hochfügen

The Kaltenbach ski resort in Schwaz, Zillertal, Erste Ferienregion im Zillertal, opens in late November and stays open until April.

Schlick 2000

The Schlick 2000 ski resort in Fulpmes, Innsbruck, Stubai, opens in late November and stays open until April.

Hinterstoder-Höss

The Hinterstoder ski resort in Kirchdorf an der Krems, Pyhrn-Priel, Stodertal, opens in late November and stays open until early April.

Riesneralm-Donnersbachwald

The Riesneralm ski resort in Schladming, Styria, opens in late November and stays open until early April.

Hahnenkamm-Höfen/Reutte

The Hahnenkamm ski resort in Außerfern, Naturparkregion Reutte, opens in late November and stays open until early April.

Planneralm-Donnersbach

The Planneralm ski resort in Schladming-Dachstein, Styria, opens in late November and stays open until April.

St. Anton/St. Christoph/Stuben/Lech/Zürs/Warth/Schröcken-Ski Arlberg

The St. Anton ski resort in Landeck, St. Anton am Arlberg, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Hochkönig-Maria Alm/Dienten/Mühlbach

The Hochkönig ski resort in Hochkönig opens in early December and stays open until April.

Lermoos-Grubigstein

The Lermoos ski resort in Tiroler Zugspitz Arena opens in early December and stays open until April.

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

The Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis ski resort in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis opens in early December and stays open until April.

Mayrhofen-Penken/Ahorn/Rastkogel/Eggalm

The Mayrhofen ski resort in Schwaz, Zillertal, Mayrhofen-Hippach, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Nassfeld-Hermagor

The Nassfeld ski resort in Nassfeld-Pressegger See, Carinthia, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Großarltal/Dorfgastein

The Großarltal/Dorfgastein ski resort in Pongau, Grossarltal, opens in early December and stays open until late April.

Dachstein West-Gosau/Russbach/Annaberg

The Dachstein West ski resort in Tennengau, Salzburg, opens in early December and stays open until early April.

Galtür-Silvapark

The Galtür ski resort in Landeck, Paznaun-Ischgl, opens in early December and stays open until mid-April.

Fellhorn/Kanzelwand-Oberstdorf/Riezlern

The Fellhorn ski resort in Oberstdorf, Swabia, Upper Bavaria, opens in early December and stays open until late March.

Grosseck/Speiereck-Mauterndorf/St. Michael

The Grosseck ski resort in Lungau, Salzburg, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Galsterberg-Pruggern

The Galsterberg ski resort in Schladming-Dachstein, Styria, opens in early December and stays open until late March.

Goldeck-Spittal an der Drau

The Goldeck ski resort in Spittal an der Drau, Millstätter See, Carinthia, opens in early December and stays open until late March.

Kasberg-Grünau im Almtal

The Kasberg ski resort in Grünau im Almtal, Upper Austria, opens in early December and stays open until late March.

Hochkar-Göstling

The Hochkar ski resort in Göstling, Lower Austria, opens in early December and stays open until early April.

Nauders am Reschenpass-Bergkastel

The Nauders am Reschenpass ski resort in Landeck, Tiroler Oberland, opens in early December and stays open until mid-April.

Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei

The Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei ski resort in Osttirol opens in early December and stays open until April.

Hochzeiger

The Hochzeiger ski resort in Pitztal opens in early December and stays open until April.

Mayrhofen-Penken/Ahorn/Rastkogel/Eggalm

The Mayrhofen ski resort in Schwaz, Zillertal, Mayrhofen-Hippach, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Nassfeld-Hermagor

The Nassfeld ski resort in Nassfeld-Pressegger See, Carinthia, opens in early December and stays open until April.

Stuhleck-Spital am Semmering

The Stuhleck ski resort in Hochsteiermark, Styria, opens in early December and stays open until late March.

Dachstein West-Gosau/Russbach/Annaberg

The Dachstein West ski resort in Salzkammergut, Dachstein-Salzkammergut, opens in early December and stays open until early April.

Feuerkogel/Ebensee

The Feuerkogel ski resort in Ebensee, Upper Austria, opens in mid-December and stays open until late March.

Hinterstoder/Pyhrn Priel

The Hinterstoder ski resort in Kirchdorf an der Krems, Pyhrn-Priel, opens in late November and stays open until early April.

Krippenstein Dachstein/Obertraun

The Krippenstein Dachstein ski resort in Obertraun, Upper Austria, opens in early December and stays open until early April.

Wurzeralm/Spital am Pyhrn Priel

The Wurzeralm ski resort in Spital am Pyhrn Priel, Upper Austria, opens in early December.

Bad Gastein/Bad Hofgastein-Schlossalm/Angertal/Stubnerkogel

The Bad Gastein ski resort in Gastein, Salzburg, opens in late November and stays open until early April.

Zauchensee/Flachauwinkl

The Zauchensee ski resort in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, Pongau, Salzburger Sportwelt, opens in late November and stays open until April.

Hochzeiger-Jerzens

The Hochzeiger ski resort in Imst, Pitztal, opens in late November and stays open until late April.

Christlum-Achenkirch

The Christlum ski resort in Schwaz, Achensee, opens in late November and stays open until early April.

Schmittenhöhe-Zell am See

The Schmittenhöhe ski resort in Pinzgau, Zell am See-Kaprun, opens in late November and stays open until April.

Snow Space Salzburg-Flachau/Wagrain/St. Johann-Alpendorf

The Snow Space Salzburg ski resort in Pongau, Salzburger Sportwelt, opens in late November and stays open until April.

Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn (Skicircus)

The Saalbach ski resort in Pinzgau, Glemmtal, opens in late November and stays open until April.

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

The SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental ski resort in Kufstein, Wilder Kaiser, Brixental, opens in late November and stays open until late March.

Skicircus: Fieberbrunn

The Skicircus ski resort in Fieberbrunn opens in late November and stays open until April.

Ski Juw

Eight Austrian glacier resorts open in October

While it is possible to ski in Austria in November, this is dependent on snow conditions. Some resorts open as early as October, but these are mostly glacier resorts. Here is a list of eight Austrian glacier resorts that opened in October:

• Hintertux Glacier: This resort offers year-round skiing with groomed, snow-sure runs and boasts altitudes of up to 3,250 m. It offers a good lift system and has recently renovated some of its facilities.
• Rettenbach Glacier: Located above Sölden, this glacier had most of its runs open in early October 2024, with five lifts operating and up to 95 cm of snow. It also hosted the World Cup ski racing event towards the end of October.
• Stubai Glacier: In early October 2024, the Stubai Glacier had four runs open with 25 cm of snow and five lifts.
• Pitztal Glacier: In October, the Pitztal Glacier had 50 cm of snow with four lifts and two runs in operation.
• Kaunertal Glacier: This glacier, Tirol's youngest, offers plenty of room on prepared pistes and natural ski routes with minimal lift queues. In October 2024, it had six runs open with 35 cm of snow.
• Kitzsteinhorn Glacier: Located in Salzburg, this glacier ski area was scheduled to open on October 5, 2024, with 15 cm of snow. It offers wide glacial slopes with natural snow and varied routes for freeriders.
• Mölltal Glacier: Found in Carinthia, this glacier was planned to open on October 12, 2024.
• Dachstein Glacier: The Dachstein mountain is ideal for skiers, snowboarders, and cross-country skiers, with all lifts in operation from autumn to early summer.

In addition to these glacier resorts, the non-glacier resort of Obergurgl in the Austrian Tyrol usually opens in mid-November.

Hintertux is a year-round ski resort

The Hintertux Glacier ski resort is the only one of its kind in Austria, offering a large network of pistes catering to all abilities during the winter months. One of its main attractions is the 12-km (7.5-mile) descent in front of the "Gefrorene Wand" ("Frozen Wall") all the way down to Hintertux, the longest run in the Zillertal Valley. Freeriders will find plenty of good powder, while snowboarders, skiers, and freestylers can congregate in the Betterpark or at the new funslope near the Sommerbergalm cable car.

In winter, the resort is part of the "Ski- und Gletscherwelt Zillertal 3000", a large network of interconnected villages and resorts, including Finkenberg and Mayrhofen. All of the slopes can be accessed using just one lift pass. Skiers and snowboarders with strong legs can take on the ultimate challenge: 15,000 vertical metres (49,212 ft) and 60 km (37.3 miles) of skiing in one day.

Hintertux Glacier is a great option for skiing in mid-November, as it is one of the few areas that offer nearly year-round skiing. It has a good lift system, and November is low season, so there is a fine selection of hotels with good rates. Lift tickets are available in various packages after you arrive.

Obergurgl is a non-glacial ski resort

The Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski resort is known for its top-quality skiing and ultimate comfort. The resort is located at an altitude of between 1,800 and 3,030 meters, guaranteeing snowy winters, immaculate slopes, crystal-clear mountain air, and breathtaking panoramas. The close proximity of the hotels to the ski resort allows guests to be on the slopes in just four minutes, making it a true ski-in, ski-out experience.

In addition to skiing, Obergurgl also offers high-altitude cross-country trails, winter hiking paths, guided ski tours, toboggan parties, and evening snowshoe outings. The resort is also home to the Top Mountain Crosspoint, a multi-functional complex that houses the base station of the Kirchenkar gondola lift, Europe's highest motorcycle museum, a modern table-service restaurant, and the toll station for the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road.

Obergurgl is known for its snow reliability, with more than 90% of the slopes covered by a snowmaking system. The resort has won numerous awards for its slope preparation, snow reliability, and comfort. The Gurgl ski resort, which consists of the Hochgurgl and Obergurgl ski resorts, offers a total of 112 kilometers of slopes, lifts, and refreshment stops, providing a truly exclusive skiing experience.

Ischgl has a high average altitude

While skiing in Austria in November is possible, it depends on the resort. Some resorts rarely open before the last week of November, and then only if there is snow. However, there are some areas that offer almost year-round skiing, such as Hintertux, Kaprun, and Soelden. These glaciers usually open in mid-November.

Ischgl, a town in the Paznaun valley in the Austrian state of Tyrol, has a high average altitude. The ski resort in Ischgl is connected with that of Samnaun in Switzerland, forming one of the largest ski areas in the world. The resort boasts 238 kilometres of groomed pistes, served by over 45 mechanical lifts, including cable cars, gondolas, and chairlifts. The ski area above Idalp offers wide, easy pistes and a snow park, while other parts of the resort offer more challenging runs for intermediate and advanced skiers.

The Silvretta Arena ski resort in Ischgl is perched high above the town and the Paznaun valley, reaching up to 2,872 meters above sea level. The resort gets reliable snow from November to early May due to its high altitude and has an artificial snow-making system with 1,100 snow guns. The ski season in Ischgl typically starts in late November and ends in early May.

The town of Ischgl itself is located at a high altitude of 2,327 meters, and the surrounding mountain ranges, Silvretta and Verwall Alps, have peaks reaching over 3,000 meters. This high altitude contributes to the long ski season in the area and the reliable snow conditions.

Ischgl's high average altitude, combined with its modern snow cannons, ensures that the resort offers varied days in the snow for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The vast dimensions of the ski area allow for a wide range of slopes, from easy to difficult, providing the perfect terrain for beginners, intermediate skiers, and thrill-seekers alike.

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