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September is one of the quietest months for skiing, as the summer ski season in the Alps ends and the southern hemisphere's season starts to wind down. However, there are still some ski locations in Europe that are worth considering for a September trip, including Austria. While the snow cover on the glaciers is far from guaranteed, there are some Austrian ski resorts that offer skiing in September.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you ski in Austria in September? | Yes |
| Locations | Hintertux glacier, Rettenbach glacier, Pitztal Glacier, Kaunertal Glacier, Kitzsteinhorn glacier, Stubai glacier, Solden glaciers, Dachstein, Molltal glacier, Kaprun, Neustift, Zell |
| Season | 2024-25 |
| Opening dates | 365 days a year |
| Pistes | 18km |
| Top height | 3250m |
| Vertical drop | 600m |
| Snow depth | 35cm |
What You'll Learn
The Hintertux glacier in the Austrian Tyrol
The Hintertux glacier ski resort in the Austrian Tyrol is the perfect destination for skiing enthusiasts all year round. It is one of only two ski resorts in the world offering skiing 365 days a year, with the other being Zermatt in Switzerland. Located at the end of the Tuxertal Valley, a side valley of the Zillertal Valley in the Austrian state of Tyrol, the Hintertux glacier is easily accessible by gondola and chair lifts.
The ski region reaches a height of 3,250 metres, offering breathtaking views of the Alps. The high altitude ensures good snow conditions, allowing almost all pistes and lifts to remain open throughout the year. The resort caters to skiers of all levels, with a ski school for both beginners and advanced skiers.
During the winter months, the Hintertux Glacier is part of the "Ski- und Gletscherwelt Zillertal 3000", a vast network of interconnected villages and resorts, including Finkenberg and Mayrhofen. Skiers and snowboarders can access all the slopes in this network using just one lift pass. For those seeking a challenge, the network offers the opportunity to ski 15,000 vertical metres and 60 kilometres in one day.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the Hintertux Glacier offers a range of other activities. It is a popular destination for hiking in the summer months. The region is also suitable for mountaineering, with plenty of Alpine huts, some managed all year round. One notable hut is the Spannagelhaus, located next to the Spannagel Cave, which is over 10 kilometres long and the largest cave system in the Austrian Central Alps. Visitors can also explore the Natural Ice Palace (Natur Eis Palast), a crevasse with an entrance just above the top station on the Gletscherbus 3 lift.
With its reliable snow conditions, stunning views, and a variety of activities, the Hintertux glacier in the Austrian Tyrol is a top choice for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Austrian Alps.
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The Kaunertal Glacier in Tirol
The Kaunertal Glacier is known for its reliable snow cover from October to May, making it a popular destination for skiing and other winter sports. The ski area offers over 55 kilometres of well-maintained slopes, with varied descents of up to 1,000 metres in altitude. There are no tow paths, and modern lifts ensure a high transport capacity and minimal queuing. The ski area also includes the Snowpark Kaunertal, which features the longest jib line in the Alps, catering to snowboarders and freeskiers.
In addition to the ski area, the Kaunertal region offers a range of other attractions. The Kaunergrat Nature Park, part of the Glacier Park, covers an area of 58,920 hectares and includes all altitudinal belts, as well as numerous natural monuments of exceptional beauty. The park is home to the ibex, a wild mountain goat native to the region. The nearby Fendels Skiing Area is also accessible with the same skipass, offering additional slopes for skiing and snowboarding.
The Kaunertal Glacier and its surrounding area provide a unique natural experience, with breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
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The Rettenbach glacier above Sölden
The Rettenbach glacier, located above the Tyrolean ski resort of Sölden in the Ötztal Alps, is a popular destination for skiers. It is scheduled to open at the end of September, with a snow depth of 45cm. The opening ski races for the World Cup ski season are set to take place on 26 and 27 October, a tradition since 2000. The glacier is accessible by cable car during winter and by car in spring, via the Gletscherstraße.
The Sölden glacier ski area covers 34.3 kilometres of slopes, with altitudes ranging from 2675 to 3250 meters. The Rettenbach Glacier, along with the Tiefenbach Glacier, forms one of the largest accessible glacier areas in Austria. The Rettenbach Glacier is situated in the northern part of the glacier ski arena and offers a greater challenge in terms of steepness compared to the Tiefenbach Glacier. Ambitious skiers will find red and black ski slopes here, which demand more advanced skills and technique.
The two glaciers are conveniently connected, allowing ski enthusiasts to easily switch between them either by skiing through a 200-metre-long ski tunnel or by utilising the connecting mountain lifts. The Rettenbach Glacier features slope number 31, renowned for its maximum gradient of 65%, which hosts the annual World Cup Opening ski races. This steep slope tests not only your skiing technique but also your muscular endurance.
In addition to the exhilarating skiing experience, the Rettenbach Glacier also offers delightful culinary options. The self-service area of the Rettenbach Market Restaurant and the Gletschertisch, with its table service, provide tasty treats. For those seeking refreshing drinks, the Gletscherspalte bar & lounge is the perfect spot. The venue boasts a mobile roof and side walls, allowing for a seamless transformation into an open-air space with stunning views of the glacier and World Cup slope.
The GLACIER TEST CENTER SÖLDEN, located at the Rettenbach Glacier, provides expert advice and equipment rentals for winter sports enthusiasts. With over 600 pairs of the latest ski models from top manufacturers, you can find your perfect gear for an unforgettable skiing adventure on the Rettenbach glacier above Sölden.
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Skiing on the Pitztal Glacier
The Pitztal Glacier is located in the Pitztal Valley in Austria's Tyrol region. It is known for offering wide glacier slopes suitable for all difficulty levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. The ski resort boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including the Wildspitzbahn lift, which transports visitors up to 3,440 meters above sea level. At this height, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, dine at the highest café in Austria, and even get married at the highest registry office in Tyrol.
The Pitztal Glacier ski area is scheduled to open on September 28 for the autumn season, providing skiers with an early opportunity to hit the slopes. The glacier offers a variety of pistes and a large elevation difference, making it an attractive destination for skiers seeking diverse terrain. The winter sports area is situated between 2,685 and 3,440 meters, providing a significant vertical drop for skiers and snowboarders.
Pitztal is not just a skier's paradise, but it also caters to other winter sports enthusiasts. The region offers freeriding, tobogganing, winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and even ice climbing. The Gletscherexpress provides easy access from the valley station to the alpine high mountains, making it convenient for visitors to explore all that the region has to offer. The Pitztal Glacier is a popular choice for those seeking to take advantage of the quiet slopes in September before the busy winter season begins.
In addition to its winter offerings, the Pitztal valley is a beautiful destination during the summer months as well. The natural hiking area around the picturesque Rifflsee lake provides a refreshing alternative to skiing and attracts families looking to explore the great outdoors. The Pitztal Glacier & Rifflsee ski areas combined form an extensive ski area with 68 kilometers of varied pistes, ensuring that skiers of all levels will find challenging and enjoyable runs.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, the Pitztal Glacier in Austria offers a memorable skiing experience. With its high altitude, stunning views, and diverse range of pistes, it's no wonder that skiers flock to this winter wonderland to take advantage of the quiet September slopes before the busier winter season kicks into full gear. So, if you're looking for an early skiing fix, the Pitztal Glacier is the place to be!
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The Dachstein, Kitzsteinhorn, Stubai and Solden glaciers
While September is usually one of the quietest months in the skiing calendar, Austria offers a fantastic opportunity for a September ski trip. The Dachstein, Kitzsteinhorn, Stubai, and Solden glaciers are all due to open in September, with almost half of the open areas in the northern hemisphere located in Austria by the end of the month.
The Dachstein Glacier
The Dachstein Glacier is a stunning natural attraction located within the Austrian Alps, forming part of the larger Dachstein massif in the Schladming-Dachstein region. It was first opened to tourists in 1969 and is accessible via the Dachstein Südwandbahn cable car. The glacier boasts breathtaking views, including the Sky Walk, a spectacular viewing platform, and the Dachstein Ice Palace, a unique ice cave. Visitors can also enjoy a range of sports, including ski touring, cross-country skiing, and mountaineering. The Dachstein Glacier is a popular destination, attracting visitors from around the world.
Kitzsteinhorn
Kitzsteinhorn is a mountain in the High Tauern range of the Eastern Alps, located near Zell am See and Kaprun in Western Austria. It features a year-round glacier at its peak, making it an ideal training area for skiers when there is a lack of snow elsewhere. Kitzsteinhorn offers panoramic views of the Austrian Alps, with the "Top of Salzburg" viewing platform located at the peak. Visitors can take two different routes to reach the peak, both involving a series of gondola rides.
Stubai
Stubai Glacier is located in the Stubai Valley, close to Innsbruck in the Austrian Tyrol region. It is one of the largest glaciers in the area and offers a variety of ski runs suitable for all levels of skiers.
Solden
The Rettenbach Glacier, located above the Tyrolean ski resort of Solden, is scheduled to open at the end of September, with a snow depth of 45cm. Solden is a popular ski resort that hosts the opening ski races for the World Cup ski season.
So, if you're looking for a September ski adventure, these Austrian glaciers offer a range of exciting opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several ski resorts in Austria that are open in September.
Hintertux, Molltal, Dachstein, Kaunertal, Kitzsteinhorn, Pitztal, Stubai, and Solden are some of the ski resorts in Austria that are usually open in September.
September is one of the quietest months in the skiing calendar, so the slopes are less crowded and you can often find good deals on trips. However, good snow cover on the glaciers is not guaranteed and is dependent on the weather and how much snow has fallen.
