Lyla Lindsey
If you're looking for a spot of skiing in Austria in November, you'll be limited to the country's eight glacier ski areas, which include Hintertux, Mölltal, Kaunertal, Pitztal, Stubai, Sölden, Kaprun and Dachstein. Hintertux, in particular, is known for its year-round snow and extensive ski area, while Sölden is one of the most snow-sure early-season ski resorts in Austria. Obergurgl, widely acknowledged to be the most snow-sure non-glacial ski resort in Austria, usually opens in mid-November. For a lively après-ski scene, Ischgl is a good option, with its high average altitude and excellent snow preservation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Resorts with year-round skiing | Hintertux, Kaprun, Soelden, Stubai, Kitzsteinhorn, Mölltal Glacier |
| Resorts with skiing in November | Obergurgl, Ischgl, Kühtai, Obertauern, Sölden, Hintertux, Kitzsteinhorn, Mölltal Glacier |
| Resort altitudes | Obergurgl: 1,930m-3,080m, Kühtai: 2,020m-2,666m, Obertauern: 1,740m-2,313m, Ischgl: 1,400m (village), 2,000m (terrain) |
| Resort features | Obergurgl: 110km of slopes, excellent snow record, good lift system, fine dining, Ischgl: lively après-ski, restaurants, clubs, bars, Kühtai: snow-sure, north-facing slopes, Obertauern: 100km of slopes, excellent snowmaking facilities, Sölden: two glaciers, high average skiing height, excellent snow preservation, Hintertux: snowboarders' slopes, spectacular altitude, legendary après-ski, Mölltal Glacier: guaranteed snow up to 3,122 m, impeccably groomed pistes, Kitzsteinhorn: glacial slopes, freeride routes, three snow parks, Austria's largest super-pipe |
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What You'll Learn
- Hintertux Glacier: Year-round skiing, 60km of runs, and a lively après-ski scene
- Mölltal Glacier: Family-friendly, with slopes for all levels and short lift queues
- Sölden: Two glaciers, high-altitude terrain, and excellent snow preservation
- Obergurgl: High altitude, excellent snow record, and 110km of slopes for all levels
- Ischgl: High-altitude skiing with extensive terrain and a buzzing après-ski atmosphere
Hintertux Glacier: Year-round skiing, 60km of runs, and a lively après-ski scene
Hintertux Glacier, or Hintertuxer Gletscher in German, is a year-round skiing destination nestled beneath the majestic pyramid peak of the 3476-metre-high Olperer mountain. It offers a thrilling experience with its steep pistes and a vast network of groomed, lift-serviced glacier ski runs, totalling 60 kilometres of pistes. The ski area ranges from an altitude of 1500 metres to a breathtaking 3250 metres, providing a diverse range of slopes for all skill levels.
The glacier is easily accessible from the village of Hintertux, with just a few lifts required to reach the top. For those on a budget, accommodation can be found in villages within a 30-minute drive radius, with hourly buses available to the foot of the mountain. The high altitude of the ski runs ensures that snow is almost always guaranteed, even when other resorts are experiencing thaws. This makes Hintertux a popular destination for skiers seeking reliable snow conditions and a wide variety of terrain.
The pistes at the summit offer a unique experience with their width, grip, and quieter atmosphere compared to the lower runs. These upper trails provide a serene setting for skiers to perfect their technique, with the added bonus of breathtaking views. During spring and autumn, the Hintertux Glacier transforms into one of the best off-season freestyle destinations, attracting skiers looking to sharpen their skills before the official ski season begins.
However, it is important to note that all the skiing at Hintertux is above the treeline, so cloudy days can obstruct the views. Nevertheless, with its variety of slopes, from powder and spring snow to challenging mogul runs, Hintertux Glacier caters to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. The resort also boasts a lively après-ski scene, with legendary parties and entertainment to match the exciting days on the slopes.
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Mölltal Glacier: Family-friendly, with slopes for all levels and short lift queues
If you're looking for a family-friendly skiing destination in Austria in November, the Mölltal Glacier in Carinthia is an excellent choice. With slopes suitable for all levels and short lift queues, it's a perfect spot for a winter holiday.
The Mölltal Glacier offers a unique experience for winter sports enthusiasts. It boasts guaranteed snow up to 3,122 meters (10,242 feet) and impeccably groomed pistes. The powder snow and breathtaking views will make your ski trip memorable. The Glacier Express will take you to the slopes in style, and the short waiting times and free ski bus in Flattach add to the convenience of your trip.
The ski area has slopes for all levels of difficulty, so whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll find the right challenge. The snowboard fun park, race track, speed measurement track, skating trail, and ice climbing tower will keep you entertained throughout your stay. And if you're bringing the family, the kid-friendly activities will create lasting memories for your little ones.
The Mölltal Glacier is not just about skiing; it's also a great place to soak in the natural beauty of the region. The majestic mountain ranges and panoramic views will take your breath away. You can also enjoy various winter activities like climbing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and ski touring. Or, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, check out the famous Stairway to Nothingness, the Dachstein Sky Walk, the Dachstein Ice Palace, and Austria's highest suspension bridge for unforgettable views of the Eastern Alps.
So, if you're planning a family ski trip to Austria in November, the Mölltal Glacier should be at the top of your list. With its variety of slopes, family-friendly atmosphere, and stunning natural surroundings, it's the perfect place to create lasting memories while enjoying your favourite winter sports.
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Sölden: Two glaciers, high-altitude terrain, and excellent snow preservation
Sölden is a popular ski resort in Austria that offers an exceptional skiing experience even in November. Located in the Ötztal Alps, Sölden boasts two glaciers: the Rettenbach Glacier and the Tiefenbach Glacier. These glaciers provide skiers with high-altitude terrain and excellent snow preservation, making Sölden an ideal destination for early-season skiing.
The Rettenbach Glacier sits at an impressive altitude of 2,675 metres (8,776 feet), while the Tiefenbach Glacier reaches 2,800 metres (9,186 feet). These high altitudes ensure ample snow coverage, even during the warmer months. The glaciers offer a variety of slopes for all skill levels, from wide and gentle runs to more challenging routes. With its modern lift system, Sölden provides easy access to its vast ski area, which spans over 144 kilometres of pistes.
The resort also offers a diverse range of winter sports activities beyond skiing. Snowboarders will enjoy the wide-open spaces and well-groomed snowparks, while cross-country skiers can explore the tranquil trails through the stunning Alpine landscape. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Sölden provides breathtaking panoramic views, cosy mountain huts, and unique attractions like the "007 Elements" James Bond museum, located at the top of the Gaislachkogl mountain.
Sölden's high-altitude glaciers and excellent snow preservation make it a top choice for skiers looking to get an early start to the season. The resort typically opens as early as September and offers ski lifts up to 3,340 metres (10,958 feet) above sea level. With its combination of reliable snow conditions, modern infrastructure, and a variety of slopes, Sölden is an excellent destination for skiers seeking a memorable winter experience in November.
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Obergurgl: High altitude, excellent snow record, and 110km of slopes for all levels
Obergurgl, Austria's highest village, offers a high-altitude ski experience with excellent snow records and 110km of slopes catering to all skill levels. The ski season in Obergurgl typically starts in mid-November and lasts until late April, providing ample opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts to hit the slopes.
The village of Obergurgl and its neighbouring settlement, Hochgurgl, offer convenient access to the ski slopes, with most accommodation options located within walking distance of the ski lifts. The ski slopes are divided into the Festkogel and Hohe Mut areas in Obergurgl and the ski region above Hochgurgl, providing a varied and extensive terrain for skiers of all abilities.
Beginners can take advantage of the slopes located close to the accommodation, and Obergurgl's ski schools have an excellent reputation. Intermediates will appreciate the decently-sized ski area, which offers guaranteed snow conditions and minimal lift queues. For those seeking a challenge, the Kirchenkar slope in Hochgurgl hosts the AUDI FIS Ski World Cup, providing a thrilling race course for advanced skiers.
Obergurgl typically experiences high snowfall or rainfall in November, with an average of 16 days of snow or rain during the month. The temperature hovers around 1°C, creating the perfect environment for winter sports. Visitors can expect a mix of sun and shade, with approximately 102 hours of sunlight in November.
In addition to its impressive ski infrastructure, Obergurgl also boasts fabulous views of the nearby glaciers bordering Italy. The village has retained its original alpine charm while thriving as a luxury ski destination. Visitors can expect a mix of relaxation and adventure, with exclusive evening events held at the Gurgl Carat congress and event centre.
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Ischgl: High-altitude skiing with extensive terrain and a buzzing après-ski atmosphere
While Ischgl may not have a glacier, it does offer an extensive terrain for skiing, with a buzzing après-ski atmosphere to match. The village sits at an altitude of 1,400m, but Ischgl boasts the greatest extent of terrain above 2,000m of any Austrian resort, making for excellent snow preservation. The high altitude also enables snow-making on an industrial scale, and its location deep in the Alps makes it less vulnerable to the warming effects of the gulf stream.
Ischgl is known for its lively après-ski scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to enjoy drinks and dancing. The resort offers a good mix of lively and relaxed atmospheres, depending on what you're looking for. For dining, most of the top restaurants are within the hotels in the area, including the Paznauner-Stube, which offers a good variety of dishes and vegetarian options. Hotel Jagerhof, a traditional Tyrolean hotel run by the Jager family, is also worth a visit.
The skiing in Ischgl typically begins in late November, with the resort going to great lengths to open as much terrain as possible. In the first few weeks of the season, it usually offers the greatest extent of skiing in Austria, and sometimes even in the Alps. The village's high altitude and location deep in the Alps make it less vulnerable to the warming effects of the gulf stream, ensuring excellent snow preservation.
For those looking for a snow-sure, entirely non-glacial ski resort, Obergurgl is another option. Located at the end of the Ötztal Valley, it is one of the highest ski resorts in Austria, with an altitude of 1,930m-3,080m and an excellent snow record. The resort typically operates from late November to the end of April and offers 110km of slopes suitable for different levels of skiers.
If you're looking for guaranteed skiing in November, the Hintertux Glacier is your best bet. The glacier is open year-round and offers over 60km of natural snow runs for all levels of difficulty. With its high altitude and central Alpine location, Sölden is also one of the most snow-sure early-season ski resorts in Austria.
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Frequently asked questions
The Hintertux Glacier is the best bet for guaranteed skiing in November. The glacier is open all year round and offers over 60km of runs for all skill levels. Other options include the glaciers at Stubai, Kaprun, Sölden, and Mölltal, which usually open by October and offer reliable early-season snow conditions. If you're looking for a non-glacial ski resort, Obergurgl is a good option, with its high altitude and excellent snow-making facilities.
Besides skiing, you can enjoy the famous Stairway to Nothingness, the Dachstein Sky Walk, the Dachstein Ice Palace, and Austria's highest suspension bridge. The nearby town of Mayrhofen also offers a good selection of bars and restaurants.
Ischgl has a big reputation as a lively apres-ski resort, with plenty of bars and clubs to enjoy a drink and dance. The Hotel Jagerhof, run by the Jager family, is a great place to stay for a warm and traditional Tyrolean experience.
Obertauern is a hidden gem for early-season skiing, with its high altitude and top-class snowmaking facilities. Kühtai is another great option, known for its snow-sure conditions due to its north-facing slopes and high altitude.
