Leslie Massey
Austria is home to a plethora of ski resorts, with 393 in total. The opening dates for these resorts vary, with some opening as early as October and others not opening until November or December. The specific dates often depend on snow conditions, which can cause last-minute changes. Some resorts with earlier openings include the Zell am See/Kaprun ski area, Sölden, and Hintertux. Resorts with later openings include Ischgl and Obertauern, which open at the end of November.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of open ski resorts | 192 |
| Number of closed ski resorts | 15 |
| Resort with the highest percentage of open slopes | Serfaus Fiss Ladis |
| Resort with the highest number of open slopes | Hochoetz – Oetz |
| Resort with the highest snow depth | Wildkogel – Neukirchen/Bramberg |
| Opening dates | Vary based on snow conditions |
| Ski resorts currently open | Hintertux, Sölden, Tux - Finkenberg |
| Ski resorts opening in October | Zell am See / Kaprun ski area, Sölden’s glacier ski areas |
| Ski resorts opening in November | Ischgl, Obertauern, Obergurgl |
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What You'll Learn
Opening dates for Austrian ski resorts
The 2024/25 ski season in Austria starts from September 1, 2024. However, it's important to note that opening dates for ski resorts in Austria may vary depending on snow conditions. While some resorts might already be open, others tend to make a bang with their ski openings in November and early December, and in one case, in October.
- The Zell am See / Kaprun ski area: Mid-October (given good snow conditions)
- Sölden’s glacier ski areas: Before November (if snow conditions permit)
- Obergurgl: November 14, 2024
- Ischgl: November 28, 2024
- Obertauern: November 22, 2024
- St Anton: December 4, 2024
Please note that these dates are subject to change and it's always a good idea to check the latest updates and information from official sources before planning your trip to the Austrian ski resorts.
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Hintertux, Sölden, and Tux-Finkenberg are open
Tux-Finkenberg is a beautiful region in the heart of the Ziller Valley in Tyrol, Austria, surrounded by majestic peaks and breathtaking scenery. It offers a variety of activities all year round, including skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and swimming. The region is known for its world-class ski resorts, including the Hintertux Glacier ski area, which is open 365 days a year. With 193 km of slopes, 63 modern lift facilities, and half-pipes, it provides an exceptional winter experience.
Hintertux, located at 1,500 meters above sea level, offers a varied range of activities for all ages. The Hintertux Glacier, with its snow guarantee, provides an incredible natural wonder. The nearby Nature Park, with its guided hiking tours, canyoning, paragliding, and climbing, adds to the appeal of Hintertux as a year-round destination.
Sölden, another renowned ski resort in Austria, complements the offerings of Hintertux and Tux-Finkenberg. Together, these three open ski resorts present skiers and snowboarders with a plethora of options to enjoy their winter holidays. With a combination of snow-covered slopes, modern facilities, and the surrounding natural beauty, Hintertux, Sölden, and Tux-Finkenberg are sure to provide memorable experiences for visitors seeking winter sports and outdoor adventures.
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Resorts with the highest percentage of open slopes
Most Austrian ski resorts open in December, with some higher resorts opening in November. The end of the season is usually around late March or April, with a few resorts staying open later. Skiing is available almost all year round at Stubai and Kitzsteinhorn.
Serfaus Fiss Ladis is currently the resort with the highest percentage of open slopes, with 100% open. Hochoetz-Oetz also has 100% of its 37.9km of slopes open. Hintertux, Sölden and Tux-Finkenberg are also currently open.
Austria's biggest ski resort is Christoph/Stuben/Lech/Zürs/Warth/Schröcken – Ski Arlberg, with a total slope length of 299.7km.
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Opening dates and events
Opening dates for ski resorts in Austria vary and are subject to changing snow, weather, and road conditions. As of my last update in January 2023, some of the ski resorts in Austria that are open include Hintertux, Sölden, and Tux-Finkenberg.
The Leppleskofel 6-person chairlift, which travels up to 2,683 meters, is the highest lift in Austria. It features premium heated seats and weather-protection covers. The new 8-seater Teufeltal chairlift and the Duxer X-Press 6-seater chairlift in the Zillertal Arena offer heated seats, weather protection, and higher capacities for added convenience and comfort on the slopes.
The Ischgl 35 Spring Snow Festival is another event to look forward to.
Additionally, the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental region boasts several new developments, including the 360-degree SkiWelt Panoramic Trail, an enchanted children's area, a giant panoramic viewing platform, the Aiblboden reservoir, and a dedicated small hydropower plant.
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Resorts with planned opening dates
As of my cut-off date, here are the planned opening dates for ski resorts in Austria. Please note that these dates may vary depending on snow and weather conditions, and actual opening dates may change.
The Hintertux, Sölden, and Tux-Finkenberg resorts are currently open. The Sölden glacier ski areas may open earlier if snow conditions are favourable, with the winter season usually starting with the World Cup ski racing event in October on the Rettenbach glacier.
Obergurgl is set to open on November 14, 2024, as one of the first non-glacier resorts. The Zell am See/Kaprun ski area, which boasts the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, is scheduled to open in mid-October if the snow conditions are favourable.
Obertauern in the province of Salzburg will kick off the season on November 22, and Ischgl will follow on November 28, with a traditional opening concert by British star Ellie Goulding on November 30.
Serfaus Fiss Ladis is currently the resort with the highest percentage of open slopes, with 100% open. Hochoetz-Oetz also has 100% of its slopes open, with 37.9 out of 37.9 km of slopes available.
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Frequently asked questions
Hintertux, Sölden and Tux - Finkenberg, and Serfaus Fiss Ladis, which currently has the highest percentage of open slopes.
The ski season in Austria usually starts in November and December, with some resorts opening in October.
Yes, Obergurgl is one of the first non-glacier resorts to open, starting from 14 November 2024.
Yes, many resorts have their own parties, concerts and festivals to mark the start of the ski season. For example, Ischgl traditionally hosts the "Top of the Mountain" concert, and Sölden hosts a World Cup ski racing event on the Rettenbach glacier.
You can find the latest information on ski resort websites or by checking with the resort's tourist office before travelling, as opening dates may vary depending on snow and weather conditions.
